A sustainable future thanks to the promotion of the SDGs in Comillas

One of the most important axes of the new Comillas strategic plan is the one that refers to sustainability, which is being addressed in parallel with other universities in Unijes. The SDGs play a key role in this objective. The university uses them not only to face global challenges and collaborate in the construction of a more just and balanced future, but also "to strengthen our identity as a Jesuit, social, innovative university committed to the environment," according to Jaime Tatay, Vice-Rector for Identity and Mission and Students and Alumni, who underlined the University's commitment to comprehensive education, the dialogue between faith and justice, and the accompaniment of students and alumni.

In this sense, the conference "SDGs: University, institutions and society, driving together a sustainable future" - which was organised by the Office of Knowledge Transfer (OTC) - reflected on the key points of the Strategic Plan 2025-2030 that refer to sustainability. These included research with impact, social and environmental commitment, 360º artificial intelligence and the promotion of international networks such as the Jesuit Global Network. The key role of the research groups at Comillas and the institutional commitment to the SDGs was highlighted, which "promote applied, collaborative knowledge aimed at transforming society from a critical, ethical and sustainable perspective", according to Carlos Rodríguez-Morcillo, director of the OTC.

The conference addressed issues such as UNIJES' commitment to sustainability. Loyola, Deusto, Comillas and IQS explained the actions they are carrying out related to the SDGs and to be transformative agents, promoting public policies aligned with them, fostering strategic alliances and leading processes of change at local, national and international levels.

They also addressed issues such as institutional cooperation between universities and national and international organisations for sustainable development and public policy; integral ecology as an axis of research for sustainable development, and research with impact at the service of the SDGs, in which researchers from Comillas who develop projects aligned with the SDGs showed how applied research can generate a tangible impact on society.