Universities’ Commitments to Sustainable Development: Experiences from a Local Young University, Tra Vinh University, Vietnam
摘要
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent the transformative ways that guide us toward a more equitable society and a sustainable world. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are increasingly expected to promote sustainable practices and foster a culture of environmental responsibility. The universities are expected to be pioneers in driving positive change and demonstrate the potential for transformative impact at national and local levels. Accordingly, this paper explores the experiences and efforts of Tra Vinh University (TVU), a local young institution in Vietnam, in fulfilling its commitments to SDGs through multi-faceted approaches such as incorporating sustainable practices into curriculum design, promoting renewable energy solutions on campus; encouraging environmentally responsible behavior of lecturers and students; promoting education and activities for gender and ethnic equality; engaging in community-based sustainable development projects; and so on. Moreover, this paper also highlights the challenges in pursuit of sustainability, including the lessons and best practices gleaned from TVU’s experiences. Finally, the findings from TVU’s experiences can inspire and guide other young universities in fostering sustainable development initiatives.