Global sustainability leadership positions surge among Asian universities

Global sustainability leadership positions surge among Asian universities

Asian Universities Bridge Sustainable Development Goals Financing Gap

Asian universities are playing a crucial role in addressing the funding shortfalls faced by many countries in the region as they strive to meet their commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The United Nations has recognised this by including an Academic Day in the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), scheduled for July 2, 2025. This marks the first formal participation of universities in global development financing discussions.

The need for significant financing to achieve the SDG targets is undeniable. For instance, Indonesia faces a funding shortfall of 1.7 trillion US dollars by 2030 to meet its SDG commitments. Universities in Asia are now being recognised for their role in sustainable finance, bridging research with policy and investment strategies.

These institutions are contributing to the design of financial taxonomies, ESG standards, and impact measurement tools. They are also developing sustainable finance frameworks and providing policy advice to mobilise alternative financing beyond traditional sources like international aid.

Asian universities offer a unique capacity to generate knowledge, test financial models, and share insights across sectors in global development. They act as knowledge hubs that connect research with policy and investment, especially in emerging economies facing severe funding shortfalls to meet SDG targets.

Leading universities in the region have significantly increased their presence among global sustainability leaders. According to the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, 22 of the top 50 sustainability-focused universities come from Asia—an 83% increase from the previous year. This signals growing academic expertise and leadership in sustainable finance.

Universities such as Quezon City University (QCU) in the Philippines actively collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and other educational institutions to strengthen SDG-related partnerships. Such collaborations enhance capacity building, knowledge exchange, and foster collective action toward sustainable development.

The growing presence of Asian universities in sustainability rankings signifies a shift towards embedding sustainable finance within academic and institutional priorities. Universities are also setting benchmarks in sustainability and social impact, leveraging their expertise to influence policy and investment decisions.

Asian universities are engaging in various innovative financing models, such as green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and blended finance models. They are also expanding need-based scholarships, integrating community engagement into curricula, and promoting open-access research.

However, structural barriers in education access in Southeast Asia, including declining international aid, rising tuition costs, and limited digital infrastructure, still pose challenges. Despite these challenges, the inclusion of universities in FFD4 reflects a broader recognition that higher education institutions are not just passive recipients of funding but active contributors to financial innovation.

One of the key figures leading this movement is Bayu Arie Fianto, an Associate Professor at Universitas Airlangga and President of the Indonesia SDGs Center Network (ISCN). Fianto has advised UNICEF, USAID, and Bank Indonesia on sustainable finance and serves as Director of the Center for Advance Resilience and Inclusive Studies (CARE).

In conclusion, Asian universities are bridging the SDG financing gap by combining sustainability research, policy engagement, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and capacity-building programs to mobilise and optimise financial resources for SDG implementation across the region.

[1] Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 [2] Quezon City University (QCU) [3] SDG Impact Finance Initiative [4] Bayu Arie Fianto, Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia SDGs Center Network (ISCN)

1. The energy transition towards renewable energy sources is a critical component of Asian universities' contributions to sustainable development, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
2. Education-and-self-development is another essential area where Asian universities are making a significant impact, with programs focusing on science, technology, and lifestyle changes that promote sustainability.
3. The social impact of these initiatives is far-reaching, as universities collaborate with sports organizations to promote healthier lifestyles and instill a sense of responsibility towards the environment in young athletes.
4. Financing for sustainable development is a primary concern, and universities are spearheading initiatives like the SDG Impact Finance Initiative to mobilize climate finance and attract private sector investment in renewable energy projects.
5. Sustainability frameworks developed by Asian universities are being employed to measure the effectiveness of these projects, ensuring that they align with the SDGs and have a positive impact on the community.
6. Looking ahead, Asian universities will continue to play a vital role in bridging the financing gap for the SDGs, leveraging their expertise in research, policy-making, and financial innovation to create a more sustainable future for the region.

Read also: