Purpose This study aims to examine how international literature has addressed the role of universities in the context of climate change, highlighting their contributions to global sustainability and organizing the main gaps that point to future research directions. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was conducted using the Knowledge Development Process – Constructivist, resulting in a bibliographic portfolio composed of 39 international scientific papers. Each study was examined to identify its main findings, the associated sustainable development goals (SDGs), and the future research opportunities indicated by the authors. Findings The results show a strong presence of SDG 13, which appears in 79% of the papers, reaffirming the centrality of the climate crisis. SDGs 4 and 17 also stand out, suggesting an integrated approach to sustainability in the university context. Research opportunities were identified and linked to the SDGs, categorized into thematic areas such as governance, curriculum reform, digital education, urban sustainability and institutional performance, pointing to relevant directions for future investigation. Practical implications The findings provide actionable insights for university managers to redesign curricula toward sustainability competencies, improve governance and transparency and implement campus strategies such as carbon footprint inventories, renewable energy adoption and nature-based solutions. Strengthening external partnerships with governments, networks and civil society also emerges as a key pathway. Social implications By embedding the SDGs, universities can foster critical citizenship and expand their societal role through innovation, public policy engagement and resilience-building. Future research should examine how communication and digital strategies enhance transparency, participation and measurable social impacts. Originality/value This study provides an original contribution by systematizing how international literature has explored the intersection between universities, climate change and the SDGs. The structured mapping of research gaps offers guidance for researchers, academic leaders and policymakers focused on sustainability in higher education.
Gonçalves et al. (Mon,) studied this question.