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Exploring Sustainable Development Goals and Curriculum Adoption: A Scoping Review from 2020–2025

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  • Robert Pham Xuan

    (Center for Learning Systems Design and Transformation, University for Continuing Education Krems, 6091 Krems, Austria)

  • Marcia Håkansson Lindqvist

    (Department of Education (UTV), Mid Sweden University, Campus Sundsvall, Holmgatan 7, 851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden)

Abstract

This scoping review examines the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically SDG 4, which concerns quality education—into national curricula at various levels of education between 2020 and 2025. This qualitative study uses the scoping review method to synthesise international research, identifying thematic trends, methodological approaches, and implications for curriculum development. The analysis reveals a strong focus on higher education, with articles from Asia and Europe dominating the discourse, while perspectives from early childhood education and the Global South are under-represented. Most articles favour qualitative designs, engaging with the SDGs as curricular content, institutional transformation frameworks, or community-based education tools. Despite these promising approaches, significant gaps remain in addressing behavioural change and equity across educational systems. Therefore, the study calls for more inclusive, context-sensitive, and interdisciplinary strategies to support the transformative ambitions of the 2030 Agenda.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Pham Xuan & Marcia Håkansson Lindqvist, 2025. "Exploring Sustainable Development Goals and Curriculum Adoption: A Scoping Review from 2020–2025," Societies, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-25, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:15:y:2025:i:8:p:212-:d:1714195
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ana Filipa Silva & M. Isabel Sánchez-Hernández & Luísa Cagica Carvalho, 2023. "Local Public Administration in the Process of Implementing Sustainable Development Goals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-21, October.
    2. Vasiliki Kioupi & Nikolaos Voulvoulis, 2019. "Education for Sustainable Development: A Systemic Framework for Connecting the SDGs to Educational Outcomes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(21), pages 1-18, November.
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    5. Miquel Àngel Essomba & Pilar Lleonart & Laura Alfonso & Hye Bin, 2022. "Education for Sustainable Development in Educating Cities: Towards a Transformative Approach from Informal and Non-Formal Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-14, March.
    6. Naresh Giangrande & Rehema M. White & May East & Ross Jackson & Tim Clarke & Michel Saloff Coste & Gil Penha-Lopes, 2019. "A Competency Framework to Assess and Activate Education for Sustainable Development: Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals 4.7 Challenge," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-16, May.
    7. David Méndez & Miriam Méndez & Juana María Anguita, 2022. "Digital Teaching Competence in Teacher Training as an Element to Attain SDG 4 of the 2030 Agenda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-13, September.
    8. Pilar Aramburuzabala & Rosario Cerrillo, 2023. "Service-Learning as an Approach to Educating for Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-13, July.
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