Sustainable Development Goals
At Wageningen University & Research, we work every day on solutions to the major challenges of our time. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) guide our course. In our research, education and operations, we connect science and practice to make the world healthier, more sustainable and more equitable.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are deeply embedded in Wageningen University & Research’s education. In almost all bachelor’s and master’s programmes, students address global challenges such as food security, health, innovation, sustainable cities, climate, and biodiversity. They not only learn about sustainability but actively contribute to it. Initiatives such as WURth-while, offering refugees access to free courses, and the Wageningen Borlaug Youth Institute, encouraging young people to think about solutions to global food issues, make this engagement tangible.
The Wageningen Global Sustainability Programme strengthens this commitment through interdisciplinary research and education in collaboration with partners in low- and middle-income countries. In its current phase (2024–2030), the programme focuses on fostering sustainable global transitions, with explicit attention to each project’s contribution to the SDGs.
SDG 2 Zero Hunger
The world’s population is rapidly growing towards 9 billion by 2050, putting increasing pressure on food production, natural resources, and agricultural land. Achieving sustainable food security requires a multidisciplinary approach that connects production, technology, and consumer behaviour. WUR explores how existing farmland can be used more efficiently, how photosynthesis can be improved, and how food waste can be reduced. Research also addresses the links between nutrition, health, and inequality, for example through the FermFood programme. In this way, WUR contributes to sustainable, healthy, and equitable food systems worldwide.
SDG 3 Good health and well-being
Wageningen University & Research explores how healthy diets, lifestyles, and prevention can improve global well-being. We address food-related health issues such as poor eating habits, malnutrition, food safety, and sustainable production. New scientific insights are translated into better food products and healthy consumption guidelines. For example: the ECO2 programme studies how ecology and economics can jointly promote sustainable development and conservation along Egypt’s Nile River.
SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation
Water quality is essential for global food production and daily life. As the world’s population grows and becomes more prosperous, managing freshwater resources is becoming increasingly complex. Effective water management helps to cope with droughts and floods while creating healthy living environments. Researchers at Wageningen University & Research are developing solutions to ensure sufficient food and clean water now and in the future. Take a look at the RIVER COMMONS project studies and supports equitable and inclusive forms of river co-governance worldwide, bringing together local communities and partners to build sustainable socio-ecological river systems.
SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities
More and more people live in urban areas, putting pressure on the social, economic and environmental quality of city life. Urban greenery improves air quality, reduces stress and promotes physical activity and social cohesion. Wageningen University & Research studies how green infrastructure can make cities healthier and more sustainable. Through Wageningen Metropolitan Solutions, WUR develops knowledge and tools to plan, design and manage urban nature effectively. The Smart-In-Ag programme enhances Indonesian agriculture by applying smart technologies in fish and dairy production to improve efficiency, sustainability, and farmers’ livelihoods.
SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production
Globally, one-third of all food is lost between farm and fork. Reducing food waste benefits people, the planet, and the economy. WUR studies how to make production processes more sustainable by lowering energy and water use. The circular economy helps to ease pressure on natural resources and create a more sustainable food system. Research conducted by Wageningen University & Research has led to the Dutch national initiative “United against food waste”.
SDG 13 Climate Action
Climate change affects food production, biodiversity, and living environments worldwide. Wageningen University & Research develops knowledge and solutions to cut emissions, restore ecosystems, and build societal resilience. Projects such as INREEF enhance the resilience of marine ecosystems in tourism destinations to climate change. In doing so, WUR helps accelerate the global transition to a sustainable, climate-resilient future.
SDG 14 Life Below Water
Wageningen University & Research studies how oceans and coastal areas can be managed and used sustainably worldwide. Wageningen Marine Research provides governments and businesses with insights into the impacts of human activity on marine ecosystems and biodiversity. From polar regions to tropical coral reefs, WUR develops solutions for healthy, resilient oceans. In doing so, WUR contributes to the sustainable management of life below water.
SDG 15 Life on Land
Wageningen University & Research studies how human activity affects ecosystems and how to maintain the resilience of land, water, and nature. Researchers develop solutions to improve coexistence between people and wildlife while linking conservation to sustainable development. Projects such as OIL-CLiPS explore how climate change and farming practices impact ecosystem health. In this way, WUR contributes globally to restoring and sustainably managing life on land.
SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals
Today’s complex challenges require collaboration across borders. Wageningen University & Research works worldwide with universities, businesses, governments, and civil society to develop sustainable solutions. Through international initiatives such as the Wageningen Global Sustainability Programme, WUR combines knowledge and innovation to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals. In doing so, WUR connects science and practice to create real impact for a sustainable world.
SDG 2 Zero Hunger
The world’s population is rapidly growing towards 9 billion by 2050, putting increasing pressure on food production, natural resources, and agricultural land. Achieving sustainable food security requires a multidisciplinary approach that connects production, technology, and consumer behaviour. WUR explores how existing farmland can be used more efficiently, how photosynthesis can be improved, and how food waste can be reduced. Research also addresses the links between nutrition, health, and inequality, for example through the FermFood programme. In this way, WUR contributes to sustainable, healthy, and equitable food systems worldwide.
SDG 3 Good health and well-being
Wageningen University & Research explores how healthy diets, lifestyles, and prevention can improve global well-being. We address food-related health issues such as poor eating habits, malnutrition, food safety, and sustainable production. New scientific insights are translated into better food products and healthy consumption guidelines. For example: the ECO2 programme studies how ecology and economics can jointly promote sustainable development and conservation along Egypt’s Nile River.
SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation
Water quality is essential for global food production and daily life. As the world’s population grows and becomes more prosperous, managing freshwater resources is becoming increasingly complex. Effective water management helps to cope with droughts and floods while creating healthy living environments. Researchers at Wageningen University & Research are developing solutions to ensure sufficient food and clean water now and in the future. Take a look at the RIVER COMMONS project studies and supports equitable and inclusive forms of river co-governance worldwide, bringing together local communities and partners to build sustainable socio-ecological river systems.
SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities
More and more people live in urban areas, putting pressure on the social, economic and environmental quality of city life. Urban greenery improves air quality, reduces stress and promotes physical activity and social cohesion. Wageningen University & Research studies how green infrastructure can make cities healthier and more sustainable. Through Wageningen Metropolitan Solutions, WUR develops knowledge and tools to plan, design and manage urban nature effectively. The Smart-In-Ag programme enhances Indonesian agriculture by applying smart technologies in fish and dairy production to improve efficiency, sustainability, and farmers’ livelihoods.
SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production
Globally, one-third of all food is lost between farm and fork. Reducing food waste benefits people, the planet, and the economy. WUR studies how to make production processes more sustainable by lowering energy and water use. The circular economy helps to ease pressure on natural resources and create a more sustainable food system. Research conducted by Wageningen University & Research has led to the Dutch national initiative “United against food waste”.
SDG 13 Climate Action
Climate change affects food production, biodiversity, and living environments worldwide. Wageningen University & Research develops knowledge and solutions to cut emissions, restore ecosystems, and build societal resilience. Projects such as INREEF enhance the resilience of marine ecosystems in tourism destinations to climate change. In doing so, WUR helps accelerate the global transition to a sustainable, climate-resilient future.
SDG 14 Life Below Water
Wageningen University & Research studies how oceans and coastal areas can be managed and used sustainably worldwide. Wageningen Marine Research provides governments and businesses with insights into the impacts of human activity on marine ecosystems and biodiversity. From polar regions to tropical coral reefs, WUR develops solutions for healthy, resilient oceans. In doing so, WUR contributes to the sustainable management of life below water.
SDG 15 Life on Land
Wageningen University & Research studies how human activity affects ecosystems and how to maintain the resilience of land, water, and nature. Researchers develop solutions to improve coexistence between people and wildlife while linking conservation to sustainable development. Projects such as OIL-CLiPS explore how climate change and farming practices impact ecosystem health. In this way, WUR contributes globally to restoring and sustainably managing life on land.
SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals
Today’s complex challenges require collaboration across borders. Wageningen University & Research works worldwide with universities, businesses, governments, and civil society to develop sustainable solutions. Through international initiatives such as the Wageningen Global Sustainability Programme, WUR combines knowledge and innovation to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals. In doing so, WUR connects science and practice to create real impact for a sustainable world.
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ir. JB (Jelle) Maas
International Liaison Officer - Africa