CIFAL Newcastle
11 March 2025, Newcastle, Australia - The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Progress Report 2024 of the International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders in Newcastle (CIFAL Newcastle) is a collective effort by the University of Newcastle community and broader stakeholder engagement. The report details linkages between SDGs, the university and the community as a whole, illuminating opportunities for stakeholders to foster partnerships and work towards common goals.
Within the community and surrounding region, CIFAL Newcastle has made a profound impact. As the first CIFAL training center in Australia, it has produced lasting social and economic benefits through training and research activities, paving the way forward for cross-sector collaboration, with an important impact not only within the University of Newcastle but also in the community.
In 2024, the Times Higher Education Rankings recognized the University of Newcastle as the 39th most impactful commitment to the SDGs, highlighting:
- The University of Newcastle is among the top 25 institutions ranked globally and the top 10 institutions ranked nationally.
- The University of Newcastle supports the research community with scholarships and research opportunities, including an SDG research challenge offering up to $30,000 in grants to continue SDG-related research.
- Research academics and students have produced 6,858 scholarly outputs on the topic of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
- In 2024 alone, CIFAL Newcastle delivered over 50 courses and events, reached over 1,000 beneficiaries and hosted events to raise awareness of sustainability and the role of SDGs.
SDG 6: Global Rank 4th and Australia Rank 2nd
CIFAL Newcastle
The dedication of the University of Newcastle to advancing the 2030 Agenda is reflected in its capacity to progress regional cooperation and exceed global standards. Their efforts to progress SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation have been internationally and nationally recognized as one of the top contributors to sustainable water management.
The University of Newcastle has applied its research as a key collaborator for teaching and learning with the UNITAR Global Water Academy. The academic community has jointly developed training courses on integrated water management and SDG 6 awareness. Together, the University of Newcastle and UNITAR Global Water Academy embody the shared vision of developing global capacity for sustainable water management and further enhancing the impact of SDG 6 initiatives worldwide.
Community outreach is one of the core tenets of CIFAL centres, and the partnerships among the University of Newcastle stakeholders are exemplary of SDG initiatives’ value and impacts in local environments. One example is their creation of a large-scale ‘Hydro Harvester’, a solution to the water-energy nexus that aims to support remote communities. This groundbreaking technology generates up to 1,000 liters of water per day by harnessing renewable energy sources to treat water for drinking or irrigation. Their commitment to expanding STEM education has accelerated discoveries in water technology solutions.
SDG 11: Global Rank 13th and Australia Rank 3rd
CIFAL Newcastle
Deeply understanding the links between urban environments and well-being, the University’s Institute for Regional Futures has made strides in connecting Indigenous knowledge with social development in cities. From supporting youth career pathways to addressing heat waves, the research applies data-driven solutions to address priorities posed by youth in different regions. The University of Newcastle recently commemorated the 50th Anniversary of its ‘Open Foundation Pathways Program’ which provides students from different regions in Australia with opportunities for higher education, highlighting an intergenerational approach to meaningful youth engagement. The University of Newcastle has worked on the ground in collaboration with local governments to co-create resilience solutions to monitor patterns and risks across regions.
SDG 13: Global Rank 9th and Australia Rank 4th
The University has forged partnerships with local government agencies to directly support communities to preserve biodiversity. The University of Newcastle joined forces with the National Environment Service in the Cook Islands to provide local services in environmental monitoring, catchment audits, and ecosystem assessments, which are key to preventing habitat loss. The initiatives have lasting benefits for communities and impact for organizations in the Cook Islands and beyond.
SDG 3: Global Rank 22nd and Australia Rank 7th
One of the joint flagship programmes of the University of Newcastle and CIFAL Newcastle includes the ‘Field Epidemiology Training Programme’, spanning several small island nations including Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu Islands, and Timor Leste. Thirteen fellows successfully graduated with an education in a variety of sectors including human health, animal welfare, and environmental science. The graduates showcased their impactful projects addressing critical issues including tuberculosis, malaria, food safety, and wildlife management. The programme effectively equipped participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead communities in achieving the SDGs.
The University of Newcastle progress report underscores our academic community’s commitment to building a better future for all, said Dr. Brodie Beales, Director, CIFAL Newcastle
CIFAL Newcastle continues to bridge international efforts with the University of Newcastle’s community impact, driving acceleration of SDGs. Our academics and students demonstrate transformative leadership in addressing global priorities through innovative education, research, and community partnerships. Through the collective efforts, in partnership with UNITAR, the University of Newcastle continues to grow positive change, advancing sustainability and empowering future generations to build a more just, equitable, and environmentally connected world.
CIFAL Newcastle
CIFAL Newcastle