This thesis examines the integration of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at universities through the lens of change management. The primary objective is to develop an understanding of the challenges universities face when integrating the SDGs and based on this seek solutions to address these hurdles via change management methodologies. 

Through a systematic literature review, this thesis identifies the primary challenges to the SDG integration. These challenges include aligning the SDGs with existing strategies, securing stakeholder engagement and cooperation, embedding the SDGs into the curricula, managing the practical aspects of implementation, communicating and creating awareness about the changes, training relevant stakeholders, measuring impact, and overcoming barriers to funding.

Combined with an analysis of the applicability of existing change management methodologies, the thesis proposes a tailored approach named as the Challenge Response Framework to address the specific challenges universities face when aiming to integrate the SDGs. The thesis underscores the need for empirical validation of the suggested framework and calls for further investigations to test its effectiveness in diverse academic settings.