27 May 2021, Geneva, Switzerland - On 27 and 28 September 2021, the University Global Coalition, in partnership with the United Nations, under UNITAR's continuous support and ongoing partnership, will host its second annual conference, successively after its first online gathering in 2020. UNITAR stands among the founding signatory members of the Coalition, and is represented in its Steering Committee by the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director, Mr. Nikhil Seth. 

UNITAR is delighted to support the preparations of the 2021 online Annual Conference and participate in the scheduled event, to take place under the theme "Building Connections and Actions for the SDGs", to empower individuals and universities to act upon the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and connect to others in the field, with a focus on increasing accessibility, addressing injustices, and growing future leaders. The global health evolving context has made challenges in equity and accessibility in higher education and beyond, evident than ever. On this front, universities and education institutions have a crucial role to play in collectively resolving and in involving student voices in the co-creation of relevant research and innovative solution paths.

More than 100 universities and institutions constituting the University Global Coalition, as well as non-members, are invited to submit proposals to the Steering Committee to present at the September conference and attend the keynote speeches, interactive panels, and the curated and open-ended networking sessions. UNITAR, along with multiple higher education institutions from around the world will curate the selection.

Since 2020, UNITAR actively contributes to the work of the University Global Coalition, with co-chairing the Working Group on Open Innovation for the SDGs. The annual conference will feature the work conducted by the Working Group, on mobilizing youth at scale for the SDGs through open innovation.