Measuring the Impact of Higher Education in Promoting Sustainable Development Goals: Analysis of the Arab universities’ performance

Saleh A. K. Saleh


Umm Al-Qura University, Faculty of Medicine, Biochemistry Department, Makkah (Saudi Arabia)
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9522-9198

Heba M. Adly


Umm Al-Qura University, Faculty of Medicine, Community Medicine and Pilgrims Healthcare Department, Makkah (Saudi Arabia)
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9222-9149

Abstract

Sustainability's global importance has amplified the role of universities in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research, education, and community engagement. Aim: This study aims to provide valuable insights into the role of Arab universities in promoting sustainability within the context of global higher education. Approach and methods: This study analyzes the performance of 200 universities from 15 Arab countries in the THE IMPACT Rankings. Their performance was compared to 135 universities from three of the leading world-class higher education systems: Canada, UK, and USA. Results: A global demand for sustainable development, Arab universities face challenges in improving their contributions to the SDGs and sustainability rankings. Despite the impressive growth in the participation of Arab universities in THE IMPACT Rankings yet lags in quality and impact of Arab universities contributions towards SDGs. Conclusion: The policy implications underscore the importance of institutional commitment to sustainability in Arab universities, urging the alignment of policies, funding, and curriculum with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Arab universities need to bridge performance gaps, promote green initiatives, and contribute effectively to the achievement of SDGs while recognizing the diverse socio-economic context and priorities of the Arab region.


Keywords:

Higher Education, sustainability, Sustainable development goals, SDGs, Arab universities

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Published
2024-01-08

Cited by

Saleh, S. A. K., & Adly, H. M. (2024). Measuring the Impact of Higher Education in Promoting Sustainable Development Goals: Analysis of the Arab universities’ performance. Problemy Ekorozwoju, 19(1), 261–274. https://doi.org/10.35784/preko.5384

Authors

Saleh A. K. Saleh 

Umm Al-Qura University, Faculty of Medicine, Biochemistry Department, Makkah Saudi Arabia
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9522-9198

Authors

Heba M. Adly 

Umm Al-Qura University, Faculty of Medicine, Community Medicine and Pilgrims Healthcare Department, Makkah Saudi Arabia
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9222-9149

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