Delivering for the public good objectives

Learn how we will achieve our 3 objectives for Delivering for the public good: Our local, national and global impact.

Our objective is to create positive social impact across local, national and global communities.

UQ is committed to creating positive social change through education, research and collaboration that improves social prosperity and contributes to a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable world.

Central to this purpose, The Queensland Commitment focuses on educational equity and engagement in Queensland. We are embedding these principles across UQ so they guide our work locally, nationally and internationally.

We will continue to implement The Queensland Commitment Roadmap by working with schools, communities and local organisations to strengthen academic aspirations and readiness from early secondary school. We will draw on local knowledge, expertise and experience to shape programs through alumni and community engagement initiatives central to The Queensland Commitment, embedding community engagement as a core part of our institutional mission.

We will promote civic responsibility among students and staff by developing skills in public discourse, policy engagement and community involvement. Opportunities for active citizenship and informed debate during their time at UQ will help graduates contribute thoughtfully and inclusively to society. Staff will be encouraged to share their expertise through public engagement and evidence-based policy development, strengthening UQ’s reputation as a trusted civic voice.

As one of the region’s leading development partners, we will continue to support regional stability and progress by expanding UQ’s international development and capacity-building programs. Our focus will remain on the Pacific and Southeast Asia, while also looking towards South Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Our objective is to drive sustainable and responsible economic growth in Queensland and Australia, with a global impact.

As one of Australia’s leading research and teaching institutions, UQ plays a central role in advancing the knowledge that underpins economic growth. Through our delivery of higher education programs, we develop graduates with the skills needed for Queensland and Australia’s future workforce. Our research strengthens national capabilities and helps industries and communities adapt and grow. Strong partnerships with governments, businesses and universities around the world enhance our teaching and research.

Economic growth, driven by increased productivity, generates employment opportunities and improves living standards. We recognise that growth must be achieved responsibly by balancing productivity gains with the sustainable use of resources and reduced environmental impact. We will build on our broad disciplinary strengths to drive entrepreneurship, strengthen existing sectors and attract new industries to our region.

Building on the success of our Regional Medical Pathway programs, which expand access to medical education in the regions to address workforce shortages, we will explore opportunities to adapt this model across other disciplines to enhance capability and access in areas of national and regional priority.

Through deeper engagement with global partners, we will broaden academic and research collaboration in areas of shared strength. Flagship partnerships with institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, the Technical University of Munich and the University of Exeter demonstrate the mutual benefits of long-term institutional collaboration.

Our objective is to grow a flourishing UQ community built on connections across and beyond the University.

The UQ community extends beyond the University’s boundaries. Building and sustaining this community requires deliberate engagement, inclusive participation and strong partnerships.

The launch of the Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2025 marked an important milestone, but it is only the beginning of UQ’s reconciliation journey. In partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, we aim to embed the Stretch RAP across our operations so that its principles shape our daily work and culture.

Alumni engagement is central to UQ’s influence. With more than 350,000 alumni across 190 countries, our graduates form a global network connecting industries, ideas and opportunities. By deepening engagement, we will open new pathways for alumni to collaborate, contribute and grow, strengthening UQ’s presence and reputation locally, nationally and globally.

Philanthropic partnerships bring communities together and accelerate progress. Donor support drives innovation, expands access and enables the delivery of education, research and community initiatives. Our next comprehensive campaign will invite alumni and donors to play an active role as advocates for education, innovation and The Queensland Commitment.

Through UQ Arts and UQ Sport, we will continue to champion wellbeing, creativity and social connection, bringing students, staff and communities together through shared experiences. These initiatives will also help position UQ, and Queensland, as a global hub for sport, culture and performance innovation in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.