The role of education for sustainable development in the education of university students: A literature review
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Abstract
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) has become an essential component of university education, providing students with key competencies to tackle global challenges through the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into academic programs. However, its implementation remains fragmented and faces significant barriers related to resources, teacher training, and strategic focus. The objective of this study was to analyze the trends, promoted competencies, and challenges in the implementation of ESD in universities through a bibliographic review encompassing ten representative articles on the subject. The methodology involved the selection and analysis of scientific documents published between 2018 and 2023, focusing on the relationship between ESD and SDGs in higher education. The studies were evaluated using a qualitative approach and content analysis based on key categories such as implementation, competencies, and barriers. The results revealed significant progress in disciplines such as social and environmental sciences, with the promotion of competencies like systemic, critical, and collaborative thinking. However, these initiatives remain limited in fields like business and engineering. Despite these challenges, innovative models such as curriculum renewal and living labs effectively connect theory and practice. In conclusion, ESD holds significant transformative potential in higher education, but its impact depends on overcoming existing structural and methodological barriers.
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