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Governance in the implementation of the UN sustainable development goals in higher education: global trends

Author

Listed:
  • Walter Leal Filho

    (Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
    Manchester Metropolitan University)

  • Ismaila Rimi Abubakar

    (Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (Formerly, University of Dammam))

  • Mark C. Mifsud

    (University of Malta)

  • João Henrique Paulino Pires Eustachio

    (Hamburg University of Applied Sciences)

  • Clarissa Ferreira Albrecht

    (Universidade Federal de Viçosa)

  • Maria Alzira Pimenta Dinis

    (University Fernando Pessoa (UFP)
    University Fernando Pessoa (UFP))

  • Bruno Borsari

    (Winona State University)

  • Ayyoob Sharifi

    (Hiroshima University)

  • Vanessa R. Levesque

    (University of Southern Maine)

  • Priscilla Cristina Cabral Ribeiro

    (Fluminense Federal University)

  • Todd J. LeVasseur

    (College of Charleston
    Yale National University Singapore College)

  • Paul Pace

    (University of Malta)

  • Laís Viera Trevisan

    (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS))

  • Thais A. Dibbern

    (University of Campinas)

Abstract

Governance is a key component for implementing sustainable development (SD) initiatives in university teaching, research, and projects. This line of thinking also applies to implementing the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs). Despite the role of governance in guiding processes related to the SDGs, few studies have examined these relations in an integrative manner in higher education. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study assesses the connections between governance and implementing the SDGs at higher education institutions (HEIs). Specifically, it relies on two main methods. The first is a bibliometric analysis, where the literature on the topic has been analyzed. The second method uses case studies from a sample of universities. The combined dual approach has identified the extent to which governance issues influence how these organizations perceive and handle the SDGs. The study provides valuable recommendations that may assist HEIs in implementing the SDGs with a due emphasis on governance.

Suggested Citation

  • Walter Leal Filho & Ismaila Rimi Abubakar & Mark C. Mifsud & João Henrique Paulino Pires Eustachio & Clarissa Ferreira Albrecht & Maria Alzira Pimenta Dinis & Bruno Borsari & Ayyoob Sharifi & Vanessa , 2025. "Governance in the implementation of the UN sustainable development goals in higher education: global trends," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(9), pages 20695-20718, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:27:y:2025:i:9:d:10.1007_s10668-023-03278-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-03278-x
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