North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) affirms its commitment to sustainable development as a core part of its mandate and strategic direction. As a public university serving the Caraga region of Mindanao, NEMSU recognizes its pivotal role in addressing local and global challenges through education, research, community engagement, and campus stewardship. This Sustainability Policy is grounded in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. NEMSU pledges to serve as a living model of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by embedding measurable targets and global benchmarks into every pillar of this policy. Our commitment extends to producing verifiable evidence of impact—through research outputs, community outcomes, campus stewardship data, and global partnerships. By doing so, the University demonstrates that sustainable development is not only a vision but a measurable reality. It explicitly links NEMSU’s priorities to relevant SDGs such as SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, among others. By aligning with the SDGs, NEMSU also aligns with the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings framework, which assesses universities’ contributions to the 17 SDGs through teaching, research, outreach, and responsible resource management[1]. NEMSU’s vision of advancing “technology and innovation for sustainable development”[2] is thus reinforced by this policy, which serves as a roadmap for integrating sustainability into all aspects of the University’s endeavors.

Mindanao’s context underscores the urgency of NEMSU’s sustainability commitment. The Caraga region is endowed with rich biodiversity, from lush forests to coastal and marine ecosystems, and is home to indigenous communities possessing valuable traditional knowledge. At the same time, the region faces significant challenges including rural poverty, limited resources for development, and high vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters. Communities in Mindanao regularly contend with intense climatic hazards such as typhoons, earthquake, heavy rainfall, flooding, and drought[3]. These threats, coupled with socio-economic constraints, elevate the importance of climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and sustainable resource management in the University’s agenda. NEMSU acknowledges that sustainable development in this context must be inclusive and equitable, empowering marginalized groups (including indigenous peoples and rural poor), building community resilience to environmental shocks, and fostering local economic opportunities that do not compromise ecological integrity.

In the landscape of Philippine higher education, NEMSU aspires to be a leader in sustainability innovation. By embracing the SDGs and embedding them in its programs and operations, the University strengthens its contribution to national development priorities and the global sustainability agenda. This policy comes at a time when universities worldwide are using the SDGs as a “vital framework to recognize, measure, benchmark and incentivize the work they do to make the world a better place”[4]. Through this Sustainability Policy, NEMSU positions itself as a proactive institution ready to demonstrate meaningful impact. It will guide NEMSU’s application to the THE Impact Rankings by systematically linking the University’s initiatives and outcomes to specific SDG targets, showcasing evidence of NEMSU’s commitment and performance. Moreover, it signals to all stakeholders including students, faculty, staff, alumni, industry partners, local communities, and government, that NEMSU is wholeheartedly committed to integrating sustainability into its core values, daily practices, and long-term development strategy.

NEMSU envisions itself as a catalyst for sustainable development in Mindanao, a university that models and inspires positive change by advancing inclusive quality education, pioneering climate-smart innovations, and building resilient communities. In line with its overarching vision to be a “Research University advancing technology and innovation for sustainable development” [2], NEMSU’s sustainability vision is to become a regional leader in sustainability . In this institution, every student, educator, and staff member is empowered to contribute to the SDGs. We see a future where NEMSU’s campuses operate sustainably, its academic programs produce graduates literate in sustainability challenges, and its research and extension initiatives drive solutions for the social and environmental issues facing Caraga, the Philippines, and the world. This vision supports the University’s ambition to be a strong contender in global sustainability rankings and, more importantly, to create a lasting positive impact on people and planet.

To realize this vision, NEMSU commits to the following core principles that will guide all policies and actions on sustainability:

1. Inclusivity and Equity: Leave no one behind is at the heart of the SDGs, and thus at the heart of NEMSU’s approach. We strive to ensure that the benefits of sustainable development reach all sectors of our university community and society, including indigenous peoples, marginalized groups, and those in remote rural areas. This principle means promoting gender equality, equal access to education (SDG 4), and respect for cultural diversity. NEMSU values indigenous knowledge and practices in sustainability, recognizing that Mindanao’s Lumad communities and other indigenous groups are key partners in conserving biodiversity and building climate resilience. All sustainability initiatives will be designed and implemented in a participatory way, empowering stakeholders and upholding social inclusion.

2. Innovation and Research Excellence: NEMSU believes that universities must be engines of innovation for sustainable development. Guided by this, we encourage cutting-edge research, creative problem-solving, and the application of technology for the SDGs. Our approach to innovation is needs-driven and context-specific, focusing on practical solutions for issues like climate change adaptation, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, disaster risk reduction, and biodiversity conservation in Mindanao. We uphold the principle of research excellence with relevance: scholarly inquiry should not only generate knowledge but also translate into “positive impact on society”[5]. This means incentivizing interdisciplinary research that addresses real-world problems and supporting the incubation of sustainable enterprises and social innovations. By fostering a culture of innovation, NEMSU aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) while also strengthening its profile in global impact metrics.

3. Environmental Stewardship and Resilience: Sustainability at NEMSU is underpinned by environmental responsibility, the ethic that we must care for our common home. The University is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment through its campus operations and community engagements. We adopt the precautionary principle in managing natural resources, minimizing waste and pollution, and mitigating climate impact. NEMSU’s campuses will serve as living laboratories for sustainability, demonstrating practices such as energy efficiency, renewable energy use, water conservation, waste reduction, and green architecture (supporting SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production). In a region prone to natural hazards, we prioritize resilience: our infrastructure and programs should enhance the capacity of both the University and partner communities to withstand and recover from disasters and climate stresses (supporting SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 13: Climate Action).

4. Community Engagement and Collaboration: We recognize that sustainability is a collective effort. NEMSU’s long-standing culture of community engagement and extension work will continue to be a cornerstone of this policy. The principle of collaboration means working with others, be it local communities, industry, government agencies, civil society, or international organizations, to achieve shared sustainability goals. NEMSU is committed to genuine partnerships built on mutual respect and shared value (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals). We will actively involve stakeholders in planning and implementing projects, ensuring our initiatives address community-identified needs and strengths. By doing so, the University not only extends its reach and relevance but also enriches the educational experience of students and faculty through service-learning and co-creation of knowledge. This collaborative spirit echoes the practice of leading universities like Arizona State University, which attributes its sustainability impact to “transdisciplinary collaboration across the university and community partnerships that help address the complex challenges” the planet faces[6].

5. Good Governance and Transparency:  NEMSU will uphold accountability and good governance in pursuing its sustainability objectives. This entails clear institutional leadership for sustainability, evidence-based decision-making, prudent resource management, and transparency in reporting progress and setbacks. We shall adopt a principle of open evidence accountability, ensuring that all SDG-related initiatives are documented, peer-reviewed, and reported annually in line with international best practices. We are dedicated to monitoring outcomes and openly communicating our sustainability performance to both internal and external stakeholders. By being transparent, we build trust and demonstrate integrity in our pursuit of the SDGs. This principle also involves continuously reviewing and improving our strategies – learning from best practices globally and feedback locally. As the University of Sydney has done by committing to regular reviews of its climate action performance[7], NEMSU will likewise treat sustainability as an evolving commitment that adapts based on lessons learned and emerging science.

These guiding principles collectively ensure that our sustainability efforts remain inclusive, innovative, resilient, collaborative, and accountable. They form the ethical and practical foundation for the strategic priorities and actions outlined in the following sections of this policy.

NEMSU has identified six strategic focus areas, or sustainability pillars, each with specific objectives aligned to priority SDGs. These pillars encapsulate where NEMSU will concentrate its efforts and resources in the coming years. For each pillar, the University draws inspiration from best practices of high-impact institutions (e.g., University of Manchester, University of Sydney, Arizona State University, Kasetsart University, University of the Philippines Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology). It adapts those practices to NEMSU’s unique context in Mindanao. The pillars are interconnected and mutually reinforcing, reflecting the holistic nature of sustainable development. Below are NEMSU’s sustainability pillars and their key objectives:

1. Sustainable Campus Operations – “Greening” the University Infrastructure and Practices. This pillar focuses on reducing NEMSU’s environmental footprint and modeling sustainability in daily operations. 

Key objectives include:

• Achieve efficient use of energy and transition to clean energy sources on campus (supporting SDG 7 and SDG 13). For example, implement energy-saving technologies, solar power installations, and green building standards for new facilities.

• Strengthen sustainable waste management through reduce-reuse-recycle programs, proper waste segregation, and minimal single-use plastics on campus (supporting SDG 12). The University will establish systems to significantly cut waste sent to landfills and prevent pollution of air and water.

• Promote sustainable transportation and mobility for students and staff (e.g., campus shuttles, bicycle lanes, carpool incentives) to reduce carbon emissions.

• Enhance campus greening and biodiversity by maintaining trees, gardens, and perhaps a campus arboretum that doubles as a learning resource for environmental science (supporting SDG 15: Life on Land).

• Develop a Carbon Management Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with global targets progressively. (Notably, leading universities like the University of Manchester have set bold targets such as zero direct carbon emissions by 2038[8]; NEMSU will set a realistic target for its context and work steadfastly toward it.)

Outcome: NEMSU’s campuses become living demonstrations of sustainability – energy-efficient, climate-resilient, low-waste, and ecologically vibrant. These efforts will not only cut operational costs and environmental impact but also provide experiential learning for students and strengthen NEMSU’s contributions to SDG 13 (Climate Action) in the THE Impact Rankings.

2. Green Research and Innovation – Advancing Research for Sustainable Development. This pillar prioritizes research, scholarly activities, and innovation programs that directly contribute to the SDGs and local development needs. 

Key objectives include:

• Orient NEMSU’s research agenda towards sustainable development challenges. This means prioritizing and funding research in areas such as climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, public health, and social innovation (mapping to various SDGs: 2, 3, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, etc.).

• Encourage interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research teams that combine expertise (natural sciences, social sciences, engineering, education, etc.) to tackle complex problems. This follows the example of top institutions that emphasize breaking silos – for instance, the University of Sydney hosts numerous centers and institutes working on real-world sustainability problems across disciplines[9].

• Embed the SDGs into the curriculum and student research. NEMSU will ensure that through “interdisciplinary and research-led teaching, students learn about the UN SDGs in their programs of study”[10] and have opportunities to conduct thesis projects or capstone projects addressing specific SDG targets. This objective not only educates students on sustainable development (supporting SDG 4: Quality Education) but also generates a pipeline of innovations and research data for the University’s sustainability mission.

• Strengthen research collaboration and partnerships. We will seek partnerships with other universities (local and international), government research agencies, and industry R&D initiatives to leverage more expertise and resources for sustainability research (aligns with SDG 17). For example, collaborating with agriculture institutes for climate-smart farming research, or with environmental organizations for biodiversity assessments in Caraga.

• Institutionalize an Annual SDG Research Awards recognizing faculty and student projects that directly address pressing SDG challenges, with winners showcased in national and international sustainability platforms. It shall further establish incentives and recognition for sustainability research and innovation among faculty and students. This could include seed grants for SDG-related projects, annual “SDG Research Awards,” and integration of sustainability impact criteria in faculty performance evaluations. Such measures mirror how Arizona State University’s leadership fosters an “all-in approach” to SDG challenges[11], encouraging the university community to pursue solutions at scale actively.

Outcome: A robust portfolio of NEMSU research projects and innovations that directly address SDG challenges and improve local livelihoods. Success will be measured by research outputs (papers, patents, technologies, pilot projects) that have tangible social or environmental impact, and by NEMSU’s performance in THE Impact Rankings indicators related to research (e.g., research on poverty, climate, health, etc., as measured in specific SDG categories).

3. Community and Industry Engagement – Universidad ng Komunidad: Empowering Communities and Local Economies. This pillar strengthens NEMSU’s extension services and partnerships with communities, local governments, and industries to drive sustainable development on the ground. 

Key objectives include:

• Align community extension programs with SDGs and local needs. NEMSU will continue to focus on its proven extension pillars such as Food Security, Environmental Conservation, Literacy & Education Support, and Livelihood/Skills Development, which have been the foundation of its community engagement[12]. Each of these aligns with SDGs: e.g. Food Security projects contribute to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), conservation projects to SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), literacy programs to SDG 4 (Quality Education), and professional/digital empowerment to SDG 8 (Decent Work) and SDG 9 (Industry & Innovation). By sustaining and scaling these efforts, NEMSU addresses pressing community needs while contributing to multiple SDGs.

• Establish a Community SDG Impact Dashboard, a publicly accessible platform that tracks livelihood improvements, food security gains, biodiversity outcomes, and educational access in partner communities. This transparency ensures that communities, policymakers, and ranking bodies can witness tangible progress toward SDGs 1, 2, 4, 8, 11, and 17.

• Actively involve faculty, staff, and students in community projects. We will institutionalize the extension and community service as part of academic responsibilities (as NEMSU already practices by “embedding extension work into academic responsibilities”[13]). Faculty will be supported to integrate community-based projects into their coursework and research, and students will have service-learning opportunities. This not only benefits communities but also enriches learning and nurtures civic responsibility in our graduates.

• Forge stronger linkages with local industries and the private sector around sustainability goals. The University will seek partnership projects with industries in Caraga, for example, working with agricultural cooperatives on climate-smart farming, with fishing communities and businesses on sustainable fisheries (like the Caulerpa farming initiative[14]), or with eco-tourism operators on cultural and environmental preservation. These partnerships can provide internship and employment pathways for students (addressing SDG 8 on decent work), while industries can benefit from NEMSU’s expertise and research.

• Leverage local knowledge, including indigenous practices, in sustainable development solutions. NEMSU will ensure that community engagement is a two-way learning process, where modern science and technology merge with traditional wisdom. For instance, working with indigenous elders to document sustainable forest management practices or ethno-medicinal knowledge contributes to cultural preservation (SDG 11 target on cultural heritage) and biodiversity goals.

• Showcase successful community-based innovations for possible replication. NEMSU has already piloted unique community-rooted enterprises, such as developing products like Danggit Ice Cream and Banana Loaf made from local ingredients, which highlight local resources and promote sustainable livelihoods[15]. The University will support more of such innovations (in agriculture, food processing, crafts, etc.), help market them, and share these success stories through publications and events.

Outcome: Deepened impact of NEMSU’s presence in surrounding communities, measured by improvements in livelihood, health, education, or environment in partner communities. In the context of THE Impact Rankings, strong community engagement will bolster NEMSU’s performance in SDGs like No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Quality Education, and Sustainable Cities/Communities. Moreover, NEMSU will build a reputation as a “university for others” in Mindanao, where academic knowledge directly translates into upliftment of local society.

4. Climate-Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation – Building Resilience in Food Systems and Ecosystems. Given that the Caraga region’s economy is largely based on agriculture, fisheries, and natural resources, NEMSU is prioritizing a pillar that addresses sustainable food production and ecosystem stewardship under a changing climate. 

Key objectives under this pillar include:

• Develop and promote climate-smart agriculture practices among local farmers and fisherfolk. Through research and extension, NEMSU will work on improving agricultural productivity while enhancing resilience to climate impacts (droughts, floods, pests). This involves introducing techniques such as diversified cropping, agroforestry, organic farming, and efficient water management (aligning with SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 13: Climate Action). It also means training communities on climate information services and disaster preparedness in farming. For coastal communities, NEMSU will support sustainable aquaculture and fisheries management, as exemplified by the Caulerpa (seaweed) farming project that provided fisherfolk with sustainable livelihoods while protecting marine biodiversity[14][16].

• Pursue Climate Resilience Certificates and Training Programs for LGUs, farmers, and fisherfolk, thereby producing a trained network of climate champions in the Caraga region.

• Protect and restore local ecosystems, supporting biodiversity (SDG 14 and SDG 15). NEMSU will partner with environmental agencies and NGOs in projects such as reforestation of watersheds, mangrove rehabilitation along coasts, and protection of wildlife habitats in Surigao del Sur. We will integrate biodiversity conservation into our campus management (by conserving green spaces and possibly establishing a botanical garden or marine micro-reserve for study) and into our research (by conducting biodiversity assessments, cataloguing species, etc.). These efforts connect to global goals and also address local issues like deforestation and reef degradation.

• Address climate vulnerability and disaster risk in rural areas through education and innovation. The University will develop training modules and certificate programs on climate change adaptation for local government units (LGUs), farmers/fishers, and students. It will also pursue innovative projects like early warning systems for floods, community-based climate risk mapping, or resilient crop varieties through research. This responds to the urgent need in Mindanao to increase community resilience against increasingly unpredictable weather patterns[3].

• Model sustainable land use and resource management on NEMSU’s land. Suppose the University has land or farms (through its agriculture programs or campus grounds). In that case, these will be managed as showcases of sustainable practices (e.g., an organic campus farm, seed bank for indigenous crops, or a rainwater harvesting system for irrigation).

Outcome: Enhanced food security and environmental quality in NEMSU’s sphere of influence. Success can be gauged by yield improvements in partner farms, diversity of species protected, or reduced disaster losses in communities where NEMSU intervenes. For THE Impact Rankings, tangible outcomes in this pillar will strengthen NEMSU’s submissions for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Just as Arizona State University achieved a world #1 ranking in Life Below Water through innovative programs[17], NEMSU aims to distinguish itself in the SDGs related to sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management, areas highly relevant to its locale.

5. Cultural and Indigenous Inclusion – Championing Inclusive Education and Cultural Sustainability. NEMSU commits to a development approach that respects and uplifts the cultural heritage of Mindanao and ensures inclusive opportunities for all learners. 

Key objectives include:

• Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education (SDG 4) within the University. This involves policies and programs to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds (scholarships, academic support, flexible learning for working students, etc.), including those from indigenous communities and remote areas. NEMSU will strengthen its Indigenous Peoples Education initiatives and continue to diversify its student population across its campus network, ensuring all have access to higher education.

• Integrate cultural sustainability in the curriculum and campus life. The University will promote understanding and preservation of Caraga’s indigenous cultures and local history through relevant courses, research, and cultural events. For instance, incorporating indigenous knowledge systems and values into environmental science or agriculture programs enhances the curriculum and validates traditional wisdom. Cultural festivals, museums, or heritage centers on campus, and research on local languages or arts are ways to operationalize this objective (aligning with SDG 11: Sustainable communities – protection of cultural heritage).

• Engage indigenous communities as partners in sustainable development projects. Rather than approaching indigenous groups as beneficiaries alone, NEMSU will involve them as co-designers of solutions. For example, in crafting forest conservation strategies or land management plans, the University will seek inputs from indigenous land managers who have longstanding experience with these ecosystems. This participatory approach not only improves project effectiveness but also empowers indigenous voices, contributing to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16 (promoting inclusive societies).

• Address gender equality and other dimensions of inclusion in sustainability programs. Within this pillar, NEMSU will pay attention to the empowerment of women and girls (SDG 5), persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups in the context of its sustainability initiatives. This could translate to targeted programs like women-led livelihood projects, or ensuring campus facilities and disaster plans consider the needs of persons with disabilities.

Outcome: A University environment and outreach program that truly reflects the diversity and inclusive spirit of sustainable development. Indicators of success include higher enrollment and success rates of students from marginalized sectors, the presence of thriving cultural preservation projects, and positive feedback from indigenous leaders about NEMSU’s partnerships. In terms of impact recognition, this pillar supports NEMSU’s contributions to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) in a concrete, evidence-based manner, showing that quality and inclusivity can go hand in hand.

6. Partnerships for Sustainable Development – Collaboration at Local, National, and Global Scales. The final pillar recognizes that achieving ambitious goals requires strong networks and partnerships. NEMSU will actively pursue and nurture partnerships as a strategy, in line with SDG 17. 

Key objectives include:

• Establish a Sustainability Partnerships Program within NEMSU to coordinate collaboration efforts. This will map out potential partners across different sectors: local government units (for community projects and policy support), national government agencies (for funding and technical guidance, e.g., Department of Science and Technology, Department of Environment and Natural Resources), other academic and research institutions (for joint projects and exchanges), non-governmental organizations (for community outreach and advocacy), and international bodies (for expertise exchange, grants, and global visibility).

• Join global sustainability networks and initiatives. NEMSU will seek membership or affiliation with organizations like the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) or the SDG Accord for higher education to benchmark its progress and learn from global best practices. Participating in international collaborations or conferences on SDGs will enhance the University’s capability and reputation. This global outlook is exemplified by universities such as the University of Manchester, which, through its social responsibility agenda and global partnerships, has remained in the world’s top tier for social and environmental impact[18][19].

• Leverage partnerships for resource mobilization. Recognizing resource limitations, NEMSU will use partnerships to access funding, technology, and expertise for sustainability projects. For example, corporate partners could support campus greening projects as part of their CSR, or international development agencies might fund community resilience projects. Through proactive fundraising and project development tied to the SDGs, the University can overcome budget constraints and scale its impact.

• Emphasize SDG 17 in Impact Rankings preparations. Since submission of evidence on partnerships is mandatory for a university’s overall Impact Ranking[20], NEMSU will meticulously document and highlight its partnership activities. The University will demonstrate how collaborations have enhanced outcomes, whether it’s co-authored research, multi-stakeholder community projects, or joint educational programs. This focus not only aids the rankings application but genuinely embeds a culture of cooperative action.

• Foster internal partnerships (cross-department collaboration). Sustainability is inherently interdisciplinary, so NEMSU will encourage departments and campuses to work together on SDG initiatives. For example, the College of Engineering and the College of Agriculture might jointly develop a renewable energy solution for farming, or the College of Education could partner with the College of Arts and Sciences to integrate climate change into school curricula for teacher training.

Outcome: A vibrant ecosystem of partnerships that amplifies NEMSU’s reach and effectiveness. The measure of success will be the number and quality of active partnerships and the tangible outputs from those collaborations (e.g., co-funded projects, policy influence, community transformations). In the eyes of THE Impact Rankings, a strong portfolio of partnerships coupled with evidence of collaboration will position NEMSU competitively, demonstrating it lives by the ethos that “education and innovation are a team sport” in sustainable development.

Each of these strategic pillars comes with its set of objectives and ideas for action. They also intersect: progress in one pillar often supports the others. Together, they represent a comprehensive approach that balances campus greening, academic excellence, social responsibility, environmental action, cultural sensitivity, and collaborative leadership, all crucial dimensions if NEMSU is to truly embody the SDGs and excel in demonstrating impact.

Click here for more details on the Implementation Mechanisms.

Click here for more details on the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting Implementation Mechanisms.

In forging this Sustainability Policy, North Eastern Mindanao State University galvanizes the collective will of its community to include students, faculty, staff, and partners, to become a tower of sustainability in Mindanao and beyond. The journey outlined is ambitious yet attainable: it balances bold aspirations (to transform our University into a model sustainable campus and a hub of SDG solutions) with practical steps tailored to our realities. By embedding the SDGs into our vision, principles, strategic pillars, and daily practices, NEMSU signals that it is “all in” on the pursuit of a better future, much like the world’s leading impact universities. We take inspiration from institutions like the University of Manchester, which has shown that a university with social responsibility at its core can consistently rank among the top in the world for impact [24], and from Arizona State University, whose President noted that universities have “a critical responsibility to help forge a better future” in a world of challenges[25]. NEMSU embraces that responsibility fully.

This policy is more than a document for a rankings application, it is a declaration of NEMSU’s identity and duty in the 21st century. We conclude by reaffirming key commitments: NEMSU will educate future leaders and citizens who are conscious of sustainability, it will generate research and innovations that help solve local and global problems, it will operate its campuses in harmony with nature, and it will uplift communities through knowledge and partnership. In doing so, NEMSU will not only improve its chances of being recognized in the THE Impact Rankings, but will more importantly earn the trust and admiration of those it serves in the Caraga region and the Philippines.

The success of this Sustainability Policy hinges on collective action. We call on every member of the NEMSU family to take part,  whether it’s through small daily acts like conserving energy and water, or through leading major projects in research and community service. We also extend our hands to our partners: government officials, industry leaders, NGOs, alumni, and international friends – join us in collaborations that multiply our impact. Just as the SDGs themselves require cooperation across nations and sectors, our goals at NEMSU will be achieved through unity and shared purpose.

In unity and with unwavering commitment, we shall carry out this Sustainability Policy. Together, we will make NEMSU a shining example of how a university in a developing region can champion the UN Sustainable Development Goals with both heart and wisdom, and how it can turn the global vision of a better world into reality, one community at a time.

With these strengthened commitments, NEMSU not only positions itself as a regional sustainability leader but also as a university capable of competing globally in SDG-driven excellence. Through evidence-based governance, measurable impact, and bold climate and social targets, NEMSU declares its readiness to join the ranks of the world’s top universities recognized for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

• [1] [4] [17] [19] [20] [25] Top universities delivering UN Sustainable Development Goals | World Economic Forum  https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/06/university-impact-rankings-2024-sustainable-development-goals/

• [2] North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) reaffirms its commitment to innovation and sustainable development. | North Eastern Mindanao State Universityhttps://www.nemsu.edu.ph/news/Reaffirmation-of-commitment-to-innovation-and-sustainable-development

• [3] Towards a Community of Practice on Climate Security and Environmental Peacebuilding in Mindanao - CGIARhttps://www.cgiar.org/news-events/news/towards-a-community-of-practice-on-climate-security-and-environmental-peacebuilding-in-mindanao/

• [5] [8] [10] [24] Sustainability strategy | The University of Manchesterhttps://www.manchester.ac.uk/about/social-responsibility/environmental-sustainability/our-sustainability-commitments/sustainability-strategy/

• [6] [11] [21] ASU leads the US for impact with UN Sustainable Development Goals | ASU News https://news.asu.edu/20250617-university-news-asu-no-1-us-no-6-world-un-sustainable-development-goals-ranking

• [7] [9] [23] Sustainability strategy - The University of Sydney https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us/vision-and-values/sustainability/sustainability-strategy.html

• [12] [13] [15] Plenary Talk on the Topic: “Sustainability and Strategic Mechanisms of NEMSU Community Extension Programs” – Surigao del Norte State University https://snsu.edu.ph/del-carmen-campus/plenary-talk-on-the-topic-sustainability-and-strategic-mechanisms-of-nemsu-community-extension-programs/

• [14] [16]  | North Eastern Mindanao State University https://nemsu.edu.ph/news/Empowers-Fisherfolk-Lianga

• [18] University of Manchester ranked number 1 yet again for positive .https://www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/university-of-manchester-ranked-number-1-yet-again-for-positive-social-and-environmental-impact/

• [22] Tree Planting Activity and CEPA... - The FarmBuilders 

• Times Higher Education. (2023). THE Impact Rankings methodology. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/impactrankings

• United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 agenda for sustainable development. https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda

• University of Manchester. (2022). Social responsibility and sustainability. https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/social-responsibility/

• University of Sydney. (2022). Sustainability strategy. https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us/vision-and-values/sustainability.html

• Arizona State University. (2023). Global Futures Laboratory. https://globalfutures.asu.edu/

• North Eastern Mindanao State University. (2024). SDG initiatives. https://sites.google.com/nemsu.edu.ph/sdg/home

• North Eastern Mindanao State University. (2024). SDG evidence initiatives (unpublished internal spreadsheet).