IIT Guwahati has made a significant achievement on the global stage by receiving the 6th position globally in affordable and clean energy, the 7th goal of Sustainable Development. They have implemented several measures to improve campus infrastructure's energy efficiency and actively participated in offering community educational services. Also, they introduced the Green Campus Initiative, which contributed to the development of waste recycling.
Higher education is presently in the phase of shaping the future of the general public and promoting sustainable development. The sustainable development goals that the United Nations have adopted have provided a clear picture to address global challenges.
This article will talk about how higher education revolutionizes accomplishment, focusing on the potential to drive positive change.
Poverty Eradication
In the present scenario, education acts as a catalyst for sustainable development goals as individuals are well-equipped with the skills, knowledge, and values required to contribute systematically to society. The first aim of the SDGs, which is "no poverty," highlights the prominence of education in completely taking out poverty from this hectic world. Modern education bolsters individuals' ability to access fair job opportunities and slowly and gradually improves their economic conditions, lowering poverty levels. Besides, it plays a vital role in understanding the root causes and delivering solutions. Most educational institutions take part in research, the development of policies, and education for students with a clear picture of how to solve poverty.
For instance, the University of Oxford's Poverty and Human Development Initiative emphasizes multidimensional poverty analysis, and they contribute by encouraging social entrepreneurship, economic development, and sustainable practices that uplift communities.
Zero Hunger
The education system is framed in a way to deliver the goals through several educational programs in the non-educational sectors in the form of knowledge on enhancing nutritional status, treating and preventing various diseases, reproductive healthcare, and preparedness for disaster. More importantly, education can accomplish the second goal of the SDG, which is to end hunger, improve food security and nutrition, and encourage sustainable agriculture activities. Nowadays, universities across the globe are involved in the study of agriculture, research on food security, and sustainable practices.
For example, the University of California Davis campus performs research on crop resilience and nutritional improvement, and students get the opportunity to meet the challenges related to hunger and agricultural policies and practices. They also contributed to food security, farming methods, and making students learn who plays a crucial role in attaining zero hunger.
Fixing Public health Challenges
Good health and healthy being are the third goal of sustainable development, interconnected with education. Educational institutions play an essential role in the progression of medical professionals, including doctors and researchers, who can deal with public health challenges. By integrating all health-related disciplines into their academics and researching major health issues, educational institutions can play a crucial role in accelerating global health and well-being. Universities take the initiative in contributing to medical development, prevention of ailments, and healthcare enhancement.
Harvard University's School of Public Health conducts research on global health challenges and offers courses to healthcare professionals, equipping them to serve the healthcare community effectively.
Skilled workforce
Universities know how important it is to deliver quality education to achieve sustainable development. Educational institutions are the key to encouraging comprehensive and quality education at all levels. They make sure that the learning is accessible to the individuals, which is significant. The sessions delivered are of high quality to the participants and thereby contribute to the development of a well-equipped workforce with high skills and knowledge in a way that will be able to respond to intricate global challenges.
The University of Helsinki gives more importance to research-based instructor education to improve online learning. It plays a vital role in developing academics and teachers' training and promoting equitable access to education.
Prof. Mahuya Das, Principal, GKCEM said "Sustainable education, as an integral part of this process, seeks to integrate values and motivations for acting sustainably into the lives of students"
Urban Development
The contributions of higher education have become instrumental in developing sustainable cities and communities. They have conducted several programs, such as environmental studies, urban planning, and architecture, which have helped students with the explicit knowledge to deal with the challenges of rapid urbanization. Several universities are committed to sustainable urban development by planning innovative solutions for housing, infrastructure, and environmental protection.
The urban planning courses offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology prioritize sustainable development and addressing the challenges faced by urban areas and communities worldwide. They collaborate with local organizations to provide inventive solutions for issues related to housing, transportation, and environmental sustainability.
All in all, gaining knowledge is the first and foremost thing, and education will always emerge as a vital force for accomplishing sustainable development goals. The educational institution will assist the individuals in mastering knowledge, improving innovation, and involving in collaborative alliances, thereby offering a comprehensive approach to sustainable development. The advancement of technologies has made the learning process way more accessible than in traditional times. Higher education will remain a ray of hope as we go further in this sustainable journey, strengthening the leaders and policymakers to guide societies to a sustainable future.
