Chiang Mai University (CMU) demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the integration of sustainability concepts into its General Education (GE) curriculum. This approach not only promotes lifelong learning and social responsibility but also fulfills the THE Impact Rankings 2026 Metric 17.4.1, which evaluates the contribution of higher education institutions to achieving the SDGs through education and outreach.sdgs.cmu+2​

Embedding SDGs into General Education

         The CMU GE program establishes a foundation for all students—regardless of discipline—to develop essential competencies for sustainable citizenship. Each course is mapped to specific SDGs to ensure that global awareness, ethical thinking, and sustainable innovation are core learning outcomes. The five primary GE domains—Language Literacy, Digital Literacy, Global Citizenship, Innovation and Creativity, and Entrepreneurship—are strategically aligned with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).pol.cmu+1​

For example:

• • SC190 Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Science Communication promotes SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by emphasizing analytical reasoning and evidence-based decision-making.
  • PG104 Citizenship supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by fostering civic engagement and democratic participation.
  • SE111 Software for Everyday Life links to SDG 9, cultivating digital literacy for sustainable innovation.pol.cmu​

Systematic SDG Mapping and Curriculum Collaboration

           The General Education Division continuously reviews and aligns GE course content with the UN’s 17 SDGs through structured mapping and collaboration with faculties across CMU. Sustainability topics such as climate resilience, gender equity, resource management, and ethical governance are woven into lectures, projects, and assessments. Courses addressing SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) highlight environmental responsibility, while those tied to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality) promote inclusive learning practices.sdgs.cmu+1​

Toward a Leading Model in Sustainable Education

            This university-wide GE–SDG integration embodies CMU’s mission as “A Leading University Committed to Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development.” By embedding sustainability into all academic disciplines, CMU reinforces both local and global competitiveness in producing graduates who are sustainability-literate and community-minded. This systemic alignment ensures that CMU’s General Education curriculum not only meets but exemplifies the standards of THE Impact Rankings metric 17.4.1, reflecting a measurable and transformative contribution to sustainable development education.sdgs.cmu+2​