DIU chairman highlights higher education’s role in SDGs at global congress

Daffodil International University Chairman Dr Sabur Khan underscored Bangladesh's commitment to sustainable development at the Global Sustainable Development Congress 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia, emphasising the role of higher education in delivering on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr Sabur Khan addressed a session titled "Driving Change: How South Asian Higher Education Powers the Sustainable Development Goals", where he outlined the region's opportunities and challenges.

In his remarks, Dr Sabur Khan identified South Asia's pressing challenges, including youth employability, climate resilience, and equitable access to quality education and opportunities.

He said universities play a pivotal role in producing future-ready graduates, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, conducting impactful research, and building partnerships that drive sustainable development.

He highlighted the need for visionary leadership, institutional commitment, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration to advance the Sustainable Development Goals, despite resource constraints.

He noted that embedding sustainability in teaching, research, campus operations and community engagement helps universities create significant social impact.

Dr Sabur Khan shared Daffodil International University's contributions to Sustainable Development Goal 4, which focuses on quality education, and Sustainable Development Goal 17, which prioritises partnerships for sustainable development.

He highlighted the university's efforts to expand access to quality education, promote entrepreneurship and digital innovation, strengthen international partnerships, and advance sustainability efforts that have earned global recognition.

The session highlighted how higher education institutions can accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and support a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future.