The Role of Higher Education in Advancing Agenda 2030

DIPAK KURMI

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, serves as the global framework for fostering a sustainable, peaceful, prosperous, and equitable future. This ambitious agenda consists of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets, aiming to address the most pressing global challenges, from poverty and inequality to environmental degradation and climate change. Among these goals, SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) stand out as critical pillars that intertwine to shape a sustainable future for India.

Higher education institutions (HEIs) hold a pivotal role in realizing Agenda 2030 by equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to drive sustainable change. These institutions are not only centers of learning but also incubators of innovation, research, and societal transformation. The Incheon Declaration, a cornerstone of Education 2030, emphasizes quality education as a fundamental human right and underscores its role in achieving all 17 SDGs. Education is often regarded as the "golden thread" that weaves through the entire sustainability framework, ensuring that economic, social, and environmental advancements are grounded in knowledge and ethical responsibility.

Education as the Foundation for Sustainable Development

The trajectory of learning is deeply rooted in cognitive development, with educational research categorizing learning adaptability into key age brackets: 3-5, 5-8, and 8-11. Studies suggest that by the age of 14, approximately 80% of cognitive adaptability is formed, while real-world application of learning begins in earnest after this stage. Furthermore, the consolidation of ideas, imagination, and memories extends well into adulthood, reinforcing the necessity of lifelong learning. Higher education thus serves as the bridge between foundational learning and practical application, ensuring that sustainability principles are embedded in future generations.

UNESCO defines education for sustainable development as the empowerment of individuals to make informed decisions and take actions that uphold ecological integrity, economic viability, and social justice. This vision aligns seamlessly with India's 2020 National Education Policy (NEP), which prioritizes accessibility, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability in education. The NEP's emphasis on holistic and multidisciplinary education lays the groundwork for integrating sustainability principles across disciplines.

The Interconnection Between SDG 4 and SDG 7

SDG 7 focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Clean energy is fundamental to economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity. Recognizing this, many Indian higher education institutions, particularly private universities, are integrating sustainability into their curricula. Institutions are developing industry-oriented courses that emphasize sustainable building materials, renewable energy technologies, and sustainable habitat-based ecosystems.

For example, students studying sustainable construction are learning how innovative materials contribute to energy-efficient buildings. These students are subsequently absorbed by industry partners focused on sustainability, ensuring a direct link between academic knowledge and practical application. Similarly, renewable energy companies are collaborating with universities to develop curricula that address sector-specific sustainability challenges. Through such initiatives, higher education institutions are preparing students to tackle the energy challenges of tomorrow while reinforcing the interconnectedness of SDG 4 and SDG 7.

However, the question remains: How can an incentive structure be created within the ranking and accreditation framework to ensure that HEIs actively integrate sustainability into their curricula? While private organizations like the Times Group have introduced SDG ranking matrices and certifications for HEIs, a public governance and accreditation framework is essential to institutionalize sustainability assessments. A regulatory framework mandating annual sustainability evaluations for HEIs can enhance accountability and encourage systemic integration of sustainability principles.

Challenges in Implementing Sustainability-Oriented Education

Despite progress, several challenges impede the seamless integration of sustainability within higher education curricula:

1.      Lack of Cross-Disciplinary Integration: While sustainability-focused courses are emerging in private universities, there is still a gap in scaling these initiatives through a well-structured governance and institutional framework. True sustainability education must transcend disciplinary boundaries, encouraging a holistic approach that merges environmental science, engineering, economics, and social sciences.

2.      Outdated Curricula: Many institutions continue to rely on traditional curricula that fail to equip students with the skills required to address complex sustainability challenges. The evolving demands of sustainable development necessitate a dynamic and adaptive curriculum that incorporates emerging trends, technologies, and interdisciplinary perspectives.

3.      Need for Research and Development (R&D): The Research and Development Cells (RDCs) of HEIs must actively engage in integrated research that connects SDG 4 and SDG 7. This requires a focus on applied research, industry collaborations, and field-based solutions that directly contribute to sustainable development goals.

4.      Infrastructure and Faculty Training: A robust sustainability education framework necessitates significant investment in infrastructure, faculty retraining, and educator development. Teachers, trainers, and faculty members must be equipped with contemporary knowledge and pedagogical tools to effectively impart sustainability-oriented education.

Reimagining Higher Education for Sustainable Development

To overcome these challenges, India must embark on a transformative journey that reimagines higher education as a catalyst for sustainable development. This reimagination requires:

1.      Curriculum Revitalization: Universities must integrate field-oriented courses that address the interconnections between clean energy access and sustainable educational solutions. Courses should be co-developed with industry experts and field agencies to ensure relevance and applicability.

2.      Institutionalizing Sustainability Rankings: Establishing a nationwide accreditation and ranking system that evaluates HEIs based on their sustainability performance can incentivize institutions to adopt stronger sustainability practices.

3.      Scaling Up Best Practices: Universities such as ManavRachna International Institute of Research and Studies, TERI SAS, and Adani University have already implemented sustainability-focused programs within their UG and PG curricula. These initiatives must be scaled up through structured, time-bound action plans that promote widespread adoption.

4.      Interdisciplinary Learning Models: Sustainability challenges are inherently complex and multifaceted. Therefore, higher education institutions should encourage interdisciplinary learning models that integrate insights from environmental science, policy studies, engineering, and social sciences.

5.      Fostering Transcendental Thinking: The future of sustainability education lies in transcending traditional paradigms and fostering a new-age educational philosophy. This entails harmonizing Western thought with Indian critical traditions to create a holistic sustainability education model. 

Towards Viksit Bharat 2047: Education as a Cosmic Experience

The ultimate vision for sustainable education in India must align with the aspirations of Viksit Bharat 2047. The late Rabindranath Tagore envisioned education not merely as the transmission of information but as a cosmic harmonic experience—an intellectual and spiritual journey that fosters a deep connection between individuals and the world around them. Achieving this vision requires an education system that transcends mechanical knowledge and nurtures a profound understanding of sustainability as an ethical, intellectual, and cultural imperative.

As the world grapples with climate change, energy crises, and socio-economic inequalities, higher education must rise to the occasion by instilling a sustainability ethos within the next generation. By bridging SDG 4 and SDG 7, India can harness the power of education and clean energy to build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future—one where knowledge serves as both the foundation and the catalyst for a better tomorrow.

(Email: dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)