17.2.2
Policy on Cross-Sectoral Dialogue about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
1. Purpose
This policy establishes the University of Thessaly’s commitment to initiating, facilitating, and participating in cross-sectoral dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It seeks to ensure the University plays an active leadership role in convening diverse sectors — academic, governmental, civil society, and private — to exchange knowledge, develop synergies, and strengthen the collective capacity to address sustainable development challenges.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
– All University faculties, departments, and research centers engaged in SDG-related initiatives.
– University-led and co-hosted conferences, forums, consultations, or workshops involving public and private stakeholders.
– Partnerships at local, regional, national, and international levels.
– Engagements organized within the framework of EU, UN, or national SDG platforms and networks.
3. Definitions
– Cross-sectoral dialogue: Structured interaction and collaboration between representatives of academia, government, business, and civil society to address shared sustainable development challenges.
– SDGs: The 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
– Multi-stakeholder engagement: Inclusive participation of various sectors to achieve coherence and collective impact in policymaking, implementation, and evaluation.
– Knowledge exchange: The mutual sharing of expertise, evidence, and innovations between partners to co-create sustainable solutions.
– Conference / Forum: A structured event hosted by the University or its partners that promotes open discussion, knowledge dissemination, and policy learning.
4. Policy Statement
The University of Thessaly recognizes that complex sustainability challenges require coordinated, cross-sectoral solutions. In line with this, the University commits to:
1. Initiate and co-organize cross-sectoral dialogue platforms related to the SDGs.
2. Actively participate in regional and national SDG events, networks, and policy dialogues.
3. Serve as a neutral academic convener fostering constructive debate and collaboration among stakeholders.
4. Promote interdisciplinary and intersectoral research that supports evidence-based policy design.
5. Facilitate joint conferences, workshops, and roundtables involving government, NGOs, businesses, and communities.
6. Disseminate outcomes, recommendations, and knowledge products to inform decision-making processes.
7. Encourage the participation of students and early-career researchers in cross-sectoral SDG dialogues.
8. Integrate dialogue outcomes into the University’s Annual Sustainability and Social Impact Report.
5. Implementation Responsibilities
The Rector’s Office, supported by the Office of Public Relations shall ensure the full implementation of this policy. Responsibilities include:
– Planning and coordinating the University’s participation in SDG-related dialogues and events.
– Maintaining a Registry of Cross-Sectoral SDG Initiatives and Partnerships.
– Providing administrative and communication support to hosting faculties and centers.
– Establishing collaborations with local, regional, and international bodies (e.g., UN SDSN, OECD, European University Association).
– Evaluating the outcomes and societal impact of dialogues and disseminating findings.
6. Ethical and Operational Principles
All SDG dialogue activities shall:
– Be conducted with academic independence and neutrality.
– Ensure diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all participants.
– Adhere to the University’s Code of Ethics, GDPR, and national regulations.
– Promote transparent communication and equal participation of all stakeholders.
– Encourage gender equality and inclusion of marginalized or underrepresented groups.
7. Monitoring and Reporting
Each academic year, the responsible offices shall compile an Annual SDG Dialogue Report, detailing:
– The number and nature of SDG events hosted or attended.
– Stakeholders involved and sectors represented.
– Key outcomes, policy recommendations, and collaborative projects generated.
– Indicators reflecting the University’s contribution to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
This report shall be presented to the Committee on Sustainability and integrated into the University’s Institutional Sustainability Report.
8. Review and Amendment
This policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years or as required by institutional developments, international frameworks, or Senate directives. Revisions shall be proposed by the Rector’s Office and approved by the Governing Council.
9. References and Compliance Frameworks
– Greek Law 4957/2022 on Higher Education Governance
– National Strategy for the Implementation of the SDGs
– United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
– EU Green Deal and Horizon Europe Framework
– HAHE ESG 1.4 (External Engagement and Stakeholder Cooperation)
– OECD Principles on Multi-Stakeholder Engagement