Class Representatives
Related goals: 4, 10, 16
Gather accessible student feedback, include under-represented voices and follow up agreed improvements.
What are the SDGs?
Leave no one behind
A central promise of the 2030 Agenda is to leave no one behind and to endeavour to reach the furthest behind first. For student leaders, this means listening to students who face barriers to participation, considering accessibility from the outset and making sure opportunities are open to those who may otherwise be overlooked.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are at the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. They address connected challenges including health, education, equality, decent work, climate and the natural environment.
Students can use the goals to plan thoughtful activities, discuss real-world challenges and evaluate their work. Participation in a society does not itself prove measurable progress towards a UN target. We encourage realistic claims, appropriate evidence and honest reflection.
Source and attribution: Goal names and descriptions are adapted from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. This is an independent educational resource within the UKMC Student Hub; it is not a UN programme or endorsement. Read the official UN goals.
What could students do?
These are illustrative ideas, not a list of completed or approved projects. Discuss permissions, budgets, accessibility, safeguarding and communications with the relevant UKMC team and the Students’ Association before organising activities.
Students’ Association
Related goals: 4, 10, 16, 17
Support inclusive participation, transparent student decision-making and partnerships.
Wellbeing Ambassadors
Related goals: 3, 10
Promote supportive conversations and signpost students to trained staff; do not provide clinical advice.
Sports Ambassadors
Related goals: 3, 5, 10
Encourage welcoming, accessible activities for students of different abilities.
Library and Academic Ambassadors
Related goals: 4, 10
Promote learning resources, study skills and access to appropriate academic support.
Social Media Ambassadors
Related goals: 4, 12, 16
Share accurate, accessible information and communicate responsibly.
Employability & Careers Society
Related goals: 4, 8
Organise CV workshops, employer talks and career conversations.
Business & Entrepreneurship Society
Related goals: 8, 9, 12
Run responsible enterprise challenges and discussions about sustainable business.
Health & Wellbeing Society
Related goals: 3, 10
Hold inclusive wellbeing awareness events and direct students to qualified support.
Cultural Exchange Society
Related goals: 10, 16
Organise intercultural conversations and inclusive celebrations.
Community & Volunteering Society
Related goals: 1, 11, 17
Arrange approved community volunteering or local partnership activities.
Digital Skills & AI Society
Related goals: 4, 9, 10
Offer digital inclusion workshops and discussions about responsible AI.
Sustainability & Green Society
Related goals: 11, 12, 13, 15
Run waste-reduction, reuse and environmental awareness activities.
Explore all 17 goals
Each goal has detailed targets and indicators. The summaries below are introductory; consult the UN for the official targets.
No Poverty
End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
Zero Hunger
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
Good Health and Well-being
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
Quality Education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Gender Equality
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Clean Water and Sanitation
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Affordable and Clean Energy
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation.
Reduced Inequalities
Reduce inequality within and among countries.
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Responsible Consumption and Production
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Climate Action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Life Below Water
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
Life on Land
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Partnerships for the Goals
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.
Test your understanding
Work through eight questions drawn from a wider pool of realistic student leadership scenarios. You will receive feedback after each answer and can review your result at the end.
This self-directed learning activity supports reflection on the SDGs. It is not an accredited qualification.
Plan an activity with care
Start with a student need. Agree a clear purpose, check who might be excluded, obtain necessary approvals and keep any personal information secure. Afterwards, record participation and feedback without exaggerating outcomes. Clubs and societies operate through the Students’ Association and should follow the approved UKMC arrangements.
For ideas or guidance, contact students.association@ukmc.ac.uk. For student engagement support, contact abbas.mohammed@ukmc.ac.uk.
Explore the UN SDG website