Framing the role of higher education in sustainable development: a case study analysis

Abstract

PurposeHigher Education Institutions (HEIs) should play a fundamental role in achieving the international 2030 Sustainable Development (SD) agenda. Quality education is the fourth of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and one of the targets related to this is to ensure that by 2030 all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote SD. Therefore, the SDGs provide a motive for HEIs to integrate SD concepts into their day-to-day practices. MethodsThis paper presents the results of a case study analysis of the role and successful techniques of HEIs in achieving SD in three countries, Germany, Japan, and Egypt. Primary data was collected by semi-structured interviews with three Cairo University (CU) officials, while secondary data was collected by reviewing the universities official websites, reports, publications, and related papers. This study introduces a novel framework for HEIs SD analysis and assessment, which guides HEIs and educational leaders to support SD to fulfil their countries commitments to achieving the SDGs. This framework is based on five categories (1) Strategic Direction & Institutional Working Practices, (2) Supporting Students, (3) Supporting University Staff Competencies, (4) Supporting Society s Stakeholders & 1 Associate Professor. Zayed University-College of Business. Cairo University-Faculty of Economics and Political Science. [email protected] 2 Associate Professor. Cairo University-Faculty of Economics and Political Science. [email protected] 3 Cairo University-Faculty of Economics and Political Science. [email protected]