Abstract:

According to United Nations (2023), sustainable development is how we must live today if we want a better tomorrow, by meeting present needs without compromising the chances of future generations to meet their needs. A total of 17 Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by all UN member states in 2015, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which set out a 15-year plan to achieve these goals. They constitute a universal plan of action to end poverty, protect the planet, and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere. For this reason, citizens must acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values necessary to address sustainable development challenges. Therefore, here education plays a key role.

Facing the sustainable development challenges, many universities have embedded Sustainable Development Goals into their visions, strategies, management, and plans worldwide (Xue, 2022). University teaching staff, irrespective of their specific discipline, are educating future change agents who will shape the society, the environment, and the economy in the future. It is essential to not only educate to do well in academia but to teach students how to do well as citizens that contribute to the successful United Nations Sustainable Development Goals implementation (Klaperski-van der Wal, 2022). In particular, the education for sustainable development empowers learners to make informed decisions and take individual and collective action to change society and care for the planet, so it becomes essential in the education and empowerment of students (UNESCO, 2023).

This study focuses on the subject of Psychology of Physical Activity and Sport which is taught in the Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences. This subject deals with the study of people and their behaviour in the social context of sport and physical activity, which involves understand how basic psychological factors and processes affect the physical performance of individuals as well as how participation in sport and physical activity carried out individually or in teams affects the physical performance of individuals. development, health, and psychosocial well-being. The aim of this study is to raise knowledge and awareness among the students about sustainable development challenges, by integrating the Sustainable Development Goals in this subject, and they might integrate this learning into the future practice of their profession, regardless of the sphere of physical activity in which they work. Specifically, this proposal includes specific activities addressed to the goals number 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promotes well-being) and number 5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls). We expect to improve students’ knowledge about the selected sustainable development goals, and so induce positive changes in pro-environmental values, attitudes, and behaviours towards building an inclusive and sustainable world for people and planet.

Keywords:

Sustainable Development Goals, Psychology of Physical Activity and Sport, university, student learning.