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Insights and Next Challenges for the Italian Educational System to Teach Sustainability in a Global Context

Author

Listed:
  • Cecilia Smaniotto

    (Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
    Department of Prevention, Friuli Occidentale Healthcare Trust, 33170 Pordenone, Italy)

  • Anna Saramin

    (Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy)

  • Laura Brunelli

    (Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
    Quality and Accreditation Unit, Friuli Centrale Healthcare University Trust, 33100 Udine, Italy)

  • Maria Parpinel

    (Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy)

Abstract

Education is recognized as a dimension in which a more sustainable future can be promoted and supported. It is described both as a specific goal under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and as a goal within other SDGs. Since sustainability can be taught at all levels of education, students progressively acquire a variable knowledge of these issues and find academic, professional and social contexts in which they are expected to implement this knowledge. Italian universities could gradually adapt to incorporate this knowledge through specific courses, the integration of sustainability in learning programs, and the promotion of sustainable behaviors. This offers a unique opportunity to integrate sustainability in didactic activities and in the whole academic environment, presenting the university as a model for a more sustainable life. The same path can be followed by other institutions engaged in lifelong learning and improving general education and sustainability literacy. This essay presents a general diagnosis of the current situation in the global and national integration of sustainability in education, the level of knowledge of Italian students and teaching staff about sustainability, why this knowledge should be enhanced, and how lifelong learning can harmoniously continue the process to achieve such integration.

Suggested Citation

  • Cecilia Smaniotto & Anna Saramin & Laura Brunelli & Maria Parpinel, 2022. "Insights and Next Challenges for the Italian Educational System to Teach Sustainability in a Global Context," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2022:i:1:p:209-:d:1012377
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    References listed on IDEAS

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