Sustainability, as defined by the United Nations, is “development which takes care of current needs without jeopardizing the needs of future generations.” Its three-pillar conception of economy, social, and environment reflects the interconnection between people, planet, and prosperity, with sustainability at the center. This principle underpins Sustainable Development (SD), which emphasizes responsible resource use, balanced priorities, social equity, and intergenerational well-being.
At Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), sustainability is not merely an agenda but the essence of our institutional identity. Guided by the USM-APEX mission, Transforming Higher Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow, the university embraces a whole-institution approach that embeds Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) principles in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement.
To drive this commitment, Kampus Sejahtera USM leads the coordination and implementation of the USM 5-Year Sustainability Action Plan, anchored by the USM Sustainability Framework. This framework is built upon five internalised sustainability values: Integrity and Responsibility, Inclusivity and Equity, Ecological Stewardship, Impact Driven, and Value Driven. These values serve as the foundation for governance, innovation, and action across the campus community.
