UN SDG Goals and Indian Higher Education
- The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) encompass a comprehensive collection of 17 goals, accompanied by 169 targets, which have garnered unanimous agreement from all 193 member nations of the United Nations. These goals are intended to be pursued and accomplished by the year 2030.
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their current status of implementation and achievement.
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are of utmost importance and require immediate attention. It is imperative that all nations, regardless of their level of development, take concerted efforts to address poverty, socio-economic challenges, and environmental issues. These efforts should be aligned with strategies aimed at enhancing living standards and education, reducing inequality, and fostering economic growth.
- Despite the passage of eight years since their establishment, the SDGs Report of 2023 has identified sluggish advancements and presented a bleak outlook. This may be attributed to the enduring repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ramifications of the climate catastrophe, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the fragility of the global economy. The absence of advancements towards the objectives is a widespread phenomenon, albeit more conspicuous in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
The Case of India:
- India, despite effectively navigating the global economic crisis and making notable progress in overcoming the hurdles presented by the epidemic, has encountered a setback in its pursuit of these objectives. The National Education Policy of 2020 (NEP 2020) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been the focus of recent activities and policies in India, demonstrating the country’s dedication to achieving the SDGs.
- Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) is concerned with ensuring equitable access to high-quality education. The attainment of other objectives is contingent upon this condition. India, a nation with a rich tradition of promoting fair and comprehensive education, has intensified its endeavours to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a range of changes. Significant recognition should be attributed to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, among other factors.
The significance of pursuing higher education:
- The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has been formulated in alignment with a significant number of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020 emphasises the need for reforms across all educational levels, it is imperative to prioritise higher education due to its ability to facilitate social mobility, foster creative and critical thinking, and equip individuals with employable skills.
- Based on data provided by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), individuals who possess a higher education degree exhibit more employability and tend to earn an average income that surpasses their counterparts who have solely completed senior secondary education by approximately 54%.
The fundamental significance of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4):
- An education that is inclusive and of high quality serves as a means of safeguarding individuals from poverty (SDG1), mitigating the risk of hunger (SDG2), promoting their overall health and well-being (SDG3), fostering gender equality (SDG5), facilitating access to decent employment, thereby contributing to economic growth (SDG8), and diminishing disparities (SDG10).
- It is imperative for universities to enhance the integration between research and teaching in the context of higher education. The implementation of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary educational frameworks yields individuals with diverse skills and knowledge, enabling them to engage in research endeavours and devise inventive resolutions to pressing global issues. These issues encompass the attainment of affordable and clean energy (SDG7), the establishment of sustainable cities and communities (SDG11), the mitigation of climate change and global warming (SDG13), and the examination of their implications on both the economy and the environment.
- The achievement of sustainable development, as outlined in SDG12, necessitates a fundamental transformation in our patterns of production and consumption. The development of innovative solutions and startups pertaining to Sustainable Development Goal 9 necessitates collaborative efforts with private enterprises.
- The implementation of Value-Based Education (VBE) has the potential to cultivate a sense of responsibility among individuals towards themselves, society, and the environment. This, in turn, can contribute to the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goal 15, which aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
Recommendations:
- The National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020 requires the Indian higher education sector to align its daily activities with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The act of classifying universities based on their attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a commendable step; nonetheless, it remains insufficient in terms of fulfilling the SDG deadline.
- Universities ought to emerge revitalised and actively contribute to the realms of education, innovation, culture, and civic engagement within their respective local communities. The cultivation of a culture inside universities that prioritises community health, energy conservation, optimal resource allocation, waste reduction, local talent development, and collaboration with external partners is vital.
In conclusion:
- It has been recognised that higher education cannot operate alone, but rather it should be closely intertwined with socioeconomic development. In this context, every activity and transaction within higher education should have significant and diverse effects on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is imperative that all individuals within a society perceive universities as actively contributing to their own welfare and the advancement of their nation.
