INTEGRATING EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN VIETNAMESE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

In the XXI century, there is a need for higher education to train people who are creative, innovative and collaborative in diverse teams to effectively solve complex challenges at the community, national and global levels. In Vietnam, the training program is required to comply with the Law on Higher Education and the National Qualifications Framework, emphasizing the responsibility to serve society and the requirements of international integration. Therefore, integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into training programs and activities is an urgent task. The article clarifies the role of education towards sustainable development and proposes a guiding framework for the implementation of the SDGs in higher education with three pillars: (1) goals and output standards; (2) content of sustainable development education; (3) organisation of teaching and assessment. Based on this framework, the article analyses the products of several bachelor's programs at a university in Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City, as a case study, shows that the integration is still fragmented, spontaneous and lacks processes; thereby proposing recommendations to promote sustainable education.