About

Flagship Programs

Flagship Initiatives:

At the University of Dhaka, sustainability is a shared responsibility—embedded in the work of every faculty, department, institute, and student collective. As the university transforms its campus into a living laboratory of sustainability, its new campaign, “Clean to Grow, Green to Excel,” serves as a call to action: to reimagine education, research, and engagement through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

From preserving cultural heritage and promoting democratic values to advancing renewable energy and ocean governance, DU’s flagship programs reflect a comprehensive, interdisciplinary commitment to inclusive and environmentally responsible development.

Cultural Heritage, Civic Agency & Environmental Resilience

Mangal Shobhajatra, the vibrant New Year procession led by the Faculty of Fine Art, was inscribed by UNESCO in 2016 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. More than a celebration, it is a living expression of community resilience, cultural pluralism, and peaceful civic identity—embodying the spirit of SDG 11 and SDG 16.

Throughout its history, DU has been a crucible for social and political activism, from the Language Movement and Liberation War to contemporary struggles for environmental justice, gender equity, and democratic accountability. This legacy is carried forward by student-led initiatives such as the Climate and Disaster Resilience Club (CDRC), which works alongside the Department of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience to address local and global climate challenges.

The Applied Democracy Lab, launched in 2025 under the Faculty of Social Sciences, equips students and researchers with practical tools to study and strengthen democratic institutions, governance frameworks, and civic engagement. Supported by USAID and IFES, the Lab reinforces DU’s role in promoting SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

The Dhaka University Model United Nations Association (DUMUNA) nurtures global citizenship and youth diplomacy. Through initiatives like DUNMUN, students simulate international negotiations, sharpen critical thinking, and engage with pressing global issues—reflecting DU’s investment in shaping informed, proactive global leaders.



Sustainability in Action: Research and Global Partnerships

Research at DU bridges disciplines and borders to offer applied solutions to sustainability challenges. A growing network of interdisciplinary research centers and international collaborations underscore DU’s position as a knowledge hub in South Asia:

The Institute of Energy and the Renewable Energy Research Centre (RERC) conduct research on solar, biomass, and other renewable technologies, helping reduce fossil fuel dependence in Bangladesh and beyond.

The Centre for Advanced Research in Sciences (CARS) promotes innovation in sustainable agriculture, bioprocessing, and industrial development, including collaborations with Japanese and European partners.

The International Centre for Ocean Governance (ICOG), jointly established with the University of Western Sydney, leads research on blue economy, marine biodiversity, and the sustainable development of the Bay of Bengal—a crucial ecological and economic region.

DU’s Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Department of Geography and Environment, and Department of Development Studies produce vital research on climate migration, food security, and disaster risk reduction, directly informing policy and practice in Bangladesh’s climate-vulnerable context.

As host of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Bangladesh, DU plays a strategic role in shaping the country’s SDG implementation roadmap through data, policy dialogue, and academic outreach.