The state of the art in the incorporation of sustainable development goals in Nepalese Universities
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
ISSN: 1467-6370
Article publication date: 26 July 2021
Issue publication date: 30 August 2021
Abstract
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.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the Chairman of University Grants Commission, Nepal, Prof Dr Bhim Prasad Subedi, for sharing information and his great concerns to incorporate SDGs in higher education and three reviewers for their helpful comments and recommendations to improve this article.
Citation
Adhikari, D.R. and Shah, B.B. (2021), "The state of the art in the incorporation of sustainable development goals in Nepalese Universities", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 22 No. 6, pp. 1373-1401. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-11-2020-0460
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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