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Unveiling the Role of Arab Universities in Advancing Sustainable Development Goals: A Multi-Dimensional Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Suliman Abdalla

    (Department of Sociology and Social Work, College of Arts and Social Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman)

  • Elnazir Ramadan

    (Department of Geography, College of Arts and Social Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman)

  • Mohammed Ali K. Al-Belushi

    (Department of Archeology, College of Arts and Social Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman)

  • Nawal Al-Hooti

    (Ministry of Education, Muscat 100, Oman)

Abstract

In the global pursuit of sustainability, higher education institutions serve as powerful actors, leveraging their multifaceted contributions to advance the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study employed a multi-dimensional analysis to evaluate the prioritization of these goals within the institutional framework of Arab universities and identify the key factors that drive their involvement with these goals. The methodology used involved a quantitative approach, utilizing a survey questionnaire to collect data from faculty members representing 30 public universities across the Arab region. The results of the study regarding prioritization analysis reveal that SDG4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) are top priorities across all universities, with prioritization scores exceeding 65.4. Furthermore, the results of the ordinal logistic regression analysis demonstrate that institutional governance and research productivity are significant factors that influence Arab universities’ engagement with the SDGs. The findings of this study have important implications for higher education policies, practices, and interventions, aimed at fostering university engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Suliman Abdalla & Elnazir Ramadan & Mohammed Ali K. Al-Belushi & Nawal Al-Hooti, 2024. "Unveiling the Role of Arab Universities in Advancing Sustainable Development Goals: A Multi-Dimensional Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-24, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:14:p:5829-:d:1431415
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    References listed on IDEAS

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