In this white paper, we explore key factors underpinning the good governance adopted by universities of S&T, enabling them to lead by example through contributions to sustainability. This paper is primarily intended for those involved in the leadership and governance of universities of S&T, to act as a guide for embedding good governance which contributes to sustainability. In this way, it can act as a tool to advance the implementation of our association’s declaration ‘Contributions of Universities of S&T to Sustainability’. The declaration stands as a formal commitment from the leaders of our Members when contributing to sustainability. A milestone while preparing the declaration, and upon which it builds, was the 2021 Call to Action where our association joined forces with the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN), Science Europe and the University of Strathclyde committing to support concrete actions to address the many challenges of global sustainability together.