As Bangladesh’s premier institution of higher education, the University of Dhaka (DU) upholds sustainability as both a core value and a strategic imperative. For over a century, DU has not only nurtured the intellectual and cultural life of the nation but has also played a transformative role in its social, political, and environmental development. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), DU's approach to sustainability integrates inclusive education, pioneering research, civic engagement, and global collaboration to confront the pressing challenges of the 21st century.
A significant milestone in this journey was the visit of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to the university on 5 November 2011. Addressing the students, he hailed Bangladesh as “an example for the world” in sustainable development and described DU’s students as “agents of change,” affirming the institution’s centrality in the global development discourse.
This commitment to sustainability is also expressed through the university’s cultural leadership. One of DU’s most iconic initiatives, the Mangal Shobhajatra—a vibrant celebration of Bangla New Year organized annually by the Faculty of Fine Art—was recognized by UNESCO in 2016 as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The procession, which symbolizes harmony, resistance against oppression, and community solidarity, powerfully resonates with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), showcasing DU’s role in preserving cultural identity while promoting social cohesion.
Further cementing its international leadership, DU was awarded the prestigious UNESCO Chair on Inclusion in Higher Education Systems in 2025. This recognition highlights the university’s dedication to equity, access, and inclusive learning environments, aligning closely with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The Chair reinforces DU’s capacity to lead transformative change in higher education not just in Bangladesh, but across the Global South.
Together, these moments and milestones represent DU’s ongoing evolution into a globally engaged, socially conscious institution committed to shaping a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.
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