This week over 40 students from 14 different countries will discuss how universities should implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as they convene at the University of Rwanda for the ACU Commonwealth Summer School 2016.

The theme for this year's event is 'The Sustainable Development Goals: what role for universities?', which will give students an understanding of the context of the SDGs in Rwanda, and enable them to share ideas for implementing the SDGs globally. The event also provides an opportunity for Rwandan youth and local community to interact with and learn from young people from other countries.

Fascinating visit to @Uni_Rwanda student community development project yesterday #ACUSS2016 pic.twitter.com/DeZ2qJ8l1x

— The ACU (@The_ACU) August 17, 2016

Over the course of this week, students will share examples of best practice in areas such as university outreach and community development, as well as participating in lectures led by a range of high-profile speakers from Rwanda and other countries, seminars, and site visits themed around key sustainable development themes. They will also collaborate on a high-level group project, enabling them to build a personal and institutional contribution to the SDGs.

Dr Marie-Christine Gasingirwa @Rwanda_Edu talking about the importance of relevant education #SDGs #ACUSS2016 pic.twitter.com/AjRgPRQb32

— The ACU (@The_ACU) August 15, 2016

Professor Philip Cotton, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, said 'I am delighted to welcome such a bright and engaged group of students from across the world to the University of Rwanda, for what I am sure will be a stimulating and fruitful week of discussions. As a member of the ACU, the university is pleased to be part of this important initiative to support students across the Commonwealth. We would also like to thank our sponsors, GIZ Rwanda and Bank of Kigali, who are committed supporters of higher education and development in Rwanda'.

Terri Jacques, Senior Scholarships and Fellowships Officer at the ACU, said 'The ACU strongly believes that higher education has a crucial role to play in the SDGs, and this year's Commonwealth Summer School is our latest activity to focus on this issue. The event provides an important opportunity for young researchers – some of whom have never travelled outside their country before – to come together, learn from each other, and start thinking about solutions to the most pressing global challenges of our time. We are particularly pleased to be holding the event in Rwanda this year – our first-ever event in this country. We are grateful to the University of Rwanda for hosting the event, and to our sponsors for their support'.

More information

To keep up-to-date with the events in Rwanda, follow the #ACUSS2016 hashtag on Twitter

The ACU Commonwealth Summer School is a multidisciplinary event, bringing together talented students from across the Commonwealth, further information can be found here

Take a look at the Higher Education Beyond 2015 campaign, to see the ACU's previous work in advocating for the role of higher education in the global sustainable development agenda.