Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the need to accelerate the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the actions needed to reach them. In particular, it outlines a variety of actions which higher education institutions may undertake, to take an active part in the process. Design/methodology/approach: This paper presents an analysis of the trajectory leading to the SDGs, their relevance and the problems seen in the implementation. Findings: There are many needs to be met to implement the SDGs, and there is a perceived need to accelerate their implementation. Originality/value: The viewpoint tackles the complexity inherent to the implementation of the SDGs and points out some of the needs to be met, so as to enable their implementation.