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The present world is captivated by the global challenges of climate change, environmental and ecological degradation, challenges related to migration, inequality, conflict and unrest. The development process failed to appreciate and signify the role of non-value, non-materialistic and altruistic value of both living and non-living natural entities. Thus, a significant disconnect or gap between public policy and human well-being has been observed. The departure of human beings from their true self has also distanced humans from the rest of the species and ecosystem. The essence of altruistic value and its recognition is plausible only through the upliftment and evolution of the inner self. The interconnectivity of the inner and outer world can be perceived through self-evolution. A public policy that is driven by the force of self-enhancement and realization, connecting and synthesizing human and non-human interactions selflessly, is required for revolutionizing the development paradigm. Against this backdrop, Gandhian philosophy that values the individual and his relationship with his true self becomes instrumental in ethical transformation. The self-transformation, manifestation and realization of truth and love are deeply embedded in Gandhian Revolution. Gandhian philosophy is a phenomenal illustration of self-transformation based on self–realization and soul force (Satyagraha) that acts as a driving force for a paradigm shift. Gandhian thoughts recognize the otherness of others (either human beings or nature), embedded in the notion of ‘Sarvodaya’. Based on spiritual inquiry and ethical value judgement, and cosmic interdependence, the Gandhian notion constitutes a building block for a non-violent socioeconomic system guided by empathy and the law of non-possession. The twin models, ‘The trusteeship model’ and ‘Economy of Permanence’, advocate a spiritual inquiry and ethical value judgement in economics and governance. Addressing the economic problem of scarcity and choice, the attributes of decentralization, self-sufficiency and self-reliance envisage that individuals are satisfied with minimum consumption. In addition, non-violence, truth and love create a subsequent balance in ecology and the environment. Ethical responsibility is not just limited to socio-economic and political systems but also integrates environmental and ecological sustainability.

The application of user involvement in the design and implementation of research has progressed through various frameworks and is an increasingly recognized and expected as a key element of ethical research methodologies. The practice of engaging users (the public, patients, service recipients, etc.) beyond the traditional scope of subject, and elevating their role as partner or co-designer of the research process, is theoretically rooted in civil rights and social justice ideologies. The success of these types of models are influenced by various factors including the people involved, their capacities and values; the physical and funding environment in which the research occurs and the approaches used to engage. In theory, user involved research is most successful when the people, approaches and environment are genuinely interested and centralized around inclusive methods that posit that populations researched have the right to contribute to research done and researchers have the ethical responsibility to engage them using measurable strategies. User involved research frameworks have the potential to create a space that both values and uplifts historically marginalized voices, while touting the demonstrated advantage of improved effectiveness in research outcomes and implications. Yet there exists a dissonance between theory and practice in the field, due to a lack of consistent understanding, practices and standards tied to the approach.

Education for sustainability has become the mechanism for creating a pool of graduates who can understand, appreciate, practice and support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In a world with diverse cultures, demographics, political ideologies, etc. faster progress towards sustainable development needs increased use of digital technologies. Integration of digital technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), metaverse, visualisation techniques, cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), open data repositories, geographic information system (GIS), etc. with classroom teaching can build awareness, skills, attitudes and values among students in the journey towards sustainable development and scale up the efforts towards the goals.

In this chapter, the authors have tried to bring out a list of digital technologies and the way in which they can be used in classroom teaching to ensure education for sustainability. It may be noticed that there are watertight compartments between those who know the SDGs and those with proficiency in technology. What is also needed is integration between both silos for mapping the digital technologies with the appropriate SDGs. The teachers in the higher education system need more exposure to understand and implement this integration.

Spirituality and leadership, both have an intrinsic goal where they incorporate clarity of understanding, vision and collective action and both have the potential to empower an individual or a team, with commitment and productivity. It is one of the rapidly growing areas of leadership. It takes responsible policymakers and leaders to build a nation that benefits multiple stakeholders and all citizens. The aim of the chapter is to explore the concept of spirituality and show how applied spirituality can provide moral and practical guidance for leaders of public policy to take bold and enlightened steps towards achieving sustainable development (SD) goals. We define spirituality as a way of understanding, inner awareness, personal integration, and a source of values that give ultimate meaning or purpose beyond the egoic self. As such the chapter will go beyond existing discussions of ethical, moral, or values-based leadership and raise issues of how a deeper spiritual understanding of human nature can guide leaders. Some helpful practices like mindfulness are also covered in this chapter. There are various relevant leadership styles including transformational leadership, servant leadership, moral leadership and participatory leadership. Although each of these has some positive characteristics, this chapter with the help of those characteristics would try to get a deeper insight and understanding of how spirituality can stimulate and add more value, and bring integrity, motivation and strong leadership qualities. This chapter covers the existing gap in the literature on applied spirituality and leadership and concludes that leadership when incorporated with spirituality plays a vital role in honing the skills of the leaders and changing their perspective towards the team. The chapter will conclude with ideas for discussion among faculty and students and suggestions for further research into the use of applied spirituality for leadership in sustainable development policy.

The tourism industry is facing significant challenges in an ever-changing world marked by globalisation, digitalisation and societal shifts. The issues of overtourism and massification exacerbate concerns about sustainability and the industry's impact on the environment and local communities. These concerns arise as profit-driven ideologies overshadow the industry's original vocation to contribute to meaningful encounters, well-being and social justice. This chapter explores the cultivation of humaneness and conscience within tourism through education, knowledge and personal reflection. Drawing inspiration from Hannah Arendt's interpretation of Socrates' philosophy, it highlights the importance of critical thinking and a comprehensive understanding of the industry's role in shaping alternative futures. Tourism higher education plays a pivotal role in empowering students to become catalysts for systemic transformation. Furthermore, this chapter emphasises the value of embracing diverse viewpoints and engaging in meaningful encounters and dialogues with local communities and stakeholders to collaboratively imagine and implement sustainable practices. Only by dismantling entrenched habits through critical thinking and fostering collaboration can the tourism industry envision alternative trajectories towards a more conscientious and humane path forward.