The University has been appointed as the new United Nations Academic Impact Sustainable Development Goals Hub Vice-Chair for Research for SDG10 (Reduced inequalities) by the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) initiative.

It will play an essential role in advancing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by leading research initiatives for the UNAI SDG10 Hub, from September 2025 to December 2027, as part of the larger UNAI network, which comprises over 1,700 universities and colleges across more than 150 countries.

Supporting the advancement of this work will be Professor Lucy Frith and Professor Elaine Dewhurst from the Faculty’s Law School in SoSS, who will contribute to global efforts to promote equality and reduce inequalities.

Vice-President for Research, Professor Colette Fagan said: “This important appointment is in alignment with the University’s longstanding commitment to tackling inequalities and transforming lives. This is an exciting new chapter in our journey toward advancing collaborative research and real-world solutions that make a difference here in Manchester and across the globe.”

Supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 10, Reduced inequalities, our University already brings together over 650 academics across disciplines to address disparities in health, food security, living conditions, social justice and workplace equality, working side by side with communities to create lasting change locally and worldwide.

Colette added: “I am delighted The University of Manchester has been selected for this role and look forward to working with colleagues and partners to build on the University’s outstanding research and engagement. Together, we can drive forward practical, sustainable solutions that reduce inequalities and improve lives both locally and internationally.”

Further information

UNAI is an initiative that aligns institutions of higher education with the United Nations in supporting and contributing to the realisation of United Nations goals and mandates. UNAI members are making significant strides in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda to further encourage innovation and commitment to sustainability education for future generations.

For more information, visit:

• United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI)

UNAI SDG Hubs are designated institutions of higher education within the UNAI network that actively work to promote the SDGs by leveraging the power of academia to create positive social, economic, and environmental change. Each Hub is designated to focus on a specific SDG, fostering research, education, and global collaboration to advance that goal, while respecting the strong interdependencies across all 17 SDGs.

For more information, visit:

• UNAI SDG Hub Network