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SDG 17 : Partnership for the Goals

Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)
17.2 Relationships to support the goals
17.2.1 - Does your university directly engage in or commit to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) policy making with local, national government, or regional non-governmental organizations, including providing expert advice and reports on interventions, future scenario modeling, and building adaptive management capacity? National Formosa University (NFU) has integrated Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) policy making and expert advice into the core of its university governance and local practices, primarily through the establishment of the Office of Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility (a top-tier unit, starting in August 2022) and the Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility Promotion Committee (which includes 4 external expert advisory members in sustainability). NFU actively serves as the "Yunlin Action Think Tank," providing quantified data and professional reports to support the sustainable policy formulation of various levels of government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
For cooperation at the National Government level, NFU collaborates with the Ministry of Agriculture (including the Department of Resource Sustainable Utilization and the Agriculture and Food Agency) through the "Collaborative Learning in Agriculture" project, jointly promoting organic agriculture policy development and participating in the Agriculture and Food Agency's soil carbon sink progress meeting on May 20, 2024. NFU also proactively provides expert advice on climate action policy, formally issuing the "2048 Net-Zero Carbon Emission Declaration" on April 22, 2024. This declaration commits to a phased reduction roadmap (15% reduction by 2028 and 50% by 2034, using 2022 as the baseline) and supports the national net-zero strategy with concrete transformation pathways and a greenhouse gas inventory report (2024 GHG emissions totaled 13,385.429 metric tonsCO2e, verified by a third party at a reasonable assurance level).
For cooperation at the Local Government level, NFU's "Blossoming Huwei" project team established a partnership with the Yunlin County Government's Department of Agriculture and the Climate Change Project Office, aiming to strengthen smart agriculture consensus and policy alignment. Furthermore, the project team successfully nurtured talent, with one student currently employed at the Yunlin County Government Climate Change Project Office, directly participating in policy execution. NFU faculty and students also collaborate with Xiluo Township Office and Tuku Township Office, hosting guidance workshops on carbon inventory and carbon management knowledge for young farmers to assist local industry in sustainable transition.
For cooperation with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), NFU continues to deepen partnerships (SDG 17). During the transition of the "Social Responsibility Practice Education Course," NFU signed cooperation agreements with 39 off-campus non-profit organizations. In various USR Hub practice projects, the teams maintain regular cooperation with local NGOs such as the Yunlin County Agricultural Managers Association, the Feng Tay Education Foundation, and the Yunlin County Ai Wu Ai Association. NFU also implements Social Return on Investment (SROI) assessment principles into the USR balanced scorecard, providing quantified social responsibility impact data to serve as a basis for local sustainable decision-making, fulfilling the commitment to provide expert advice and reports.

17.2.2 - Does your university initiate and participate in cross-sector collaboration to address Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as meetings and workshops involving government/non-governmental organizations (NGOs)? NFU initiates and deeply participates in cross-sector collaboration, involving government organizations and NGOs, to address SDGs. Institutionally, NFU established the nation's first top-tier unit, the Office of Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility (in August 2022), dedicated to coordinating cross-sector integration of SDGs and University Social Responsibility (USR). Government organizations and NGOs are designated as 10 key stakeholders, with dedicated communication channels.
For SDG 17, NFU offered 262 related courses and executed 20 projects in 2024. In social practice, the total participation in USR practice activities in 2024 reached 14,249 person-times, with 5,472 participants coming from external partners (cooperative units/community members).
Specific collaborations include:
  • Government Collaboration: NFU partnered with the Water Resources Agency (WRA) to promote the "Huwei Tide: Resilient Town Waterbank Integration Project". NFU cooperates with the Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA) using UAVs to track the critically endangered Taiwan white dolphin. NFU collaborates with the Chiayi County Government to manage the "Asian UAV AI Innovation Application R&D Center," which has attracted a total of 37 units to relocate to the park. NFU actively participates in 26 external public associations and organizations.
  • NGO/Community Collaboration: NFU signed cooperation agreements with 39 off-campus non-profit organizations for the "Social Responsibility Practice Education" course, resulting in 1,113 students completing service programs. The annual University Development Workshop invited government experts (such as the Director of the MOE Technical and Vocational Education Department) and experts from partner universities to participate in discussions, providing quantitative data and practical guidance. NFU has confirmed that 5 participants from the central government and 1 participant from the local government attended the 2024 USR Consensus Meeting.
17.2.3 - Does your university engage in international cooperation to collect or measure data for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? NFU actively engages in international cooperation to collect and measure SDG-related data through the following quantified pathways:
  • Sustainability Reporting and International Alignment: NFU has continuously published its 3rd Sustainability Report (2024 edition), using the internationally recognized GRI Standards 2021 and TCFD frameworks for information disclosure. The report underwent third-party verification according to the AA1000 AS Assurance Standard (moderate assurance level) and received the Silver Award in the Sustainability Report category at the 2024 Taiwan Sustainable University Awards.
  • Climate Data Measurement and International Standards: NFU proactively conducts a GHG inventory, with 2024 total emissions measured at 13,385.4292 metric tons CO2e. This inventory has passed third-party verification according to the ISO 14064-1:2018 standard (reasonable assurance level), specifically citing the IPCC 2013 AR5 GWP values. To cultivate data measurement talent, NFU trained 151 person-times in 2024, acquiring sustainability certifications such as ISO 14064/14067.
  • International Ranking and Cooperation: NFU uses the results of the THE Impact Rankings and other international campus evaluations as key performance indicators for its SDG development, which constitutes direct participation in international cooperation for measuring SDG performance. Furthermore, USR projects like "Blossoming Huwei, Sustainable Coexistence" collaborate with the International Climate Development Institute (ICDI), an international non-profit organization, to promote carbon management and education.
17.2.4 - Does your university address the Sustainable Development Goals through international cooperation and research, examining comparative approaches and developing international best practices? NFU has achieved several quantified results in addressing the SDGs through international cooperation, comparative research, and developing best practices:
  • Governance and International Standards: NFU's 3rd Sustainability Report (2024) follows the GRI Standards 2021 and TCFD frameworks. NFU achieved ISO 27001:2022 certification (covering 17 primary administrative units) and successfully passed third-party verification of its ISO 14064-1:2018 GHG inventory at a reasonable assurance level.
  • International Partnerships and Mobility: NFU maintains partnerships with 80 international sister universities. It is a member of the TAItech alliance in Taiwan, which signed a memorandum of understanding with the German HAWtech alliance. In 2024, NFU successfully recruited 34 students from sister universities (India, Indonesia, Vietnam) for short-term exchange. NFU also sponsored 26 students to undertake summer internship training in Canada and regularly participates in international education conferences such as APAIE, NAFSA, and EAIE.
  • Research and Best Practices: NFU faculty and students won 2 Gold, 1 Silver, and 5 Bronze awards at the 2024 Asia Pacific and Taiwan Sustainable Action Awards, with several outcomes aligned with SDGs, such as using UAV technology to track the ecological path of the critically endangered Taiwan white dolphin (SDG 14, 15). A cross-disciplinary team also won the Gold Medal at the 2024 Warsaw International Invention Exhibition, showcasing technological innovation contributing to sustainable development.
17.2.5 - Does your university cooperate with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the following ways to address the Sustainable Development Goals? NFU actively cooperates with NGOs/NPOs, which are listed as one of the ten major stakeholder categories. In 2024 (Academic Year 112), total participation in University Social Responsibility (USR) practice activities reached 14,249 person-times.
  • Quantified Participation: One stakeholder questionnaire activity conducted by the low-carbon green energy sub-project (under the Higher Education Sprout Project Goal 2) recorded 94 NPO/NGO participants. The "Collaborative Learning in Agriculture, Local Creation, and Shared Prosperity for Generations" project attracted at least 70 NPO/NGO participants. The "Blossoming Huwei, Sustainable Coexistence" project recorded 18 NPO/NGO participants and collaborated with international non-profit organizations like the International Climate Development Institute (ICDI).
  • Structured Partnerships: After transforming the "Service Learning" course into the "Social Responsibility Practice Education" course, NFU signed cooperation agreements with 39 off-campus non-profit organizations, enabling 1,113 students to complete service programs.
17.3 Publication of SDG reports The following is the required translation and replication of the SDG report publication data:
17.3.1 SDG 1 (No Poverty) 
NFU disclosed efforts toward SDG 1 in the 2024 Sustainability Report (Academic Year 112). The University offered 161 related courses and executed 2 sustainability projects with a total funding of NT$890,000. Academic outputs included 7 journal papers and 7 conference papers. To ensure accessible learning for disadvantaged students, NFU disbursed NT$40.17 million in scholarships and financial aid. Furthermore, approximately NT$1.18 million was allocated to support Indigenous students, benefiting 62 recipients. This information is primarily detailed in Chapter 3, “Creating a Happy Campus,” and Chapter 6, “Sustainable Social Integration”.

17.3.2 SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) 
In Academic Year 112, NFU offered 96 courses related to SDG 2. The University managed 58 sustainability projects with a total funding of approximately NT$355.7 million (NT$3,557 ten thousands). Academic contributions included 4 journal papers and 3 conference papers. NFU reported 86 activities/clubs aligning with SDG 2. Specific initiatives, such as the USR project "Collaborative Learning in Agriculture, Local Creation, and Shared Prosperity for Generations," address gaps in organic agriculture knowledge and promote cooperative cultivation. These details are found in Chapter 4, “Excellence in Teaching and Research,” Chapter 5, “Green Environmental Performance,” and Chapter 6, “Sustainable Social Integration”.

17.3.3 SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) 
To achieve SDG 3, NFU offered 435 related courses and conducted 128 sustainability projects with a total funding of NT$113.46 million (NT$11,346 ten thousands). In 2024, the University held 172 health promotion activities for faculty and staff, engaging 4,895 participants, and organized 164 student health maintenance activities, with 13,861 participants. NFU also provided Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) training to 1,619 person-times. Academic achievements included 35 journal papers and 78 conference papers. This information is detailed across Chapter 3, “Creating a Happy Campus,” Chapter 4, “Excellence in Teaching and Research,” and Chapter 5, “Green Environmental Performance”.

17.3.4 SDG 4 (Quality Education) 
NFU's investment in SDG 4 is substantial, including 2,818 related courses and 191 sustainability projects with total funding reaching NT$380.97 million (NT$38,097 ten thousands). For learning outcomes, 2,215 students obtained professional certifications or awards in competitions, and 865 students participated in off-campus internships. NFU received NT$240 million in funding from the Higher Education Sprout Project. Regarding continuing education, 214 classes were offered, with 3,774 enrollments. Furthermore, 379 general education courses integrated SDGs, reaching 20,098 enrollments. This data is extensively covered across all chapters of the report, particularly Chapter 4, “Excellence in Teaching and Research”.

17.3.5 SDG 5 (Gender Equality) 
In 2024, NFU implemented measures for SDG 5, offering 260 related courses and undertaking 3 sustainability projects with total funding of NT$1.05 million (NT$105 ten thousands). The Gender Equality Education Committee convened 2 meetings, and a total of 49 gender equality courses, lectures, or activities were organized, with participation exceeding 10,000 person-times. Academic output included 2 journal papers and 5 conference papers. Importantly, the number of sexual harassment cases filed by faculty, staff, or students in 2024 was zero. These achievements are primarily detailed in Chapter 3, “Creating a Happy Campus”.

17.3.6 SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) 
NFU addressed SDG 6 by offering 74 related courses and implementing 1 sustainability project, with a total funding of NT$950,000. Academic outputs included 2 journal articles and 6 conference papers. In 2024, the average daily water consumption per person was 56.07 liters/person-day. To conserve water, the installation rate of water-saving equipment (faucets, toilets, urinals) has reached 55.71%. This information is mainly detailed in Chapter 5, “Green Environmental Performance”.

17.3.7 SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) 
For SDG 7, NFU offered 125 related courses and conducted 17 sustainability projects, with total funding reaching NT$6.92 million. Academic outputs included 28 journal papers and 37 conference papers. Renewable energy generation in 2024 reached 1.43 million kWh. Furthermore, 1,481 energy-saving LED tubes were replaced in the current year. These details are primarily found in Chapter 5, “Green Environmental Performance”.

17.3.8 SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) 
NFU dedicated resources to SDG 8, offering 695 courses and undertaking 96 sustainability projects, with total funding of NT$250.22 million. Scholarly outputs included 37 journal papers and 53 conference papers. In 2024, 865 students participated in off-campus internships, and 2,215 students earned professional certifications or awards. Additionally, 233 faculty and staff received flexible salary subsidies. This is detailed in Chapter 3, “Creating a Happy Campus,” and Chapter 4, “Excellence in Teaching and Research”.

17.3.9 SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) 
NFU engaged in SDG 9 through 847 courses and 293 sustainability projects, with total funding reaching NT$290.41 million. Research outcomes included 88 journal papers and 159 conference papers. In 2024, the University executed 245 industry-academia collaboration projects totaling NT$112.43 million, secured 43 granted patents, and completed 31 technology transfer cases amounting to NT$17.8295 million. Phase I construction budget for the HSR Campus is NT$820 million, anticipated to be operational by the end of 2025. This information is mainly detailed in Chapter 4, “Excellence in Teaching and Research”.

17.3.10 SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) 
For SDG 10, NFU offered 191 courses and ran 26 sustainability projects, with a total funding of NT$34.60 million. Scholarly outputs included 1 journal paper and 6 conference papers. The University demonstrated social inclusion by employing 35 individuals with disabilities (out of 773 total staff/faculty). The ratio of preferential procurement for products and services from disability welfare organizations was 5.18% in 2024. Total scholarships and financial aid disbursed reached NT$40.17 million. This data is found in Chapter 3, “Creating a Happy Campus,” and Chapter 6, “Sustainable Social Integration”.

17.3.11 SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) 
In Academic Year 112, NFU offered 275 courses and implemented 32 sustainability projects aligned with SDG 11, with total funding amounting to NT$18.10 million. Academic publications included 23 journal papers and 36 conference papers. Total participation in University Social Responsibility (USR) practice reached 14,249 person-times, with 5,472 person-times being community partners. NFU also organized 170 field activities (e.g., local practice, workshops, camps). This information is primarily detailed in Chapter 6, “Sustainable Social Integration,” and Chapter 1, “Achievements in Advancing the SDGs”.

17.3.12 SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
For SDG 12, NFU offered 300 courses and executed 47 sustainability projects, receiving NT$32.27 million in funding. The green procurement ratio in 2023 was 96.09%. The proportion of preferential procurement reached 5.18%. Regarding waste management in 2024, the total general waste amounted to 665,365.82 kg, and hazardous industrial waste totaled 7,030.5 kg. The used textbook exchange activity collected 339 books in 2024. These details are primarily found in Chapter 5, “Green Environmental Performance”.

17.3.13 SDG 13 (Climate Action) 
For SDG 13, NFU offered 126 courses and ran 46 sustainability projects, with funding reaching NT$34.50 million. Total GHG emissions in 2024 (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) were 13,385.429 metric tons CO2e/year. NFU aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2048. Energy-saving measures included the replacement of 1,481 energy-saving LED tubes in 2024. Furthermore, 151 participants were trained and certified in carbon management courses (ISO 14064-1, 14064-2, 14067, and 14068). This is detailed in Chapter 5, “Green Environmental Performance” and “Climate Risk and Countermeasures”.

17.3.14 SDG 14 (Life Below Water) 
For SDG 14, NFU offered 57 courses and conducted 1 sustainability project, with funding of NT$1.00 million. Academic output included 1 journal paper and 4 conference papers. Practical actions included signing the "Taiwan White Dolphin UAV and Campus Collaboration Project" (Sustainability Action MOU), and organizing "Environmental Services" such as beach cleaning through student clubs. This is found in Chapter 6, “Sustainable Social Integration,” and Chapter 1, “Achievements in Advancing the SDGs”.

17.3.15 SDG 15 (Life on Land) 
NFU supported SDG 15 by offering 74 courses and implementing 4 sustainability projects, with funding reaching NT$2.42 million. Academic output included 2 journal papers and 2 conference papers. Ecological diversity efforts saw the biological species count at Maguang Farm Organic Zone increase from 152 species to 499 species. Campus ecological inventory identified 57 tree species (683 trees) and 16 insect families in the first campus. NFU won the Global Views USR Award (First Prize in the Ecology & Sustainability Category). This is primarily detailed in Chapter 5, “Green Environmental Performance”.

17.3.16 SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) 
For SDG 16, NFU offered 142 courses and ran 3 sustainability projects, with funding totaling NT$2.02 million. Scholarly output included 0 journal papers and 3 conference papers. NFU achieved ISO 27001:2022 certification in 2024, covering 17 primary administrative units. The University handled 5 appeal cases (2 faculty, 3 students, 0 staff) in 2024, all of which were resolved. Significantly, the number of campus sexual harassment cases filed in 2024 was zero. This data is found in Chapter 2, “University Governance,” and Chapter 3, “Creating a Happy Campus”.

17.3.17 SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) 
For SDG 17, NFU offered 262 courses and managed 20 sustainability projects, with total funding of NT$36.39 million. The University maintains partnerships with 80 international sister universities worldwide. In 2024, NFU executed 245 industry-academia collaboration projects. International exchange programs (TEEP/FTIP) successfully recruited 34 foreign students for short-term exchange in 2024. Community partner participation in USR activities reached 5,472 person-times. After transforming the "Service Learning" course, NFU signed cooperation agreements with 39 off-campus non-profit organizations in 2024. This data is detailed in Chapter 4, “Excellence in Teaching and Research,” and Chapter 6, “Sustainable Social Integration”.

17.4 Education for the SDGs
17.4.1 - Does your university have a commitment to embed education for sustainable development across the entire university (for all people)? NFU has firmly committed to embedding Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) across the entire university to ensure its relevance and practicality for all students. This commitment is coordinated by the Office of Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility (a top-tier unit) and integrated into the university's medium-to-long-term development plan. The ESD scope primarily utilizes elective programs and cross-disciplinary integrated courses, with partial coverage in mandatory courses.
  • Cross-Disciplinary Integrated Courses: NFU pioneered the "Sustainable Development Literacy Program" in 2023, designed to universalize sustainability literacy. This elective program requires at least 18 credits for completion, including at least 14 credits of General Education (GE) sustainability courses and at least 4 credits of professional college-level sustainability courses. The certification requires that SDG content must constitute at least 30% of the total course ratio. In 2024, 379 GE courses integrated SDGs, reaching 20,098 enrollments.
  • Mandatory Courses: The required university course "Service Learning" was transformed into the "Social Responsibility Practice Education" course, with 3,083 students enrolled during the transition period. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences also has "Local Care Practice" as a mandatory course, involving 8 faculty members and 330 students in 2024, applying professional knowledge to solve regional problems. These commitments and practices are publicly disclosed in the 2024 Sustainability Report and the Sustainable Development Literacy Program Establishment Regulations.

17.4.2 - Does your university have dedicated courses (degree programs, full degrees, or elective modules) addressing the Sustainable Development Goals? NFU has dedicated courses and academic program planning addressing the SDGs. In terms of course offerings in 2024, the University offered a large volume of courses related to key SDGs, such as 2,818 courses for SDG 4 (Quality Education), 847 courses for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 435 courses for SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and 300 courses for SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
  • Specialized Programs: NFU established the nation's first "Sustainable Development Literacy Program" through the General Education Center, where all courses are certified to ensure the integration of at least 6 weeks of SDG educational content.
  • Mandatory Course Transformation: The mandatory university course was transformed into the "Social Responsibility Practice Education" course, with 32 courses offered and 1,438 students enrolled in Academic Year 112.
  • Future Planning: NFU is preparing to establish the "College of Agricultural Technology" and a "Bachelor's Program in Circular Agriculture and Forest Utilization". It is also promoting the "4+1 Sustainable Development Program" across the Colleges of Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Management. NFU also encourages student-led SDG initiatives, with 21 proposals and 32 students participating in the 2024 SDG Student Team Selection.

17.4.3 - Does your university have dedicated education outreach activities addressing the Sustainable Development Goals, targeted at the following groups? NFU actively promotes dedicated education outreach activities for a wide range of groups, coordinated by the top-tier Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility Office. In 2024, the USR program held 170 field activities, with 14,249 total participants (including 5,472 external community partners).
  • K-12 and Rural Children: The Education Priority Area (EPA) program utilized 264 student volunteers across 7 teams, serving 7 elementary schools and 358 children. The Vocational Dreams Project involved 48 university students teaching 76 courses at 9 junior high schools, serving 270 students. The "Q-Robot" series promoted sustainability education to 8 elementary/junior high schools and kindergarten families.
  • Community and Local Organizations: The "Collaborative Learning in Agriculture" project attracted 893 person-times of community partners. The "Sustainable Choice Expert" climate education board game was successfully promoted to local elementary schools and senior groups.
  • Elderly and Specific Groups: The "Aromatherapy, Health, and Friendly Elderly" project hosted 10 health lectures (263 participants) and 2 intergenerational health food learning sessions (133 participants). The "New Immigrant Women Cultural Renewal" project involved second-generation students in promotional material creation based on their mothers' cultures. The Sustainable Development Literacy Program through the General Education Center offered 308 GE courses in 2024, reaching 16,559 enrollments, ensuring comprehensive integration of ESD.
17.4.4 - Does your university measure student sustainability literacy? NFU comprehensively measures Student Sustainability Literacy (SDL). The baseline data was established through the "University Student Sustainability Literacy Status Survey" report, released during the Institutional Research (IR) Innovation Sharing Meeting in September–October 2024.
  • Methodology and Scope: The survey, led by the General Education Center, consisted of 5 parts, covering Sustainability Knowledge (10 questions), Attitude (19 questions), Cognitive Skills (6 questions), and Behavioral Intent (17 questions). The assessment targeted 1,957 undergraduate students.
  • Quantified Findings: The data confirmed high awareness: 83.44% of students correctly knew there are 17 SDGs, 73.53% knew the target year is 2030, and 75.83% correctly identified the relationship diagram emphasizing "Environmental Ecological Resources" as the foundation of sustainability's three dimensions. These results served as the baseline for the "Sustainable Development Literacy Program" (launched in 2023) and are used for continuous improvement of sustainability education strategies.