Embedding the SDGs: A Curriculum-Wide Review of Sustainability Integration

Higher education institutions shape the professionals, policymakers, and leaders whose decisions will influence our collective future. Thus, these institutions have a unique opportunity and responsibility to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to drive meaningful sustainability outcomes. This report provides an internal review of how the University of Otago integrates the SDGs across its curriculum. It establishes a quantitative baseline for SDG integration with qualitative interpretation, drawing on survey data from 504 paper coordinators. The analysis examines patterns of representation, levels of integration, and differences between frequency of SDG inclusion and overall student exposure. It also considers the relationship between the degree of SDG integration and references to campus and community sustainability initiatives. Recognising disciplinary differences, the report adopts a coherence-based framework to define contextually appropriate “good” practice. A Case Study is selected from each Division (Commerce, Health Sciences, Humanities, and Science) to highlight both strong areas and opportunities for improvement. Overall, the findings suggest a promising institutional baseline and identify concrete examples that other departments may draw upon as they further embed sustainability within their curricula.