The study analyses how European university education programmes respond to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, with a focus on Goal 4 (quality, equitable and inclusive education) and Goal 10 (reducing inequalities). It is part of the Guidelines for University Planning 2024–2026 (DM MUR 773/2024) and European docu ments that attribute a key role to higher education in the green transition, post-pandemic recovery and the construction of equitable and sustainable societies. The research adopts a qualitative approach based on the analysis of information available on the websites of various European universities in order to map strategies and actions related to the SDGs. Numerous programmes and strategies emerge that aim to create networks and communities of practice, promote active teaching models and integrate sustainability into training courses, governance and research. EU recommendations and the GreenComp framework define key competences for sustainable action, while the SDSN Italia and RUS document identifies areas for action and operational steps to implement the SDGs in higher education. Universities are called upon to innovate teaching, expand access, integrate sustainability and digitalisation, and promote cooperation and transnational mobility, strengthening an inclusive, flexible and sustainable development-oriented European university system.
Rethinking University Education in the Age of Sustainability: Towards the Creation of a Transformative and Inclusive Educational Ecosystem
Alessandra Natalini;
2025-01-01
Abstract
The study analyses how European university education programmes respond to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, with a focus on Goal 4 (quality, equitable and inclusive education) and Goal 10 (reducing inequalities). It is part of the Guidelines for University Planning 2024–2026 (DM MUR 773/2024) and European docu ments that attribute a key role to higher education in the green transition, post-pandemic recovery and the construction of equitable and sustainable societies. The research adopts a qualitative approach based on the analysis of information available on the websites of various European universities in order to map strategies and actions related to the SDGs. Numerous programmes and strategies emerge that aim to create networks and communities of practice, promote active teaching models and integrate sustainability into training courses, governance and research. EU recommendations and the GreenComp framework define key competences for sustainable action, while the SDSN Italia and RUS document identifies areas for action and operational steps to implement the SDGs in higher education. Universities are called upon to innovate teaching, expand access, integrate sustainability and digitalisation, and promote cooperation and transnational mobility, strengthening an inclusive, flexible and sustainable development-oriented European university system.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
