Aligning Higher Education With The United Nations SDGs

Relevance: GS2 - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation; Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources; GS3 - Growth & Development

(Source: The Hindu, 10/07/2023)

Click here for Daily Current Affairs

Why in the news?

• This article is based on, ‘Aligning higher education with the United Nations SDGs,’ which was published in ‘The Hindu,’ on 10/07/2023.
• It has discussed the importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance in addressing global challenges.
• It highlights India's commitment to achieving these goals, with a particular focus on the role of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in aligning education with the SDGs.

What are the United Nations SDGs?

• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals with 169 targets that all 193 UN member states have agreed to try to achieve by 2030.
• It was established by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• It addresses various interconnected challenges, including poverty, education, health, gender equality, clean energy, and environmental protection.
• The SDGs provide a holistic framework for governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and individuals to work together towards a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world.
• SDGs are a matter of urgency, and actions by all countries, both developed and developing, to end poverty and other socio-economic and environmental problems should align with these strategies.

What has hindered the progress of SDGs?

• Despite being eight years since the establishment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the SDGs Report 2023 highlights slow progress and challenges.
• The COVID-19 pandemic, climate crisis, Russia-Ukraine conflict, and a weak global economy have hindered advancements.
• This lack of progress is a global issue but particularly pronounced in the Least Developed Countries.
• India, while managing economic crises and pandemic challenges relatively well, has faced setbacks in achieving the SDGs.

India's Commitment to SDGs through Higher Education

• Access to Quality Education: The National Educational Policy 2020 is aligned with several SDGs, including SDG4 (Quality Education). It emphasizes the importance of access to quality education at all levels, from early childhood to higher education, and promotes inclusivity and equity in education, which are essential for achieving many other SDGs.
• Focus on Health and Economic Growth: By prioritizing higher education, India aims to empower its citizens and prepare them for meaningful contributions to society and the economy, aligning with multiple SDGs, such as SDG1 (No Poverty), SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
• Employability and Income Generation: The NEP acknowledges the positive correlation between higher education and employability. Individuals with higher education degrees tend to earn more, which can contribute to poverty reduction (SDG1) and improved living conditions. This aligns with the goal of reducing income inequalities (SDG10).
  • According to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), people with a higher education degree are more employable and earn an average of 54% more than those who only have completed senior secondary education.
• Access and Gender Equality: The NEP also aims to improve access to higher education for marginalized communities and promote gender equality (SDG5) by addressing disparities in enrollment and retention.

Key Strategies to enhance the role of Universities

• Research-Teaching Nexus: Universities should strengthen the connection between research and teaching. This integration allows students to gain practical insights and solutions to global challenges through their education.
• Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary Education: Promoting multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches in education helps create well-rounded individuals capable of tackling complex issues through innovative thinking.
• Innovative Solutions and Start-ups: Encouraging collaboration with private companies and the development of innovative solutions and start-ups within university environments can foster entrepreneurship and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
• Value-Based Education (VBE): Introducing value-based education in universities can instill a sense of responsibility in students toward themselves, society, and the environment. This approach aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land) by fostering a deeper connection between individuals and the natural world.

What are the suggestions?

• The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in India emphasizes aligning higher education with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• While ranking universities based on SDG achievements is a positive step, it falls short of meeting the SDG deadline. To accelerate progress, all 56,205 higher educational institutions should work collaboratively.
• Universities should actively engage with their local communities, focusing on areas like community health, energy conservation, resource efficiency, waste reduction, skill development, and sharing resources with other institutions.
• Sustainability should be integrated into institutional strategies, impacting daily administration, teaching, and research.
• The goal is to integrate higher education with socio-economic development, ensuring that universities contribute directly to citizens' well-being and national development.

Conclusion

India's dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably within higher education through the National Education Policy of 2020, marks a significant stride towards realizing the 2030 agenda. To expedite advancement, universities should adopt sustainability as a core principle and seamlessly integrate the SDGs into their daily functions. In doing so, they can assume a central role in tackling urgent global issues and securing a more promising future for everyone.

(*Click this link to read prelims specific weekly current affairs articles)

FAQs

MCQ

Question: Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016)

1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club of Rome’.
2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2