Preface
Globally we are seeing increasing impacts from climate disasters, geopolitical conflicts, shifts in global power dynamics and international relations, widening inequalities, and fast paced technological advances through artificial intelligence (AI). Rising global temperatures, loss of biodiversity and unsustainable patterns of production and consumption continue to disrupt life for humans and, beyond that, the human world. It is more important than ever that we as individuals and collectives be informed about the challenges we face, and be aware of measures and responses that can be implemented to face these challenges.
“Sustainable Development Without Borders” represents a pioneering effort in academic discourse, bringing together a curated collection of dialogues originally presented as part of Western Sydney University Library’s Thought Leadership series, established in late 2022. This initiative celebrates the remarkable contributions of Western Sydney researchers, showcasing their innovative and impactful work. The contributors to this series span a broad spectrum of disciplinary and transdisciplinary fields, united by a shared focus on addressing critical issues essential to fostering sustainable and resilient communities into the future.
This inaugural edition features scholarly papers derived from the first 17 seminars in the series. A selection of these thought-provoking talks is also available for viewing online, offering a rich resource for continued engagement and reflection. The chapters within this book will guide readers on a journey through key ecological, social, cultural and economically focused sustainability research, programs and transformations, framed by global imperatives and aligned with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) 2030 agenda.[1]
This collaborative project has been championed by staff from the Western Sydney University Library and the Sustainability Education and Partnerships team. It is informed by a shared passion to amplify and freely share sustainability research, education and knowledge with communities across the globe.
Sustainability and Resilience at Western Sydney University
Western Sydney University (Western) acknowledges its unique responsibility as a Higher Education Institution (HEI) to engage in impactful research and transformative education. Western Sydney University’s has a long and rich history as a leader in sustainability and resilience, recognised as number one in the world under the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings (2022, 2023 and 2024). We strive to empower the next generation of leaders with the knowledge they need to make a difference to our planet’s future. Central to this approach is the integration of First Nations knowledges to create pathways to sustainability and embed a deep commitment to Caring for Country.
Our Sustainability and Resilience Decadal Strategy 2030 (SRDS) provides the strategic platform for the local synthesis of the SDGs to focus our students and staff, connect with our Greater Western Sydney community, and to engage with our domestic and international partners to learn, enable, adapt, transition and harness our collective knowledge to deliver meaningful impact.
Our SRDS 2030 priority statements and challenges:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges: Embrace Indigenous knowledges for pathways to sustainability and Caring for Country (planet).
- Regenerative Systems: Value biodiversity linking human wellbeing to environmental health (planet).
- Resilient Cities: Enable urban resilience and adaptive capacity in our region (people).
- Climate Action: Step up efforts to support climate action in our region (people).
- Economic Transitions: Enact new visions for economic transitions through ethical economic and ecological relationships (prosperity).
- Ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI): Harness the benefits of AI and automation in planning for sustainability (prosperity).
- Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture: Promote agroecological principles for just food systems (peace).
- Justice: Activate environmental justice and social inclusion to tackle inequality in our region (peace).
- Partnerships: Collaborate with regional, national and international organisations across all sectors to deliver impact across these priority statements (partnerships).
Visit the Digital Engagement Platform [opens in new tab] which showcases these priority statements and the work being done at Western to address emerging challenges.[2]