IMPACTO SOCIAL DE LA EDUCACIÓN SUPERIOR EN EL DESARROLLO SOSTENIBLE

<< Background >>We applied for this project because we identified an urgent need to strengthen the social impact of higher education on sustainable development. In a global context where the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are increasingly relevant, there is a significant gap in the effective implementation of these goals within higher education institutions in their curricula and in the daily life of their communities. Our project seeks to address this need by providing innovative educational tools, resources and methodologies that will enable universities and other higher education institutions to incorporate the SDGs into their curricula and daily practices. This will not only contribute to creating greater awareness and commitment to sustainability among students, but will also strengthen the role of universities as agents of social change, preparing future leaders to address global challenges effectively and responsibly. It aims to develop a new teaching methodology to engage students in achieving the sustainable development goals of social inclusion and tackling inequalities.<< Objectives >>The overall objective of the project is to train university students on how to achieve the SDGs through their education and in their future jobs. To this purpose, a number of specific objectives are set out:- To develop an educational model that will have a significant impact on students, enabling them to understand and apply the SDGs in their professional and personal lives.- Conduct a comprehensive study of current teaching methodologies in higher education that contribute to sustainable development. This analysis will identify best practices and adapt them to the context of the institutions participating in the project, thus ensuring that the model developed is effective and adaptable to different educational realities.- Train teachers in the developed model. It is expected that by equipping teachers with the necessary tools and knowledge, the impact of higher education institutions on sustainable development will be increased. Teachers will act as agents of change, enabling students to internalise the SDGs and apply them in their future professional careers.<< Implementation >>During the implementation of our project, we have implemented the following activities.Firstly, three transnational meetings were held between project partners at different stages of the project. These meetings, held in Spain and Turkey, were instrumental in coordinating tasks, assessing progress and making strategic decisions.In addition, we organised a specialised course for higher education teachers focused on training methodology on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This course was held in Porto (Portugal).Subsequently, we conducted a pilot action to test the online platform for university teachers, a key tool developed within the framework of the project. This platform was tested by a selected group of teachers, which allowed us to obtain valuable feedback for its optimisation before its final launch.In terms of dissemination, we held three local events in Italy, Portugal and Turkey. Finally, we held a closing event in Madrid, where the final results of the project were presented to a wider audience, thus ensuring a durable impact and greater visibility of the initiatives developed.<< Results >>- A methodological training guide that provides practical tools for university professors and administrators to integrate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their educational programs. This guide includes innovative methodologies and case studies that are adapted to different university contexts.- Good practice study that analyzed and compiled training methodologies that are already contributing to sustainable development in various higher education institutions across Europe. This study not only served as a reference for the creation of the methodological guide but also provided universities with a framework to compare and improve their practices.- In addition, we developed a collaborative online platform for university teachers, where they can share resources, exchange experiences and collaborate in the creation of new pedagogical approaches to sustainable development. This platform has become an active community that continues to grow and promote knowledge sharing.- Finally, we designed a Sustainability Plan to ensure that the impacts of the project will last beyond its completion.