This book, "Introducing the UN SDGs in Higher Education Institutions" explores the interconnections between higher education an and the UN SDGs. Authored by a diverse group of scholars and practitioners, the book argues that much can be gained, by taking the SDGs into account in initiatives undertaken by universities.
The book Introducing the UN SDGs in Higher Education Institutions is essential for integrating sustainability into academia. It provides a roadmap for universities to align curricula, research, and operations with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering responsible global citizens. Higher education institutions play a pivotal role in achieving the 2030 Agenda, equipping students with knowledge and skills to address pressing challenges like climate change, inequality, and poverty. This book bridges theory and practice, offering case studies, strategies, and tools to inspire action. By embedding the SDGs, universities can drive innovation, social impact, and sustainable development, ensuring a better future for all. The authors delve into various matters related to sustainability in higher education, describing various approaches, methods, initiatives and projects aimed at inspiring and motivating individuals and communities to adopt more sustainable practices. By drawing on lessons from across the world, the book advocates for a holistic approach to sustainability, that integrates technical, environmental, economic and social dimensions.
In summary, the book "Introducing the UN SDGs in Higher Education Institutions" is a thought-provoking exploration of how the UN SDGs may be taken into account by higher education institutions. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, students, policymakers, and practitioners interested on sustainability issues. It invites readers to rethink how sustainability is tackled, while inspiring transformative actions that prioritise sustainability and equity, and offers practical insights and fresh perspectives for anyone committed to promoting sustainability in higher education.
Prof. Dr. Walter Leal Filho is a Senior Professor and Head of the Research and Transfer Centre "Sustainable Development and Climate Change Management” at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences in Germany, and Chair of Environment and Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK. He is the initiator of the Word Sustainable Development Symposia (WSSD-U) series, and chairs the Inter-University Sustainable Development Research Programme. Professor Leal Filho has written, co-written, edited or co-edited more than 800 publications, including books, book chapters and papers in refereed journals.
Dirk Franco is a part-time professor at the Hasselt University, where, in addition to basic chemistry, he also teaches environmental technology, sustainable development and environmental chemistry. He combines this with a part-time job within the PXL as a policy advisor with a focus on sustainability within the organization. From that position he oversees the Energy Quick Scans within the Energy Efficiency Services (EES) process of the PXL. He has recently also become co-coordinator of the new postgraduate Cleantech at Hasselt University. Currently he is the SPOC in the SDG story of the PXL, and we are the first university of applied sciences with the UN SDG Pioneer label, and he is involved in regenerative economy.
Laís Viera Trevisan holds a PhD in Business Administration from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), including a DAAD-funded research period at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (Germany). She also earned a Master’s degree in Management of Public Organisations and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Federal University of Santa Maria (Brazil), with academic exchange experience at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain). She is a Project Manager and Research Associate at HAW Hamburg, author of over fifty international journal articles and various books published by Springer. Her work focuses on sustainable development, climate change, sustainability in higher education, digital transformation, and smart campuses.
Mark Mifsud is a Full Professor at the University of Malta and outgoing Director of the Centre for Environmental Education and Research, where he leads programmes in Education for Sustainable Development. He has contributed to EU-funded projects, advised on environmental policy and education strategy, serves on international committees including the IUCN Commission on Education & Communication, and is Chief Examiner for the IB Environmental Systems & Societies programme. He has published over 100 works, focusing on sustainability and transformative pedagogy.
Kent A. Williams is Lecturer in Business & Society at the Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University, Adjunct Professor at Dalhousie University, and Research Fellow with the Centre for Regenerative Futures at the University of Victoria. His scholarship explores regenerative leadership, social-ecological systems, and transformative learning in higher education. His work focuses on enabling emerging leaders to navigate and embrace the complexities of a climate-changed world through relational, values-driven, and experiential approaches.
