The context and concept of higher education for sustainable development

The case of Nepal

Bibliographic Data

ID21721149
AuthorsDev Raj Adhikari (Tribhuvan University), Prakash Shrestha (0000-0002-7779-6399, Tribhuvan University)
Year2024
Volume25
Issue2
Pages238-264
Publication date2024-01-23
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-12-2021-0521
OpenAlexW4385372351
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited50

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore and analyze the context and concept of higher education for sustainable development (HESD) in Nepalese higher educational institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach The research gathers facts and information both from primary and secondary sources. Five open-ended questions were developed to interview university high-ranking officials, such as VCs, registrars, deans and the chief of the planning division. Findings The inclusion of 17 sustainable development goals in the country’s Fifteenth Plan, national policy documents, and the University Grants Commission-led higher education reform programme provides sufficient context for HESD. In the absence of HESD literacy and a persuasive strategy, university leadership is less active in lobbying for SDG 4.7 with the government and funding agencies, university faculties and trade unions. In fact, both insights and initiatives to conceptualize HESD are lacking. Research limitations/implications This study’s setting is distinct and the interpretation of the HESD concept is based on a small sample size. Thus, the generalization of its findings is intrinsically limited in the context of a country in the geographic region. However, the findings of this research provide practical insights to implement HESD in Nepalese HEIs. Practical implications This study is intended to inform and prepare the Nepalese academic community, urging HEIs to implement HESD with a well-defined plan of action. It contributes to the literature by considering how the current context and concept of HESD suites to promote sustainability in Nepalese HEIs, transforming the traditional academic structure and making academic leaders aware that HESD is only a means to an end. Originality/value This research is Nepal’s first study of its type with a broad understanding of the context and concept of HESD. It also provides information for HEI leaders on how to initiate the HESD acceleration process

Economic growth · Economics · Geography · Higher education · Political science · Public relations · Social science · Sociology · Sustainability · Sustainable development · Environmental Education and Sustainability · Public Administration · Sustainability in Higher Education · Sustainable Building Design and Assessment

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