Abstract:

Higher education institutions (HEI) are instrumental in shaping the future through the cultivation of intellectual growth, extensive research endeavours, and societal progress. The imperative for sustainable development has gained significant traction in recent years, with increasing awareness of global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality. In this context, HEI provide considerable contributions toward implementing the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). In its distinguished position as a HEI, ISEC Lisboa assumes a pivotal role as a nexus for knowledge creation, innovation, and the education of future professionals across diverse fields, and transforming attitudes and behaviours regarding sustainability. Recognizing this responsibility, ISEC Lisboa is committed to establishing and upholding elevated standards. Therefore is actively advancing sustainability-focused teaching and learning, aiming not only to equip students with high-level professional skills but also to nurture responsible citizens who positively impact the environment, the society, and the economy. To achieve this overarching goal, the institution has develop a set of strategies, including top management planning and reporting through sustainability plans and reports, and has implemented a range of initiatives designed to disseminate and promote sustainability. Furthermore, there is a dedicated focus on raising awareness and understanding of the SDGs, fostering the skills of educators through various seminars and training sessions within the academic community. Additionally, a concerted effort has been made to seamlessly integrate sustainability content into curricular units across diverse study cycles. This comprehensive approach involved classifying and cataloguing the contribution of each curricular unit to the SDGs through detailed Curricular Unit Sheets. In the year 2022, the outcomes of this initiative materialized in the cataloguing of curricular units within the 24 degree-awarding study cycles currently in operation. 481 curricular units, representing 91.62% of the 525 possible curricular units, were successfully classified.

Emphasizing holistic education, problem-solving prowess, ethical considerations, experiential learning, and global perspectives, ISEC Lisboa contributes to the cultivation of leaders who possess not only knowledge but also the requisite skills and values to navigate the intricacies of our swiftly evolving world. In this manner, acts as a catalyst, fostering a generation of leaders dedicated to constructing a sustainable and inclusive future. However, to foster a sustainable future, where its impact extends beyond the confines of academia, influencing broader societal progress, it’s crucial to ensure that the strategies implemented are working efficiently.

To understand if the strategies implemented towards achieving the SDG are perceived and applied by ISEC Lisboa’s students, teachers and staff, a closed-questions survey was conducted to collect their perceptions on the effective change in knowledge, research, attitudes and behaviours towards SDG and sustainability. The findings suggest the transformative potential of the strategies implemented and open up opportunities to further develop the strategies already in place.

Keywords:

Sustainability, Education for sustainability, SDGs, Higher education institutions, ISEC Lisboa.