Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Romanian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) within the SDGs Framework

The purpose of this research is to explore barriers and challenges that HEIs in Romania must overcome in order to incorporate education for sustainable development (ESD), but also to provide key recommendations regarding factors that can facilitate sustainability in higher education in Romania. In terms of the approach, a qualitative approach was used consisting of semi-structured interviews involving seven actors from Romanian HEIs, actors who are in charge of ESD adoption. All respondents were in charge of ESD adoption within the Romanian universities that were part of the analysis. The research outlined that the analyzed Romanian universities have implemented ESD, but in terms of planning and practices, they have taken isolated actions. Moreover, major barriers and challenges have been highlighted, such as: funding deficiencies, a lack of experienced officers to adopt SD, change difficulties and improper public policies. The originality of the article resides in the fact the approach is holistic, which adds value to the literature in the area, particularly since, so far, research on ESD in Romanian higher education has focused only on particular factors.

Automated summary

This research aims to explore the barriers and challenges faced by HEIs in Romania regarding the incorporation of education for sustainable development (ESD) and provide key recommendations to facilitate sustainability in higher education. Through semi-structured interviews with seven actors responsible for ESD adoption in Romanian HEIs, it was found that although the universities have implemented ESD, they have taken isolated actions in terms of planning and practices. Major barriers and challenges highlighted include funding deficiencies, a lack of experienced officers, change difficulties, and improper public policies.