Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
About SDG 16
Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) promotes peaceful, inclusive societies, access to justice for all, and the development of strong, accountable, and transparent institutions. At the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), these principles are reflected in the university’s governance systems, stakeholder engagement frameworks, and commitment to ethical leadership.
BIUST recognizes that effective governance and institutional integrity are fundamental to achieving academic excellence, innovation, and social impact. Through participatory leadership structures, transparent decision-making, and community collaboration, the university contributes to a culture of peace, justice, and good governance that supports national and global development priorities.
BIUST Contributions and Institutional Practices
BIUST’s approach to governance and inclusivity is firmly aligned with SDG 16 through policies and initiatives that foster transparency, accountability, and participation:
- Participatory Governance: The university ensures democratic representation through the Student Representative Council (SRC) and the Postgraduate Student Association (PGSA), allowing students to actively participate in decision-making processes.
- Recognized Student Union: BIUST supports an independent student union that advocates for student welfare and contributes to university governance, reflecting the institution’s respect for freedom of association and expression.
- Stakeholder Engagement: The university engages government, industry, and civil society stakeholders through collaborative projects and consultations that promote inclusivity and social cohesion beyond campus boundaries.
- Ethical and Transparent Leadership: Guided by its Transformative Strategy (2023–2028), BIUST upholds transparency, ethical leadership, and accountability across all operations. Governance frameworks are continuously strengthened to ensure fair practices and compliance with national standards.
- Community Empowerment: Through outreach programs and partnerships, BIUST promotes dialogue, civic responsibility, and ethical conduct — nurturing graduates who embody integrity and contribute to building strong institutions in society.
Alignment with Botswana’s National Development Plan 12 (NDP 12) and Vision 2036
Botswana’s NDP 12 and Vision 2036 prioritize Good Governance, Peace, and Security as essential foundations for sustainable development. BIUST’s institutional values and governance systems directly support these national priorities by:
- Promoting inclusive participation and stakeholder engagement in institutional decision-making.
- Upholding accountability, transparency, and integrity across administrative and academic structures.
- Building partnerships with government, civil society, and the private sector to enhance governance capacity and social development.
- Supporting gender equality and justice, aligning with efforts to reduce violence and strengthen human rights protection under national frameworks.
Strategic Alignment and Impact
BIUST’s Transformative Strategy (2023–2028) positions governance excellence and ethical leadership as enablers of institutional growth and societal transformation. The strategy’s pillars — Institutional Effectiveness, People Development, Research Excellence, and Societal Impact — reflect the spirit of SDG 16 by embedding accountability, inclusivity, and transparency into the university’s operations.
Impact Areas:
- Institutional Integrity: BIUST’s democratic and transparent systems model effective governance within Botswana’s higher education sector.
- Peace and Inclusion: The university’s engagement with communities and student bodies fosters peaceful coexistence, social justice, and participatory leadership.
- Capacity Building: Through education and research, BIUST develops graduates equipped to serve in public, private, and civic sectors with integrity and accountability.
- Future Opportunities: BIUST aims to further institutionalize anti-corruption measures, strengthen internal auditing and reporting systems, and expand leadership development programs to reinforce governance excellence.