The 2030 Agenda calls for a transformation to globally sustainable development which, for the first time, obliges industrial and developing countries alike to assume their share of responsibility. Its core elements include cooperation in global partnerships which consistently takes sustainability into account and introduces a “bold” and concretely measurable transformation. Education at all levels is a goal in itself in the 2030 Agenda. All people should have access to inclusive, equitable and high-quality education and have the possibility of benefiting from life-long learning opportunities. As part of its work, the DAAD is actively pursuing this goal through scholarships, collaborative projects and competence-building measures. At the same time, its higher education and research-based programmes provide important impulses for achieving ancillary sustainability goals, e.g. in the areas of climate, health and resource protection. A partnership-based approach is central to the character of the DAAD. Collaboration in mutual interest and impact-oriented programme-planning, monitoring and evaluation are equally important factors for the success and lasting impact of its funding activities. In the future, the DAAD plans to offer specific incentives to encourage higher education institutions to devote themselves more fully to implementing the 2030 Agenda on a sustained, long-term basis.