Goal 17: Policies, processes and
practices
We
are committed to building strong partnerships with organisations and businesses
at local, national and global levels. Through these collaborations, we aim to
maximise our contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and
deliver outstanding, impactful teaching and research.
This
page highlights the key policies, processes, and practices that support Sustainable Development Goal 17:
Partnership for the Goals.
Relationships with regional NGOs
and government for SDG policy
We actively
engage with regional government, NGOs and national government on policy
development which support the SDGs to inform strategies that address sustainability
challenges.
Northumbria
partners with a range of NGOs and community groups to advance climate adaptation and
sustainability. Locally, we work closely with Business in the
Community (BITC), a major UK-based NGO, on a number of climate-focused projects
relevant to education and practice. In 2023/4, Northumbria was
appointed as research partner on the BITC’s Green
Skills Lab project which aims to equip businesses and public sector
organisations across the UK with the knowledge and capabilities to address
climate risks and transition to net-zero operations. Our work with BITC
includes climate adaptation and resilience as strategic themes, particularly in
the context of skills development and local economic inclusion.
Our
research has guided UK policymakers on the use of digital forensics and evidence in the criminal justice system.
The study involved officers and specialists from regional police forces, the
National Crime Agency, counter-terrorism units, police Digital Forensics Units,
the Crown Prosecution Service, the HM Prisons and independent legal
practitioners. The team found that digital forensics now plays a role in 90% of
criminal investigations and prosecutions. The research highlighted challenges
and opportunities in using digital evidence, fostering collaborative dialogue
across professional and institutional boundaries in support of SDG16 Peace,
Justice and Strong Institutions.
Northumbria's
pioneering centre of excellence in responsibleartificial intelligence (AI) research and expertise is guiding UK policymakers and brings together
academics, policymakers, government, NGOs and industry leaders to advance AI
research, education and policy, ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible
to all and that no one is left behind in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The centre contributes to SDG9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure by supporting regional stakeholders
in the adoption of AI, and contributes to sustainable industrial growth,
regional economic development and enhanced public services. The Centre also
aligns with the UK Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, promoting
collaboration between academia, industry and policymakers to equip businesses,
public services and individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to
harness AI responsibly.
Our Visualisation and Virtual Reality group use innovative 3D survey and analysis to transform decision making in
built and natural environments. It has
partnerships with national agencies, regional government and industry to
provide tailored solutions to problems and challenges arising from climate
change, including climate related disaster risks, such as flooding and
heatwaves (SDG13 Climate Action). Their early warning work on slope
visualisation and change detection data with Forestry Enterprise Scotland
recommended planting of tree species to improve slope stability.
Internationally, the group work with Natural Resources Canada modelling the key
risks to infrastructure and communities posed by permafrost cliff erosion and
their early warning systems produced interventions which helped to prevent a
potentially fatal landslide arising from excess precipitation.
Internationally, Northumbria has played a key role
in the launch of the Flipflopi Toolkit: Recycling Solutions for Remote
Communities, a new resource designed to help organisations set up resilient
plastic recovery and recycling schemes worldwide. The toolkit strengthens
global efforts to reduce marine plastic waste and supports the transition to
circular economies in vulnerable coastal regions. The project contributes to
SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG14 Life Below Water, promoting
plastic recovery, recycling, and sustainable livelihoods in coastal and island
communities, combining education, policy development and practical innovation,
the toolkit strengthens global efforts to reduce marine plastic waste and
supports the transition to circular economies in vulnerable coastal regions.
