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Education and Nursing in the 2030 Agenda: Challenges and Opportunities for University Education

Author

Listed:
  • Anabel Ramos-Pla

    (Department of Education Sciences, Faculty of Education, Psychology and Social Work, University of Lleida, 25001 Lleida, Spain)

  • Isabel del Arco

    (Department of Education Sciences, Faculty of Education, Psychology and Social Work, University of Lleida, 25001 Lleida, Spain)

  • Aleix Olondriz-Valverde

    (Department of Education Sciences, Faculty of Education, Psychology and Social Work, University of Lleida, 25001 Lleida, Spain)

  • Laura Fornons Casol

    (Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work, Faculty of Education, Psychology and Social Work, University of Lleida, 25001 Lleida, Spain)

Abstract

This study analyzes the perception of students from the faculties of Education and Nursing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A quantitative methodology using a validated questionnaire was applied to 457 students from universities in Spain and Latin America. The results indicate that almost half of the participants perceive a relationship between the learning objectives in their careers and the SDGs, while a quarter do not. Regarding the integration of the SDGs in the curricular content, 36.8% were not aware of their inclusion, and 29.3% confirmed it, being more common in Nursing. SDGs 3 (Health) and 4 (Education) were most frequently addressed, while SDGs 2 (Hunger) and 14 (Life below water) were less frequently addressed. Differences were significant according to university and subject area. This study concludes that there is a mixed perception of the integration of the SDGs into curricula, with an urgent need to improve their visibility and adopt transdisciplinary approaches to meet the challenges of the 2030 Agenda. Effective integration of the SDGs in higher education is crucial to develop professionals committed to sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Anabel Ramos-Pla & Isabel del Arco & Aleix Olondriz-Valverde & Laura Fornons Casol, 2025. "Education and Nursing in the 2030 Agenda: Challenges and Opportunities for University Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-18, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:6:p:2757-:d:1616427
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. António Valter Chisingui & Nilza Costa, 2020. "Teacher Education and Sustainable Development Goals: A Case Study with Future Biology Teachers in an Angolan Higher Education Institution," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-14, April.
    2. Rodrigo Lozano & Maria Barreiro-Gen & Francisco J. Lozano & Kaisu Sammalisto, 2019. "Teaching Sustainability in European Higher Education Institutions: Assessing the Connections between Competences and Pedagogical Approaches," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-17, March.
    3. Miguel Leiva-Brondo & Natalia Lajara-Camilleri & Anna Vidal-Meló & Alejandro Atarés & Cristina Lull, 2022. "Spanish University Students’ Awareness and Perception of Sustainable Development Goals and Sustainability Literacy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-26, April.
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