From a podcast interview with Joanna Regulska, Vice Provost and Dean of Global Affairs at the University of California, Davis, and Jolynn Shoemaker, Director of Global Engagements at the University of California, Davis

“There are many other ways to think about how research from higher education is already contributing to the SDGs. Areas such as climate, poverty, infrastructure, water, and energy are all critical to achieving the SDGs and are also key areas of knowledge production, which is very important.”
—Joanna Regulska

The Vital Role of Higher Education in Achieving SDGs

Higher education institutions play a pivotal role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering research and leadership. Joanna highlights their importance, emphasizing that universities are essential for achieving the SDGs. These institutions nurture future leaders while driving innovative research to address global challenges.

Joanna notes the growing integration of SDGs within higher education, as faculty, staff, and students increasingly align their initiatives with these goals. This interdisciplinary approach unites diverse expertise and perspectives, fostering collaboration and inclusivity. By embedding the SDG agenda, universities create a foundation for impactful, sustainable change that leaves no one behind.

The relationship between international education and SDGs is deeply interconnected. Global education fosters collaboration and innovation, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable development. Integrating SDGs into academic programs not only enriches learning but also empowers future leaders to contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Research

Central to achieving the SDGs is the interdisciplinary collaboration fostered by higher education. Joanna emphasizes that SDGs require diverse expertise, experiences, and perspectives, highlighting their open-ended nature. This approach is essential, as global challenges like climate change and poverty cannot be solved from a single perspective.

This collaborative ethos aligns with the diverse research initiatives within universities. Joanna notes that research and innovation offer numerous ways to achieve SDGs. For example, the focus on quality education, including education for sustainable development, promotes global citizenship and cultural diversity, aligning with the goals of international education.

On the other hand, Jolynn highlights challenges like climate, poverty, infrastructure, water, and energy, which demand varied knowledge and innovation. These issues showcase the importance of interdisciplinary research in creating sustainable solutions. Higher education institutions provide fertile ground for the cross-pollination of ideas and expertise needed to address these global challenges.

Empowering Global Citizenship through Education

One of the key aspects of achieving the SDGs is fostering global citizenship and cultural diversity, values deeply rooted in international education. Joanna emphasizes that a core target of the SDG for quality education includes these principles, aligning seamlessly with the goals of global education.

By promoting these values, higher education institutions prepare students to engage responsibly with the world, fostering a global community that prioritizes diversity, empathy, and collaboration. This approach transforms education into a foundation for sustainable development, empowering students to become ambassadors of change across diverse cultural contexts.

The focus on cultural appreciation and citizenship highlights the synergy between international education and the SDGs. As students and educators engage with global frameworks, they deepen their understanding and ability to contribute to sustainable development. This integration enriches education, turning learning into a tool for meaningful social impact.

Conclusion

Educational institutions play a vital role in aligning research and academic efforts with global needs, ensuring that curricula and institutional values foster an environment where students and researchers contribute to a more sustainable world. By integrating SDGs, universities create pathways for holistic and impactful global solutions.

Embedding SDGs within higher education not only addresses pressing challenges but also prepares future leaders to drive change in an interconnected world. As Jolynn Shoemaker and Joanna Regulska emphasize, international education’s strength lies in building networks, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and embracing diverse perspectives to shape a sustainable future for all.

To catch the full interview with Joanna and Jolynn, CLICK HERE.