STUDENT’S AWARENESS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS) AND THEIR PERSPECTIVES ON THE ROLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN ACHIEVING THE SDGS

Abstract

The concept of Sustainable development gained popularity in the International Scientific Community after the renowned report “Our Common future” was published by the World Commission Environment and Development in 1987. Later, in 1992 during the Earth Summit the concept of sustainable development was further emphasized as a global issue and concept. Despite the concerted efforts the results have not been desirable, and so in 2012 it was realized that the implementation of sustainable development needs transformation for the better. Thus, the concept of a goal-based development emerged and this gave rise to the Millennium Development Goals ( MDGs). However, unstainable growth continues to affect the world and the need to address this issue was vital. The SDGs have replaced the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with a bold commitment to leave no one behind. In this regard, it was felt important that Education has a crucial and essential role to play in fostering a sustainable future , more so Higher Education can contribute immensely to changing the attitude and mindset of individuals that will eventually lead to achieving the SDGs and a peaceful and prosperous future for all.