2022 is a critical year for higher education and Agenda 2030, including the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Indeed, we are less than ten years away from the deadline set for Agenda 2030 and much remains to be done. With the world facing various crises bringing a multitude of challenges and opportunities, universities have a leading role to play in this global endeavour to implement the SDGs. Through education, research, campus initiatives, community engagement activities and campaigns at a local, national, regional, and global level, universities are the key to healthier, greener, fairer, and more inclusive societies.

Therefore, the International Association of Universities (IAU) and Higher Education Teaching & Learning Association (HETL) jointly organize a panel discussion with experts on the topic to foster engagement among higher education leadership and constructive cooperation for a sustainable way forward. The discussion will link to the latest issue of IAU Horizons Vol. 26, No. 2, December 2021 which is dedicated to the topic Leadership for a Sustainable Future – Higher Education and Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Drawing on the vast experience and expertise of Members of the IAU network, the magazine features 34 diverse and innovative contributions from 25 countries demonstrate the crucial role of academic leadership in mainstreaming sustainable development.