Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Imagine a world where everyone has enough food, clean water, access to education, and decent work. A world where nature is protected and the future of our planet is cared for. These are the Sustainable Development Goals—building a sustainable future for everyone! To this end, the United Nations (UN) identified 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. The SDGs are a global plan that helps countries and people move together toward a better future. All 193 UN member states have signed up to them.
The goals are: no poverty and hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industrialization, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life on land and marine ecosystems, peace, justice and strong institutions, and partnerships for sustainable development.
Our university is the leader among all 752 Russian universities in terms of its contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Strategy. In 2024, RUDN University ranked second and was included in the top five universities in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) for sustainable development management, according to a study by the National Rating Agency. In the Times Higher Education Impact global ranking, we are ranked first in Russia for two SDGs: "Quality Education" and "Gender Equality." We are also among the top five universities in the country for nine more SDGs. Furthermore, we were one of seven Russian universities included in the inaugural RAEX Sustainable Development Ranking. Our university was awarded the AA rating, demonstrating a very high level of work in this area.
The greenest
RUDN University takes environmental stewardship seriously. We rightfully rank first among Russian universities and 22nd globally in the UI GreenMetric ranking, earning the title of "greenest." RUDN University was the first in the country to receive accreditation for the verification of carbon reporting, climate projects, and carbon footprints, as well as the validation of climate projects across 27 economic activities. Since 2017, the university has been implementing a project to measure the environmental situation on campus and around the university, monitoring the air, soil, and vegetation year-round.
RUDN University has transitioned to energy-saving technologies. 100% of its buildings have undergone energy audits. The university has implemented measures to reduce heat and water consumption costs, resulting in a 24,000 cubic meter reduction in water consumption in 2024 compared to 2023. The university has also implemented a waste separation system and recycles approximately 3,000 tons of waste annually.
RUDN University staff and students are also making a contribution and actively participating in wastepaper collection. In 2023, over 30 tons of paper were collected, in 2024 – over 37, and in 2025 – approximately 37 tons. This translates to 17-20 saved mature trees and 20,000-50,000 liters of saved water.
In 2025, scientists from the RUDN University Institute of Ecology developed the university's first standard for determining environmental indicators for sustainable development.
Current research
Over the past year, RUDN University researchers have published over 1,930 publications on the SDGs, most of which are on medicine. Over 600 articles are devoted to SDG 3, "Good Health and Well-Being."
For example, the research of the medical institute's scientists—Doctors of Medical Sciences Timur Fatkhudinov and Andrey Elchaninov, and Candidate of Medical Sciences Andrey Makarov—covers cell biology, inflammation, regeneration, and oncogenesis, as well as the development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in molecular and cellular medicine. The research team has developed a prototype biomedical cell product for immunocellular therapy, aimed at improving the effectiveness of treating socially significant diseases, including cancer. The scientists obtained results in in vitro and in vivo disease models confirming the potential of macrophages in tumor therapy: the resulting native and polarized macrophages can be used both as a therapeutic agent and as an agent for delivering antitumor drugs to the tumor site.
But it's not just research that helps RUDN University achieve SDG-3. The university runs the "Healthy Student, Healthy Employee" program, which provides employees with free health screenings from men's and women's health specialists. And starting this year, they can also take a free course of 10 consultations with a psychologist. This is how the university cares about the health of its students and staff.
Returning to research, another popular area is SDG 2 (zero hunger). RUDN University scientists published 220 publications on this topic in 2024. For example, one study by the Institute of Ecology is devoted to the development of innovative methods in plant growing based on artificial intelligence. The scientists succeeded in developing innovative models that predict plant damage by fungal diseases based on spectral reflectance data and laboratory analysis of leaves. The models are based on machine learning algorithms and can accurately determine the extent of infestation using images obtained from drones or satellites. This approach will allow agronomists to proactively identify disease outbreaks, save time and money, and apply fungicides only where truly necessary. This will reduce environmental impacts and improve production efficiency. Furthermore, the developed technologies can be integrated into smart monitoring systems that integrate satellite data, on-site sensors, and precision farming software solutions.
Quality of education
RUDN University has also made significant progress in achieving SDG 4, "Quality Education." The university offers over 800 educational programs, including those focused on SDG topics such as "Food Security," "Energy and Resource-Saving Processes in Chemical Engineering," "Expertise in Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development," "Discrimination and Gender Issues in Modern International Law," and others.
Our students study 14 languages. Seventy-two programs at the university are taught in English, French, Chinese, and Spanish. Joint master's programs and other projects are being implemented with Sber, Alfa-Bank, X5, and other strategic partners. RUDN University has over 250 cooperation agreements with international universities and research centers, and 176 joint international educational programs. Academic exchanges, internships, and scientific collaborations—the university's international activities are widespread. SDG 4 is also a research focus for RUDN University researchers. Last year, over 120 scientific articles were published on this topic, and over 20 R&D projects were completed.
Digitalization also plays a significant role in ensuring the quality and accessibility of education. RUDN University has a digital preparatory faculty, thanks to which thousands of international students have learned Russian and prepared for admission to Russian universities. Furthermore, the university has its own Multifunctional Center, which provides over 95 services—from dormitory rental agreements to registering international students for migration purposes and visa extensions. The university's mobile app includes essential student features such as student ID cards, personal progress reports, class schedules, and electronic grade books. Faculty also benefit from convenient electronic transcripts and an electronic attendance and grade book.
Over 200 laboratories operate at the university to conduct various experiments, conduct research, and prepare scientific publications. These include a VR lab at the Engineering Academy, where students can work with modern 3D projects in mechanical engineering, architecture, mining, and transportation, as well as prepare and defend their term papers and final theses with visual presentations of their work in a fully immersive virtual environment. Furthermore, over 1,300 companies collaborate with RUDN University on graduate employment opportunities. Students have numerous opportunities to complete internships at public and government organizations, industrial enterprises, and public and private clinics. These opportunities also include preparing final theses on real-world projects and company challenges, with the potential for subsequent employment.
Our university rightfully occupies a vanguard position in the global educational and scientific arena. RUDN's contribution to achieving the SDGs is, without exaggeration, endless. These aren't just words, but real achievements, confirmed by international experts.
Incidentally, it has become a good tradition to hold the International Scientific Conference "For Sustainable Development of Civilization: Cooperation, Science, Education, and Technology" annually in November at RUDN University. The conference serves as a platform for exchanging experiences and developing practical solutions for achieving the SDGs.
The main theme of 2025 is the achievement of 17 sustainable development goals by CIS member states by 2030.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.