Goal #17

The PLuS Alliance combines the strengths of three leading research universities on three continents – Arizona State University, King’s College London and UNSW Sydney – to solve global challenges and increase access to world-class higher education in high-need areas.

Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) is a collaborative venture between four Sydney Universities, including UNSW, and numerous state and federal government departments. SIMS provides a wealth of infrastructure for the Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation's (CMB) marine activities, enabling researchers to use molecular tools in more realistic contexts in the marine environment. 

The Diplomacy Training Program (DTP) is an independent, Australian NGO affiliated with UNSW committed to advancing human rights and empowering civil society in the Asia Pacific region through quality education and training, and the building of skills and capacity in non-governmental organisations and for individual human rights defenders and community advocates. 

Partnerships are central to the work of the UNSW School of Education and we place immense value on our collaborative working relationships with a range of key partners, including Australian and international universities, schools, teachers, principals, professional organisations and the wider community served by our university. We are continually seeking ways to extend our collaborative work with existing partners and to develop mutually beneficial and productive relationships with new partners.

The NUW Alliance comprises four leading Australian research-intensive universities – the University of Newcastle, UNSW, the University of Wollongong and Western Sydney University. The mission of the NUW Alliance is to seek out the big collaborations that make a difference, collaborations that unlock new value, impact and benefit for our communities across NSW.

Yuwaya Ngarra-li is a community-led partnership between the Dharriwaa Elders Group and UNSW to improve the wellbeing, social, built and physical environment and life pathways of Aboriginal people in Walgett through collaborating on evidence-based initiatives, research and capacity building. 

Community at UNSW is one of the cornerstones of our mission. We wish to make an impact on contemporary issues by being recognised as a key source of expertise in local communities, ensuring vibrant and growing partnerships with industry and community organisations, and developing and maintaining highly valued relationships with alumni, former staff and UNSW supporters.

Many campus events are proudly supported by Randwick Council, and UNSW is a major sponsor of Randwick District Rugby Union Football Club. There is also a variety of on-campus programs and services available to students, staff and the local community.

The Volunteers United operates as an entry-level opportunity for students seeking to increase their social impact by connecting them with volunteering opportunities and fostering student engagement with the wider community. In 2020 11,479 hours were volunteered and many students participated in the new initiative Cards With Care which focused on community outreach and delivered 446 messages to the elderly or at-risk.

UNSW is a foundation member of the USRN, a network established in 2015, bringing together a group of thought leaders to exchange ideas, resources, practices of varied scope and scale to steer global discussion and development of university social responsibility in higher education. The network has 19 member institutions with wide geographic spread, leading universities in their countries dedicated to working together to addressing the economic, social, cultural and environmental challenges in the world.

UNSW is a signatory institution of the Talloires Declaration, ‘the first official statement made by university presidents, chancellors, and rectors of a commitment to environmental sustainability in higher education. The Talloires Declaration (TD) is a ten-point action plan for incorporating sustainability and environmental literacy in teaching, research, operations and outreach at colleges and universities. It has been signed by over 500 university leaders in over 50 countries.’

The Institute of Global Finance (IGF) works closely with organisations across the world, including the Volatility & Risk Institute at NYU Stern Business School, major regional research centres in the Asia-Pacific, and financial industry bodies and regulators.These collaborative relationships produce research, joint publications, policy events and engagements on issues related to global prosperity, financial stability, governance and systemic risk. The resulting insight and knowledge from these activities help to inform and maintain global financial stability, sustainable economic growth and global prosperity.