Alejos, Benjamin
ID: 302411024
Thoughts about The role of higher education in achieving the sustainable goals
This article has allowed me to reflect on the role of universities in today's world. One of the
points that has most caught my attention is the need to address global problems from a
transdisciplinary perspective, one that integrates knowledge, approaches, and new ways of
working together. It is essential to understand that in order to solve the problems facing the
world in the field of higher education, solutions should not arise solely from one perspective
or a particular specialty, but rather, integrated solutions are required that incorporate
knowledge from different disciplines. I also understand the importance of collaborations
between academic institutions, businesses, and governments. In the case of universities,
they must work together through agreements, dialogue, and debates both nationally and
internationally. This collaborative approach is essential to enhance their impact. Through this
article, I understand that universities are called upon to lead actions aimed at achieving the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), since their role is not limited to the generation of
knowledge or the educational field, but also to the implementation of initiatives that
contribute to a more sustainable future.
Another aspect I found very interesting and informative was the role of higher education in
Japan and the new forms of international collaboration promoted by its institutions. In
particular, I refer to the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable
Development (SATREPS) initiative. While collaborations between universities and
companies are already well-known, SATREPS goes further by promoting international joint
research. Its collaborative approach brings together universities and research institutions in
Japan and their counterparts in other countries, primarily developing countries. The most
notable aspect of this initiative is the joint and equitable work among the participating
institutions. Their research generates knowledge that seeks to solve various global
problems. To achieve this, SATREPS places a strong emphasis on fieldwork, allowing for
firsthand knowledge of the problems present primarily in developing countries. They also
focus on the development and training of human resources, which is so vital to the progress
of these countries. These initiatives clearly underscore Japan's commitment to building a
more sustainable future through science, technology, and active collaboration.
Regarding the activities carried out by the university where I completed my undergraduate
studies, this is the National University of San Marcos (UNMSM), one of the oldest and most
important universities in Peru. It has integrated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
into its institutional vision and its academic, research, and outreach activities. For example,
many of the lines of research promoted by the university address global challenges and
contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. Thus, the Faculty of Economic Sciences
researches topics related to ending poverty (SDG 1), quality education (SDG 4), decent work
and economic growth (SDG 8), and industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), among
others (National University of San Marcos, Vice-Rectorate for Research and Postgraduate
Studies, 2021). Although the degree of integration may vary between faculties, there is an
effort to include the SDGs in formal teaching, training professionals who are aware of
sustainability and social responsibility. This is not a phenomenon exclusive to this university.
As Gómez Méndez et al. (2024) mention, there has been a notable increase in the
integration of the SDGs in the development of curricula at various Peruvian universities.
Additionally, UNMSM has various volunteer programs (environmental, mental health, peace
education, project management, emergency brigades) that mobilize students and faculty to
address community needs and contribute to the SDGs.
Discussion point: Collaboration between universities, companies, governments, NGOs and
civil society is crucial. What are the main obstacles to achieving truly equitable and effective
partnerships in the context of the SDGs?
References:
Gómez Méndez et al. (2024). Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible en el currículo universitario
peruano: una revisión sistemática. Desde el Sur, 16(4), e0068
http://dx.doi.org/10.21142/des-1604-2024-0068
National University of San Marcos, Vice-Rector's Office for Research and Graduate Studies.
(2021). Annex RR-008995-R-21-15: Economic Sciences (Annex to the Rector's Resolution).
Vice-Rector's Office for Research and Graduate Studies. https://vrip.unmsm.edu.pe/wp-
content/uploads/2021/11/ANEXO-RR-008995-R-21-15-CC-ECON%C3%93MICAS.pdf
