Optimizing Collaborative Synergy, Collective Impact, and Cross-sector Collaboration

Proportion of Output Co-Authored with Low or Lower-Middle Income Countries

Partnerships for the Goals: Publications

Relationships with Regional NGOs and Government for SDG Policy

Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) in 2024 reaffirmed its role as a neutral platform for open policy dialogue, bringing together government representatives, political stakeholders, and civil society organizations. This commitment aligns with USU's principles of academic freedom and institutional neutrality, as outlined in Academic Senate Regulation No. 01 of 2017 and 2022. A key initiative was the USU Governance and Policy Forum, organized by the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) and the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM). The forum convened representatives from North Sumatra’s Provincial Government, Bappeda, civil society, and academics to discuss regional governance and innovation for the RPJMD 2025–2029. USU also hosted a Public Lecture on Green Economy and Local Governance, offering a safe space for discussing climate adaptation, waste management, and low-carbon policies.

Cross Sectoral Dialogue about SDGs

USU actively initiated and joined cross‑sector SDG dialogues by convening forums that brought government i.e. USU initiates and joins cross-sector SDG dialogues. In Nov 2024, USU hosted the 9th Asian Primate Symposium with NGO partners (YEL, OIC, FORINA, KIARA) alongside the natural resources conservation agency, drawing 300 delegates from 20 countries.

International Collaboration Data Gathering for SDG

Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) participated role in several international collaborations focused on gathering and standardizing data relevant to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Collaboration for SDG Best Practice

USU uses international collaboration and research to compare approaches and co-develop SDG best practice, convening partners to align methods, and share datasets. USU does this across key fields i.e. agriculture, environment and food security , health (physical activity and diet), natural resources & technology, digital/energy innovation, and sustainable food systems.

Collaboration with NGOs for SDGs

Universitas Sumatera Utara collaborates with NGOs to deliver SDG action across conservation, health, and community programs. In 2024, USU co-hosted the 9th Asian Primate Symposium with the Orangutan Information Center, Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari, KAIRA, and FORINA, translating science–policy dialogue into conservation priorities (SDGs 15 & 17). Furthermore, for coastal resilience, USU students and partners including NGO (Konservasi Indonesia, OIC, YAGASU, and YAKOPI) and Government, held an Earth Day beach clean-up and mangrove planting (SDGs 12, 13, 14, 15).

SDG 1

Universitas Sumatera Utara promotes SDG 1 through the integration of affordable initiatives, student assistance, and community-oriented livelihood activities. Financial inclusion is facilitated through extensive scholarships, financial aid, and formal tuition fee relief mechanisms that assist students in maintaining enrollment during periods of hardship. Outside the university, USU focuses its research and community service on themes associated with tSDGs, specifically in economy, social welfare, and environmental benefits, financing practical outreach that enhances household incomes and resilience in neighboring communities.

SDG 2

Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) works toward SDG 2 by using science and community involvement to support sustainable production, fair access, and better nutrition. Campus and neighborhood efforts make sure people can get food by providing weekly meals and help during holidays like Ramadan and Eid. USU uses evidence-based counseling and household assessments in Serdang Bedagai regency to help stop stunting. USU also comes up with smart farming that uses the Internet of Things (IoT) and food systems that include everyone and are good for public health to help keep food secure in North Sumatra.

SDG 3

Universitas Sumatera Utara demonstrates its commitment to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being by integrating research, innovation, and community programs to improve health for people of all ages. Through advances in medicine, pharmacy, psychology, and public health, USU enhances access to healthcare, promotes disease prevention, and encourages healthy lifestyles. By translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions, from laboratories to local communities, the university strengthens community resilience, supports productive and thriving populations, and ensures that everyone has the opportunity to live healthily, reflecting the essence of sustainable development.

SDG 4

Universitas Sumatera Utara recognizes education as the cornerstone of sustainable development and social transformation. USU is committed to ensuring that learning is not only accessible but also inclusive, innovative, and transformative, preparing individuals and communities to thrive in a rapidly changing world. USU integrates academic excellence with social equity to build an education ecosystem that benefits all.

SDG 5

Universitas Sumatera Utara demonstrates its strong commitment to SDG 5 on Gender Equality by empowering women through education, research, legal protection, and economic participation. The university integrates gender equality principles into its teaching, community service, and innovation programs to ensure equal opportunities for all. USU advances women’s access to higher education, supports female leadership in academia, promotes awareness and prevention of gender-based violence, and fosters women’s entrepreneurship in local communities.

SDG 6

Universitas Sumatera Utara shows its firm dedication to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through continuous efforts in research, innovation, and community engagement that promote sustainable water management and equitable access for all. By implementing an integrated campus water system, developing renewable technologies such as the Solar Still for seawater purification, and transforming waste into valuable resources, USU actively supports water conservation, pollution prevention, and the advancement of a circular economy.

SDG 7

Renewable Energy Innovations to Promote Affordable and Clean Energy for All.

SDG 8

Universitas Sumatera Utara supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by linking education, innovation, and community engagement to create inclusive prosperity and meaningful employment. With a strong focus on fairness, sustainability, and collaboration, the university strengthens labor protection, promotes equal opportunity, and aligns academic outcomes with market needs. Through initiatives such as fair pay policies, career fairs, SME empowerment, digital economy research, and sustainable tourism models, USU fosters entrepreneurship, skills development, and local economic resilience.

SDG 9

Universitas Sumatera Utara contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by transforming scientific research into sustainable industrial solutions. Through innovation, technology, and collaboration, the university develops eco-efficient materials, renewable energy systems, and smart engineering applications that advance green industrialization. USU fosters startup creation, strengthens partnerships with industry, and promotes circular economy practices through projects that convert palm waste, rice husks, and rubber compounds into high-value products. These initiatives bridge science and sustainability, enhancing national competitiveness while ensuring that technological progress supports environmental protection and inclusive economic growth.

SDG 10

Universitas Sumatera Utara upholds SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by promoting inclusion, equity, and empowerment through education, advocacy, and community action. The university implements fair and transparent policies in admissions, employment, and governance, ensuring equal opportunities for all regardless of background or ability. Through programs on disability access, anti-discrimination, and gender-based violence prevention, USU fosters a safe and inclusive campus environment. Community initiatives empower rural women, support children with disabilities, and enhance political participation for marginalized groups. These collective efforts strengthen social justice and ensure that no one is left behind in sustainable development.

SDG 11

Universitas Sumatera Utara supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by integrating innovation, culture, and environmental responsibility to build inclusive and resilient urban spaces. The university promotes public access to educational, cultural, and green facilities while advancing research in sustainable architecture, green building design, and eco-tourism. Through initiatives such as cultural heritage preservation, community-based tourism, and regional collaboration on geopark development, USU bridges technology, tradition, and sustainability. These initiatives strengthen environmental awareness, cultural identity, and social inclusion, demonstrating how universities can lead in shaping livable, sustainable, and creative cities for the future.

SDG 12

Universitas Sumatera Utara reinforces its commitment to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by advancing sustainability through education, innovation, and community collaboration. The university integrates responsible waste management, resource efficiency, and sustainable production practices into its Green Campus policy. Programs include hazardous waste control, recycling, zero-waste initiatives, and student-led projects such as ecobricks and environmental clean-ups. Research in sustainable agriculture and urban waste governance connects scientific innovation with real-world solutions. By promoting circular economy principles and behavioral change, USU cultivates a culture of environmental responsibility that supports both ecological balance and community well-being.

SDG 13

Universitas Sumatera Utara strengthens its commitment to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by integrating science, technology, and community engagement to address the global climate crisis. Through renewable energy adoption, carbon monitoring, and inclusive sustainability programs, the university promotes resilience and low-carbon development. Research on mangrove biodiversity, forest carbon prediction, and ecoenzyme innovation strengthens adaptive ecosystem management and mitigation strategies. Collaborative projects on peatland restoration, disaster preparedness, and climate education expand public awareness and policy impact.

SDG 14

Universitas Sumatera Utara supports SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by advancing marine conservation through research, restoration, and community-driven action. The university integrates science, innovation, and local collaboration to protect coastal ecosystems and promote sustainable ocean management. Through mangrove reforestation, sanitation improvement in coastal villages, and biodiversity monitoring using environmental DNA (eDNA), USU enhances ecosystem resilience and public awareness. These initiatives link academic research with practical conservation, addressing marine pollution, habitat loss, and climate change.

SDG 15

Universitas Sumatera Utara strengthens its commitment to SDG 15 (Life on Land) by integrating scientific research, conservation, and community empowerment to protect biodiversity and restore ecosystems. The university leads initiatives in forest management, agroforestry, and wildlife conservation while promoting sustainable livelihoods and environmental education. Through collaborations with local communities and international partners, USU develops innovative approaches to reforestation, soil restoration, and species protection. Educational programs engage youth and researchers in biodiversity studies and sustainable materials innovation. These collective efforts illustrate USU’s dedication to preserving nature as the foundation of life, balance, and intergenerational sustainability.

SDG 16

Universitas Sumatera Utara affirms its support for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by prioritizing transparency, integrity, and civic participation as the foundations of sustainable governance. Through education, research, and innovation, the university strengthens accountability, ethical leadership, and inclusive decision-making. Initiatives including public information disclosure, e-governance studies, leadership development, and cultural heritage research enhance institutional trust and democratic engagement. By integrating technology, ethical standards, and community collaboration, USU cultivates a culture of openness and justice, thereby demonstrating that enduring peace and progress are enabled by institutions that serve society with honesty, equity, and shared responsibility.

SDG 17

Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) actively reports its progress on SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals through several key institutional publications, including LAKIP 2024, LPPM 2024, and the UIGM (Green Campus) Report 2024. These documents collectively demonstrate USU’s strong commitment to fostering national and international partnerships in achieving sustainable development. In 2024, USU strengthened its role as a regional hub for academic and policy collaboration, engaging with government institutions, the private sector, and global partners. Through the LPPM, USU coordinated over 100 MoUs and MoAs with ministries (such as Kemdikbudristek, KLHK, and Bappeda Sumatera Utara), industries (including Pertamina, PTPN III, and Medan Industrial Estate), and international institutions (e.g., Universiti Putra Malaysia, Kyushu University). These collaborations support joint research, knowledge exchange, and capacity building on sustainability, climate adaptation, and inclusive innovation. The LAKIP 2024 Report documents USU’s involvement in multistakeholder partnerships aligned with the national agenda for SDG localization, particularly through contributions to the RPJMN 2025–2029 and the National Research Priority on Green and Digital Transformation. USU’s governance structure under PTN-BH status enables active participation in policy dialogue, research consortiums, and community partnerships, promoting transparency and mutual accountability. At the operational level, initiatives such as the USU SDG Center, Green Campus Consortium, and Innovation and Research Collaboration Platform (Kedaireka) serve as instruments for mobilizing partnerships that cut across academic disciplines and sectors. These initiatives enhance USU’s ability to contribute data, policy insights, and innovation outputs relevant to multiple SDGs. Through continuous documentation in its annual accountability reports and international collaboration records, USU demonstrates measurable progress toward SDG 17—positioning itself as a leading academic institution in building multi-stakeholder partnerships for sustainable and inclusive development both nationally and globally.

Education for SDGs Commitment to Meaningful Education

Universitas Sumatera Utara has an institution-wide commitment to meaningful education on the Sustainable Development Goals that is relevant to all students. USU introduces the SDGs during first-year orientation and embeds SDG concepts and case studies across general education and faculty courses. A dedicated SDG Handbook guides students on local contexts, learning outcomes, and project rubrics. Program curricula include community-based assignments aligned with specific goals, ensuring practical application. USU also runs regular briefings and training for academic and administrative staff so that teaching, advising, and operations consistently reflect SDG principles across the university.

Education for SDGs: Specific Courses on Sustainability

Universitas Sumatera Utara offers dedicated degrees and electives that address sustainability and the SDGs across multiple faculties. Environmental Engineering teaches wastewater treatment, green technology, and environmental management as core topics, preparing graduates to solve real sustainability problems. The Faculty of Economics and Business includes teaching on responsible business and development, linking management and economics to sustainability practice. The Faculty of Law programs include environmental and governance themes to support sustainable policy.

Education for SDGs in the Wider Community

Universitas Sumatera Utara runs dedicated outreach education for the wider community, including alumni, local residents, and vulnerable groups. Student fieldwork through Thematic Community Service places teams in villages to deliver training on health, environment, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy, with formal preparation and deployment by the university. USU’s community service institute coordinates funded outreach each year, publishing guidelines and lists of projects and grantees, and partnering with local governments, local communities and NGO.

Sustainability Literacy (N)

Universitas Sumatera Utara measures students’ sustainability literacy. The SDGs Center has developed and run an SDGs Literacy Survey/Index to assess students’ understanding across faculties, with results used to guide teaching and outreach.