Overview of sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals with 169 targets.
All 193 UN member states have agreed to try to achieve by 2030.
SDGs are a matter of urgency, and actions by all countries.
Both developed and developing Countries, to end poverty and other socio-economic and environmental problems.
It also align with strategies that improve the standard of life and education, reduce inequality, and harness economic growth.
8 years, since the inception of these goals, the SDGs Report 2023 flagged slow progress and painted a grim picture.
This is due to the prolonged effects of COVID-19, impacts of the climate crisis, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and a weak global economy.
India, managed the crises of the global economy and relatively succeeded in overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic.
But India has suffered a setback in achieving these goals.
SDG4 pertains to access to quality education.
SDG4 a prerequisite for the achievement of other goals.
India, with a long-standing history of education, has accelerated efforts to ensure the achievement of SDGs through various reform.
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 should be given credit to a great extent to achieve SDGs.
According OECD report , people with a higher education degree are more employable and earn an average of 54% more than those who only have completed senior secondary education.
A university-inclusive education, thus,
Better protects people against poverty (SDG1),
Prevents them from hunger (SDG2),
Supports them for good health and well-being (SDG3),
Promotes gender equality (SDG5),
Provides them decent work, which in turn drives economic growth (SDG 8),
Reduces inequalities (SDG10).
Universities should strengthen the research-teaching nexus, Thus students will become direct benefactors of the knowledge generated from research.
Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary systems of education produce multitalented people who can pursue research.
Way forward
NEP 2020 demands that Indian higher education be committed to mapping its day-to-day operations with SDGs.
Ranking universities according to the achievement of SDGs is a welcome move.
Every citizen must feel that the universities contribute directly to their well-being and nation-building.
Universities should come out and play a part in the education, innovation, culture, and civic life of their local communities.
It Includes Community health, energy-saving measures, efficient resource allocation, waste reduction, development of local skills, as well as the sharing of services, infrastructure, and facilities with other universities or external partners should become a culture in universities.
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