Partnerships for the goals
About SDG 17
Sustainable Development Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) is central to the 2030 Agenda. It focuses on strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing global partnerships to achieve all SDGs. SDG 17 highlights:
- Resource mobilization and strategic investment
- Knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and capacity building
- Trade partnerships and collaborative innovation
- Multi-stakeholder engagement across governments, academia, industry, civil society, and international organizations
In Africa, Agenda 2063 Goal 19 emphasizes global partnerships and intra-African cooperation, leveraging science, innovation, and education for shared prosperity. Universities like BIUST are uniquely positioned to act as catalysts, driving cross-sector collaboration, research, and knowledge exchange.
BIUST's Commitment to SDG 17
At BIUST, partnerships are central to advancing sustainable development. The Directorate of Outreach & Engagement spearheads local, regional, and international collaborations that strengthen STEM education, research, and innovation.
Alignment of BIUST Transformative Strategy 2023–2028 and NDP 12 with SDG 17
- NDP 12: Emphasizes fiscal responsibility, strategic investment, and economic diversification.
- BIUST Alignment: Leverages partnerships with government, private sector, and international agencies to mobilize funding for research, innovation, and STEM initiatives, contributing to national development beyond the diamond sector.
- NDP 12: Strengthens accountability and evidence-based decision-making through a performance management system and BSDS II.
- BIUST Alignment: Implements data-driven project management and monitoring of outreach, research, and partnership outcomes, ensuring transparency and measurable impact in all SDG-related initiatives.
- NDP 12: Promotes an “all-of-government” and “all-of-society” approach, engaging public, private, and non-state actors.
- BIUST Alignment: Fosters local, regional, and international collaborations, including STEM networks, Fast4Future, SKA/AVN, and industry partnerships, building human capacity and innovation ecosystems in Botswana and Southern Africa.
- NDP 12: Ensures SDG integration at national and sector levels aligned with Vision 2036.
- BIUST Alignment: Aligns academic, research, and outreach activities with national priorities, providing evidence-based policy advice and consultancy to ministries, supporting coherent implementation of development strategies.
- NDP 12: Invests in digitalization and critical infrastructure to enhance capacity.
- BIUST Alignment: Develops the Innovation Hub, advances digital research tools, renewable energy solutions, and low-carbon technologies, and trains students and staff in STEM fields critical for Botswana’s technological advancement.
Impact on BIUST
- National and Global Influence: Strengthens Botswana’s scientific and educational presence in regional and global networks.
- STEM Leadership: Builds youth and early-career researcher capacity across Southern Africa.
- Knowledge Exchange and Innovation: Facilitates technology transfer, research collaboration, and innovation aligned with societal needs.
- Alignment with National and Continental Goals: Supports Vision 2036, NDP 12, and Agenda 2063.
- Institutional Sustainability and Visibility: Enhances resilience, attracts funding, and improves global recognition in rankings like the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
BIUST exemplifies SDG 17 by fostering partnerships that connect people, ideas, and resources across borders. Through research, outreach, policy engagement, and international collaboration, the University advances scientific discovery, educational access, and national development.
By leveraging strategic partnerships with government, academia, industry, and global organizations, BIUST contributes meaningfully to Botswana’s national priorities, Africa’s Agenda 2063, and the global pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals
Engagements:
- Launch of the Drones Assembly and Testing Center (2023), a collaboration between BIUST and the Mileage Group
- BIUST and Okavango Diamond Company Forge Strategic Partnership for Innovation and Skills Development
- Fostering Global Collaboration: BIUST Hosts CUT Leadership
- BIUST Hosts Global Genomicist Prof Vanessa Hayes for Human Ancestry and Prostate Cancer Research Seminar
- University-Industry Partnership to Boost Skills, Research, and Community Development