VU Amsterdam has been reappointed as Vice-Chair for Research of the UNAI SDG 17 Hub until 2030, recognising its commitment to sustainability, interdisciplinary research and global partnerships.
[25 October, 2026] – Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) has been reappointed as Vice-Chair for Research of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) SDG 17 Hub until 2030. The renewed appointment recognises VU's contribution to advancing sustainability through interdisciplinary research and international collaboration and provides an opportunity to further strengthen the role of academic research in shaping sustainable development policies and partnerships.
VU Amsterdam was first installed in the role in 2025, following a competitive selection process involving more than 300 applications from higher education institutions worldwide. The United Nations acknowledged VU's strong commitment to multistakeholder partnerships, highlighting initiatives such as the Amsterdam Sustainability Institute (ASI) for its contributions to interdisciplinary collaboration and societal impact. The extension of the term until 2030 builds on VU's continued commitment to advancing SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals.
As Vice-Chair for Research, VU focuses on strengthening partnerships between universities, policymakers, civil society and other stakeholders. This work is coordinated by the ASI, led by Philipp Pattberg, VU Professor of Transnational Environmental Governance and Policy. ASI connects researchers across disciplines and faculties at VU to address complex sustainability challenges and strengthen the societal impact of research. "The reappointment of VU Amsterdam as Vice-Chair for Research of the UNAI SDG 17 Hub reflects the excellent and relevant research on collaboration and partnership pursued across all faculties of our university", says Philipp Pattberg.
Strengthening VU’s international network
The extension coincides with the 3rd UN Academic Impact SDG Hubs Conference, held from 12 to 16 October 2026 in Athens, Greece, which brought together representatives from 12 SDG Hubs to exchange best practices and strengthen international collaboration. Representing VU Amsterdam, Neele van den Bongardt, Managing Director of ASI, presented VU's Fossil-Free Research Framework as an example of responsible research partnerships. The conference also provided opportunities to strengthen collaboration with fellow Hub representatives and Maher Nasser, Director of the Outreach Division of the United Nations Department of Global Communications, and explore joint initiatives, including sustainability impact reporting.
Universities’ unique role in shaping a sustainable future
Building on its role within the UNAI SDG 17 Hub, VU Amsterdam aims to further connect academic research with international policy discussions on sustainable development. These activities reflect VU’s vision of world citizenship and contribute to its ambition to strengthen the policy relevance and societal impact of VU’s interdisciplinary sustainability research. By engaging in international networks like UNAI, VU responds to the recently published Consensus Statement “Building Sustainable Futures” (UN, 2026), reiterating universities’ “unique capacity to help shape more sustainable, democratic, and resilient futures through research, teaching, innovation, and community engagement.” It calls for “a movement built on solidarity, shared purpose, and collective leadership”, for which VU’s reappointment as Vice-Chair is a strong example. The full statement can be found here.
UNAI SDG Hub Network
The UNAI SDG Hub Network brings together higher education institutions committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through research, education and international cooperation. Each Hub focuses on a specific SDG, while recognising the connections between the 17 goals and the importance of collaboration across disciplines, institutions and sectors.
Background on United Nations Academic Impact
United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) is an initiative of the United Nations that connects higher education institutions with the organisation's goals and principles. Through its global network, UNAI encourages universities to contribute their knowledge, research and educational activities to addressing global challenges and supporting sustainable development.
About the Amsterdam Sustainability Institute
The Amsterdam Sustainability Institute (ASI) is an interdisciplinary sustainability research network at VU Amsterdam. Building on the university's commitment to value-driven research and education, ASI brings together researchers from different disciplines to address complex sustainability challenges. By fostering collaboration across academia, policy and society, ASI contributes to VU Amsterdam's strategic sustainability ambitions and strengthens the societal and policy impact of its research in the Netherlands and internationally.
More information:
UNAI SDG Hub 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: https://www.un.org/en/academic-impact/unai-sdg-hub-17