Achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on Quality in Education Challenges and Opportunities, Experiences from Southern African (SADC) Universities

Quality higher education and education for sustainable development is an indispensable part of the development equation. Higher education the world over is the key to better life and the foundation for every strong society. To eradicate poverty, boost shared prosperity and achieve sustainability and development, nations should adopt radical changes to ensure the achievement of sustainable goal (SDG) 4 on quality in higher education. Quality education for sustainable development should seek to ensure that all people gain knowledge, skills and values they need to live in dignity and to fulfil their potential and contribute to their societies as responsible citizens. With goal 4 on quality education, the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. In our study we argue that in the 21 century to attain Agenda 2030 and specifically Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) goals the SADC region must emphasise a pragmatic educational philosophy, empowered by technology and the needs of society. Our study focuses primarily on the challenges of achieving SDG 4 on quality in higher education. The authors draw on structure, culture and agency theoretical view point to offer deeper insight into the challenges of achieving quality and sustainable development in higher education, specifically focussing on three countries in the SDAC region. The aim of our qualitative study was to explore the complexity of raising higher education quality in the SADC region suggesting the need for multiple players to come together.