Assessing Knowledge of Sustainable Development Goals Among Diverse Students: A Case Study of Al Qasimia University

This research tests and assesses Al Qasimia University students’ knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The diversity of the university’s student body enhances the sample’s representativeness, allowing for an assessment of SDG knowledge across different populations and cultures. 119 responses were collected through online surveys. The respondents come from 41 countries across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. The results show no statistically significant difference in knowledge levels based on gender. On the other hand, while nationality does not significantly influence the average level of SDG knowledge, place of residence does. Students who reside in economically better-off countries have a higher average knowledge of the SDGs. Moreover, the students perceived economic and social SDGs as more relevant to their future careers than environmental SDGs. This may be explained by their greater exposure to training related to the social and economic dimensions of the SDGs at the university level. The analysis also revealed that students view formal education as a more significant source of knowledge of SDGs than informal education. This highlights universities’ and academic institutions’ critical role in promoting sustainability education. While this research contributes to the literature on students’ knowledge of SDGs, it primarily focuses on students’ perceptions of their knowledge rather than their knowledge itself. Future research will aim to address this limitation by evaluating actual knowledge levels.