United Nations Sustainable Development
Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
Participatory bodies for stakeholder engagement. Ensure that local stakeholders in the university – including local residents, local government, and civil society representatives (which may include groups such as refugee resettlement agencies) – have a meaningful mechanism or for participating in university decision making.
UniSC has established a robust framework to ensure that local stakeholders, including residents, local government, and civil society representatives, have meaningful participation in university decision-making processes. This commitment is evident in UniSC’s strategic planning and governance policies, which emphasize community engagement and consultation. The university’s Strategic Plan 2021-2024, for instance, was developed through extensive consultation with staff and key stakeholders, reflecting a deep commitment to respecting, protecting, and promoting human rights.
UniSC’s Planning and Reporting Framework further outlines the core requirements for university planning, including the development, approval, implementation, monitoring, and review of university plans. This framework mandates a systematic approach to planning, led by the Vice-Chancellor and President, with active participation from the University Executive, Council, Academic Board, and Planning and Resources Committee. Importantly, this process is informed by an assessment of both internal and external environments and includes consultation with staff and other stakeholders. This ensures that the voices of local stakeholders are heard and considered in the university’s strategic and operational decisions.
Additionally, UniSC offers courses such as MGT703 Strategy, Governance and Ethics, which analyze stakeholder participation in decision-making and the influence of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on strategic decision-making and governance. These educational initiatives not only highlight the importance of stakeholder engagement but also equip students and staff with the knowledge and skills to effectively involve local communities in governance processes.
Summary
Through these mechanisms, UniSC demonstrates its commitment to being a community-focused institution that values and integrates the perspectives of local stakeholders into its decision-making processes. This approach not only enhances the university’s responsiveness to community needs but also fosters a collaborative environment where local residents, government, and civil society representatives can contribute to the university’s growth and success.