"I am very honoured and excited to be able to join this committee as a representative for UHR and to support their efforts promoting the role of research in societal development. Bærekraftkomiteen plays an important role in creating a momentum among the higher education sector for achieving high social impact in support of sustainable development," says Associate Professor Robert Didham.
Universites Norway (UHR) is a collaborative body for Norwegian institutions of higher education, of which the University of Inland Norway (INN) is a member.
Focus on research and sustainable development
The aim of the Sustainability Committee ("Bærekraftkomiteen for høyere utdanning") is to further develop the role of universities in the global debate on the societal challenges outlined in the UN’s 2030 Agenda, both nationally and internationally. The agenda comprises a total of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which address environmental, economic, and social development in an integrated manner.
In this role, Didham will also serve on the programme committee for the national sustainability conference scheduled for February 2026. His appointment signals a strengthening of Norway's commitment to embedding sustainable development deeply into the core strategies of its universities and research institutions.
"This committee not only creates an important venue for exchange of ideas and experience between members of the higher education community in Norway, but it also provides critical opportunities to influence national strategies and contribute regionally and internationally to policy discussions on research and sustainable development," says Didham.
With more than two decades of experience in sustainable development, Didham brings deep expertise to the role.
In addition to his current directorship, he holds the UNESCO Chair on Education for Sustainable Lifestyles at INN and has previously co-chaired the UNESCO Global Action Programme on Education for Sustainable Development. He has worked with government bodies, NGOs, and academic institutions across the globe to advance sustainability education.
Strengthens INN as a university
"With our new university status, we aim for high standards in education and research, while also advancing our profile as an international university. It is a great opportunity for us to continue in this legacy, and to further advance our leadership both nationally and internationally for sustainability in higher education," says Didham.
INN's recognition in this domain is longstanding. In 2015, UNESCO awarded its first Chair at a Norwegian institute to INN, acknowledging decades of leadership in this field. Victoria Thoresen, the initial Chairholder, played a pivotal role in the foundation of the Bergen SDG Conference and the establishment of the Sustainability Committee.
In addition, INN is a key member of the EMERGE university alliance, leading strategic efforts to embed sustainability, inclusion, and resilience across partner institutions.
"The experience to be gained through EMERGE will provide valuable insights to this new position in the Sustainability Committee. While I also hope that our role as UNESCO Chair and our current position in the International Association of Universities can help to position INN as an important bridge between national and international interests and priorities," says Didham.
Universities as beacons for social impact
Looking ahead, Didham is eager to bring both practical insight and a global network to the table.
"I hope that I can provide practical insights into the ways that universities are already working to integrate sustainability into institutional strategies and using this as an opportunity to strengthen organisational learning and coherence in meaningful ways," he explains.
"Drawing on the experience of our international partner network of our UNESCO Chair, there are many valuable ways in which the Norwegian higher education sector can make greater impacts for the 2030 Agenda, both within Norway and globally."
Read more:
- Universities Norway (UHR)
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Centre for Collaborative Learning for Sustainable Development (CCL)
Contact information:
- robert.didham@inn.no
- Phone
- +47 62 59 79 63