Lobos take flight at the International Sunport – UNM Newsroom

Report on the ‘Knowledge Concourse’ Exhibit and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction to the Initiative

A new exhibit, titled the “Knowledge Concourse,” has been inaugurated at the Albuquerque International Sunport. The project features displays from eight of New Mexico’s higher education institutions, including the University of New Mexico (UNM). Located on the lower level near baggage claim, the exhibit is designed to showcase the state’s academic landscape, innovation, and cultural contributions to travelers. This initiative directly supports the promotion of inclusive and equitable quality education, a core tenet of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).

Participating Institutions and Commitment to SDG 4: Quality Education

The collaborative nature of the exhibit highlights a statewide commitment to advancing educational opportunities. The participating institutions represent a diverse range of academic offerings and collectively advance the mission of SDG 4.

• University of New Mexico (UNM)
• New Mexico State University
• Western New Mexico University
• Eastern New Mexico University
• New Mexico Highlands University
• Northern New Mexico College
• New Mexico Tech
• Central New Mexico Community College

University of New Mexico (UNM) Exhibit: A Case Study in SDG Integration

The UNM display provides a focused look at the university’s contributions to research, community well-being, and innovation, with clear alignment to several Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Microplastics Research: Samples from the College of Pharmacy represent critical research into the health and environmental impacts of microplastics. This work directly addresses global challenges outlined in:
   • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): By investigating the effects of pollutants on human health.
   • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): By contributing data essential for managing plastic waste.
   • SDG 14 (Life Below Water): By studying the impact of plastics on aquatic ecosystems.
2. Innovation and Infrastructure: A racing helmet from the LoboMotorSports Formula 1 program and a meteorite from the Institute of Meteoritics are displayed. These items symbolize the university’s role in advancing scientific knowledge and technological development, which are central to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
3. Health and Community: The exhibit references the compassionate patient care delivered by the university, a direct contribution to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Furthermore, a jersey from the champion Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams promotes the importance of physical activity and well-being, another key aspect of SDG 3.

Collaborative Framework and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The “Knowledge Concourse” is a result of a strategic partnership between the Albuquerque International Sunport and the state’s leading academic institutions. This collaboration is a prime example of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which emphasizes the need for cross-sectoral cooperation to achieve sustainable development. The project, part of the Sunport’s “Dream of Flight” renovation, also enhances the facility as a community asset, aligning with the principles of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by showcasing local culture and institutional strengths.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  The article’s central theme is the celebration and promotion of higher education in New Mexico. It highlights the “state’s higher education landscape,” featuring eight institutions, including the University of New Mexico (UNM). The “Knowledge Concourse” exhibit is designed to offer a “snapshot of the state’s academic community” by showcasing “outstanding academic programs.”

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  The article discusses innovation and infrastructure development. The exhibit itself is part of the Sunport’s “Dream of Flight” renovation, which aims to “enhance the passenger experience.” Furthermore, the UNM display specifically features “groundbreaking research initiatives” and innovation, such as the “LoboMotorSports Formula 1 program” and “samples from microplastics research,” directly linking to the goal of fostering innovation.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The project is a community-focused initiative within Albuquerque. It involves the city’s mayor, a major public infrastructure hub (the Albuquerque International Sunport), and local universities. The exhibit aims to showcase “New Mexico’s culture” and make the academic community “front and center at the Sunport,” thereby strengthening the cultural fabric and community pride of the city and state.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article explicitly emphasizes the collaborative nature of the project. The Acting Aviation Director states, “The Sunport is all about partnerships with our local friends and our community partners.” The “Knowledge Concourse” is a direct result of a public-public partnership between a city-managed entity (the Sunport) and state higher education institutions (UNM, NMSU, and others).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.

  The exhibit actively promotes and showcases the state’s universities and community colleges, which are the primary providers of tertiary education. By making these institutions visible to a wide audience of travelers, it implicitly supports the goal of increasing access and awareness.

• Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries… and substantially increase the number of research and development workers… and public and private research and development spending.

  The article highlights UNM’s “groundbreaking research initiatives,” specifically mentioning “a meteorite from the UNM Institute of Meteoritics” and “samples from microplastics research.” This directly aligns with the target of enhancing scientific research and innovation.

• Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

  The exhibit is presented as a way to showcase “New Mexico’s culture” and the state’s academic community, which can be considered a significant part of its modern cultural heritage. The “Knowledge Concourse” serves as an effort to safeguard and promote this aspect of the state’s identity in a prominent public space.

• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

  The entire project is an example of this target in action. It is a partnership between the City of Albuquerque (through its mayor and the Sunport) and eight public higher education institutions to achieve a common goal of showcasing the state’s academic and cultural assets.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for Target 4.3: The number of tertiary education institutions participating in public outreach initiatives.

  The article states that “eight institutions” are featured in the exhibit, including universities and a community college. This number serves as a direct indicator of the scale of participation in this specific promotional effort.

• Indicator for Target 9.5: The number and variety of research and innovation projects showcased to the public.

  The article implies this by listing specific examples from the UNM display: “the LoboMotorSports Formula 1 program,” “a meteorite from the UNM Institute of Meteoritics,” and “samples from microplastics research.” These can be counted as distinct examples of research and innovation being promoted.

• Indicator for Target 11.4: The amount of public space dedicated to showcasing local culture and heritage.

  The article mentions the creation of the “Knowledge Concourse,” a new exhibit located “near baggage claim” on the “Sunport’s lower level.” This physical installation represents a measurable allocation of space within public infrastructure for cultural promotion.

• Indicator for Target 17.17: The number of partners involved in a public-public partnership.

  The article identifies a clear partnership between the Albuquerque International Sunport (a city entity) and eight higher education institutions. The total number of partners (1 city entity + 8 educational institutions) is a quantifiable measure of the collaboration’s breadth.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news.unm.edu