The state of the art in the incorporation of sustainable development goals in Nepalese Universities

Bibliographic Data

ID21721072
AuthorsDev Raj Adhikari (Tribhuvan University), Bijaya Bikram Shah (0009-0002-4954-954X, Tribhuvan University)
Year2021
Volume22
Issue6
Pages1373-1401
Publication date2021-08-30
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1467-6370 • E-ISSN: 1758-6739
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/ijshe-11-2020-0460
OpenAlexW3183910862
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited42

Purpose This paper aims to assess the state of the art of quality of education, research and governance to incorporate sustainable development goal 4 (SDG 4) in Nepalese higher education institutions (HEIs). In particular, it raises questions to initiate a discourse on HEIs to achieve SDG 4. Design/methodology/approach The idea of undertaking this research is heavily borrowed from scientific literature and policy documents. It is an exploratory study that assesses the current status of quality of education, research and governance and suggests policy measures to inculcate SDGs culture in Nepalese HEIs. This study follows a qualitative approach. The analysis is based on the opinions of 113 HEIs stakeholders and high-ranked university officials. Discussions among stakeholders have been organized using online facilities such as Zoom and Team. Findings Nepalese universities had not incorporated SDGs in their policy, planning, budget and curriculum. The research finds that even after the government’s commitment to SDGs, HEIs are not honestly involved in academic discourse on these goals. From the conversation with university officials, it appears that Universities have understood it as a government policy for development, rather than incorporating it as their sectoral responsibility to ensure the quality of education for future generations. Practical implications This paper prescribes policies to inculcate SDGs culture practically throughout the university structure and operations and opens the floor to discourse on the sectoral role to reach SDG 4. Second, this research suggests activities and policies integrated toward the common good agenda. Originality/value The paper is the first of its type in the context of a least developed country, Nepal, to raise the issue of HEIs for SDGs. This paper also represents the situation of HEIs for SDGs of similar countries

Conversation · Corporate governance · Curriculum · Economic growth · Economics · Higher education · Management · Originality · Pedagogy · Political science · Public relations · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Sustainable development · Environmental Education and Sustainability · Healthcare Facilities Design and Sustainability · Public Administration · Sustainability in Higher Education

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