Goal 17:
Partnerships for the Goals
International Collaboration: Data Gathering for SDGs
In 2024, the University of Newcastle continued to participate in international collaborations focused on gathering, measuring, and analysing data to support progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
As the leading scientific research institution in the Hunter region, the University plays a central role in collecting, processing, and modelling data for SDG monitoring and assessment.
Key international collaborations include:
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – University researchers contribute to IPCC reports, providing global climate data and helping shape future indicators for SDG 13 (Climate Action).
- HMRI’s “Healthiest People on the Planet” Project – This population health initiative collects and analyses health data to inform SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), with international relevance and partnerships.
- UNITAR Global Water Academy (UGWA) – Through CIFAL Newcastle, the University contributes to this multi-stakeholder initiative focused on global water sustainability via training, capacity-building, and research aligned with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
- Pacific Node Engagement – In collaboration with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the University works with Pacific Island nations to address environmental, public health, and inclusive education challenges. Strategic partners include:
- SPREP
- Cook Islands National Environment Service
- Samoa’s Ministry of Education, Sports & Culture
- Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment
- Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa
- Department of Health, Papua New Guinea
- University of French Polynesia (UPF)
- Pacific Research and Innovation for Development Initiative (PRIDA) – The University of Newcastle is a contributing partner in PRIDA, a regional platform that strengthens research and innovation systems across the Pacific. PRIDA supports SDG-aligned development by facilitating collaborative research, data sharing, and capacity-building among universities, governments, and civil society organisations in the Pacific region.
- Talloires – The University is also a signatory to the Talloires Declaration, furthering our commitment to sustainability and environmental literacy across teaching, research, operations, and outreach.
- CIFAL – Through CIFAL Newcastle, the University embeds the SDGs across the curriculum and fosters international partnerships that enable students and researchers to contribute meaningfully to global sustainable development efforts.
OUR 2024 EXPERTS
In addition, our paleoclimatology research contributes long-term climate data to support SDG 13. In 2024, Dr Silvia Frisia was awarded the Jean Baptiste Lamarck Medal for her significant contributions to carbonate-based paleoclimate science, particularly through her work on speleothems (cave deposits).
Dr Danielle Verdon-Kidd leads research on extreme weather events—such as droughts, bushfires, and storms—to improve national preparedness and resilience. Her international collaborations, including with U.S. academics, support shared drought management strategies and inform water resource planning and climate adaptation.
International collaborators
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.