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Sustainability in Higher Education Institutions in Pakistan: A Systematic Review of Progress and Challenges

Author

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  • Preeta Hinduja

    (Education Department, Iqra University, Karachi 75300, Pakistan)

  • Razia Fakir Mohammad

    (Education Department, Iqra University, Karachi 75300, Pakistan)

  • Sohni Siddiqui

    (Department of Educational Psychology, Technische Universität Berlin, 10587 Berlin, Germany)

  • Shahnaz Noor

    (Education Department, Iqra University, Karachi 75300, Pakistan)

  • Altaf Hussain

    (Education Department, Iqra University, Karachi 75300, Pakistan)

Abstract

Sustainability is a global problem that invites researchers and teachers to integrate sustainability concerns into curricula. The analysis discussed in this paper is grounded in a synthesis of research papers and documents that analyzes the current status of the initiatives taken to achieve sustainability in education in the context of Pakistan. Through content analyses of 26 studies made in higher education, this study discusses the progress and challenges in achieving Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Pakistani Higher Education Institutions. Most of the studies reviewed were open access and published by HEC (Higher Education Commission) Pakistan in recognized national and international journals. This review shows how education contributes to transformation by highlighting the contribution of different stakeholders, i.e., administrators and leaders (eight studies) and teachers and students (fifteen studies). It also highlights governance, communication and coordination among stakeholders (eleven studies), campus outreach (five studies), and significant challenges in achieving sustainability (seven studies). The analysis provides a basis for the consideration of logistical support and quality education (SDG #4) to progress toward the SDGs. This analysis will help educators and managers in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to reflect on their practices, leading to Sustainable Development (SD). In addition to this, this study will help policy makers and curriculum developers to identify key challenges in meeting sustainable development goals. Also, this will enable researchers to identify gaps in the literature when framing their research questions.

Suggested Citation

  • Preeta Hinduja & Razia Fakir Mohammad & Sohni Siddiqui & Shahnaz Noor & Altaf Hussain, 2023. "Sustainability in Higher Education Institutions in Pakistan: A Systematic Review of Progress and Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:4:p:3406-:d:1066807
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Maya Lambovska & Antoaneta Angelova-Stanimirova, 2025. "Unveiling Challenges to Management Control Systems in Higher Education: A Systematic Literature Review," World, MDPI, vol. 6(3), pages 1-18, July.
    3. Pan Liang, 2024. "The Influence of Policy Investment on the Sustainable Development of Universities in Underdeveloped Regions: An Empirical Analysis of China’s Higher Education Landscape," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-25, September.
    4. Faith Shayo & Cosmas Mnyanyi, 2023. "A Competency-Based Approach to ICT Integration in Teacher Education: Perspectives from Tutors and Teacher-Trainees in Tanzania Mainland," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 7(7), pages 932-946, July.
    5. Muhammad Naveed Jamil & Abdul Rasheed, 2024. "Dynamic Effect of External Finance in Achieving Eco-efficiency and Sustainable Development Goals," Journal of Economic Impact, Science Impact Publishers, vol. 6(2), pages 115-124.
    6. Mas Ayu Ambayoen & Kliwon Hidayat & Yayuk Yuliati & Edi Dwi Cahyono, 2024. "The Roots of Resilience: Strengthening Agricultural Sustainability in Tengger, Indonesia Through Social Capital," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-22, December.

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