Abstract:

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Agenda 2030), agreed by the UN Member States, aims at sustainable development, taking equal account of the environment, the economy and the human being. The aim of Agenda 2030 is to ensure by 2030 that all learners receive the knowledge and skills necessary to promote sustainable development. It is also time for higher education to respond more strongly to this challenge and to bring sustainability into the activities of education, research and everyday practices in higher education institutions. Studies show that sustainable development is mainly mentioned in the general objectives of education, but in practical activities and teaching it is not more noticeable.

In Finland, higher education institutions, universities and universities of applied sciences, have both adopted their joint sustainable development and responsibility programme, which are based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In this article, we will consider these approaches to sustainability, their similarities and differences, and present, on the basis of qualitative material, some examples of how higher education in Finland is practically progressing in the implementation of the alignments.

Higher education can not be redesigned or renewed by developing only teaching and learning. Making real change also requires redesigning structures, processes and ways of action in higher education institutions. Strategic decision-making, management commitment and practical actions are needed in everyday life to promote a sustainable future. The commitment of higher education institutions to promote sustainability through their own programs is a major step towards reforming higher education and a sustainable future. Examples of program implementation and good practices can increase discussion of the role of higher education and highlight collectively exploited ways to promote sustainable development.

Keywords:

Sustainable development, higher education, agenda 2030, sustainable future, sustainability.