Trajectory for Sustainability: A Systematic Review on the Actions of Higher Education Institutions for the Integration of the SDGs

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18675/2177-580X.2025-19473

Keywords:

Sustainable management. 2030 Agenda. Higher education. Systematic review.

Abstract

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), as knowledge centers and agents of transformation, play a central role in sustainable development, adapting practices in the face of global challenges. This study, through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), analyzed university management initiatives to incorporate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The analysis of nineteen studies identified three integration approaches: Strategic Planning, Sustainable Practices and Social Responsibility (SPSR), and Sustainability Indicators. The results show a fragmented and unbalanced integration of the SDGs. The SPSR approach is the only one to encompass all seventeen SDGs. In contrast, Strategic Planning has a low association with social and environmental SDGs, and Sustainability Indicators omits crucial SDGs, highlighting fragilities in measurement and monitoring. The findings reinforce the need for strategic university management, aligned with the 2030 Agenda, to amplify impact and strengthen actions toward a sustainable HEI.

Author Biographies

Adriana da Silva Simões, Universidade Federal da Paraíba

She has a degree in Mechanical Production Engineering from UFPB (2009), a Master's degree in Production Engineering from (UFPB), is a doctoral student in the Postgraduate Program in Development and Environment in Association with the Prodema Network (Prodema-UFPB), is a Professor of Higher Education in the Production Engineering course at the Federal University of Piauí and works mainly in research on sustainability in production systems, environmental management, higher education and ethics and social responsibility.

Gesinaldo Ataíde Candido, Universidade Federal da Paraíba

He holds a degree in Administration from UFPB (1989), a Master's degree in Administration from UFPB (1995), a PhD in Production Engineering from UFSC (2001), is a permanent Professor at the Postgraduate Programs in Administration at UFPB and the Development and Environment Program (PRODEMA/UFRN), is a CNPq Researcher and his work covers the themes of sustainable energy, sustainable development indicators, urban management, technological innovation, social technologies and the relations between administration and society.

Eduardo Rodrigues Viana de Lima, Universidade Federal da Paraíba

He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Geography from UFPB (1984), a Master's Degree in Remote Sensing from INPE (1990), a PhD in Geography from UNESP (2000) and a Post-Doctorate from the University of Seville/Spain (2013). He is a Full Professor at UFPB, Coordinator of the Doctorate of PRODEMA/UFPB, State Coordinator of Marine Spatial Planning and a CNPq Research Productivity Scholarship holder since 2008, working mainly on the following themes: geoprocessing, desertification, remote sensing, spatial planning, environmental planning and indicators.

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2026-01-23

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Vol. 20 No. 1 (2025): Publicação Contínua

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