Assessing the University of Johannesburg’s Engagement and Position in Global Sustainable Development Goal Practices-Journal of Sustainability Research-CSCIED科技核心评价数据库-手机版

Assessing the University of Johannesburg’s Engagement and Position in Global Sustainable Development Goal Practices

Assessing the University of Johannesburg’s Engagement and Position in Global Sustainable Development Goal Practices

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DOI	10.20900/jsr20250051
刊名	Journal of Sustainability Research JSR
年，卷(期)	2025, 7(3)
作者	Chidubem Deborah Adamu,Kathija Yassim,Chinaza Uleanya*,
作者单位	Department of Educational Leadership and Management, Faculty of Education, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa ;
摘要	This study assessed the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by exploring both its practical sustainability initiatives and the Senate’s policy discourse on SDG-related matters. Within a qualitative research approach, the study applied the interpretivism paradigm. Six stakeholders, including students, lecturers, and administrative staff, who had participated in an eight-week online sustainability short learning program were purposefully chosen from across UJ’s three campuses. The alignment between UJ’s operational endeavors and its policy-level debates was examined in the study. Results show UJ’s strong commitments to reducing poverty (SDG 1) and improving the quality of education (SDG 4) through programs like interdisciplinary programs, improved mentorship, scholarships for disadvantaged students, and innovative online learning platforms. Nonetheless, a selective focus is evident in Senate-level debates on topics like human rights, gender equity, conflict resolution, and diversity. Discussions frequently stay at the policy level without producing tangible, quantifiable results, and international problems are given precedence over regional African issues. Practical suggestions for UJ and other African universities are included in the study’s conclusion. These include expanding the dispute resolution process to encompass regional issues, turning policy discussions about human rights and gender equality into concrete projects, and improving internal communication to increase stakeholder participation. Higher education institutions in Africa may more successfully promote sustainable development and the SDGs by taking a more comprehensive and balanced approach.
Abstract	This study assessed the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by exploring both its practical sustainability initiatives and the Senate’s policy discourse on SDG-related matters. Within a qualitative research approach, the study applied the interpretivism paradigm. Six stakeholders, including students, lecturers, and administrative staff, who had participated in an eight-week online sustainability short learning program were purposefully chosen from across UJ’s three campuses. The alignment between UJ’s operational endeavors and its policy-level debates was examined in the study. Results show UJ’s strong commitments to reducing poverty (SDG 1) and improving the quality of education (SDG 4) through programs like interdisciplinary programs, improved mentorship, scholarships for disadvantaged students, and innovative online learning platforms. Nonetheless, a selective focus is evident in Senate-level debates on topics like human rights, gender equity, conflict resolution, and diversity. Discussions frequently stay at the policy level without producing tangible, quantifiable results, and international problems are given precedence over regional African issues. Practical suggestions for UJ and other African universities are included in the study’s conclusion. These include expanding the dispute resolution process to encompass regional issues, turning policy discussions about human rights and gender equality into concrete projects, and improving internal communication to increase stakeholder participation. Higher education institutions in Africa may more successfully promote sustainable development and the SDGs by taking a more comprehensive and balanced approach.
关键词	Africa; development; higher education; leadership; sustainability
KeyWord	Africa; development; higher education; leadership; sustainability
基金项目
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Chidubem Deborah Adamu,Kathija Yassim,Chinaza Uleanya*. Assessing the University of Johannesburg’s Engagement and Position in Global Sustainable Development Goal Practices [J]. Journal of Sustainability Research. 2025; 7; (3). - .

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