EXPERIENCE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING COUNTRIES IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

THE PURPOSE OF THE ARTICLE is to study the experience of the world’s leading countries in the field of sustainable development of higher education institutions in order to identify best practices and opportunities for their implementation in Ukrainian higher education institutions.

RESEARCH METHODS. The following methods were used in the study: literature analysis (analysis of global practices, policies and strategies for sustainable development in higher education institutions); comparative analysis (identification of differences and commonalities in approaches to sustainable development in different countries); case studies (in-depth study of specific cases of successful implementation of sustainable development in higher education institutions); expert assessments (obtaining assessments and opinions of experts in the field of sustainable development and education); content analysis (analysis of the content of documents, reports, strategies, publications of universities and other institutions).

PRESENTING MAIN MATERIAL. The concept of sustainable development is an integral part of the development strategy of both different sectors of the economy and education. The current challenge for higher education institutions is not only to provide quality knowledge, but also to ensure their own sustainability in the financial, social and environmental vectors. The world’s leading countries have developed unique approaches to implementing sustainable development in their universities, including the integration of sustainable development principles into educational programs and effective resource management. Countries with developed higher education systems are actively implementing sustainability initiatives, including energy efficiency of buildings, use of renewable energy sources, reduction of air emissions, innovations in educational processes, such as the use of technology to improve the quality of education, distance learning and e-administration. Sustainable development of a higher education institution involves the integration of three aspects (economic, social, and environmental) into the management and development of the institution. Sustainable development in education is focused on the “triangle of sustainable development”, which forms the basis for strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of higher education institutions and promote the creation of conditions for the development of modern knowledge and competencies. The experience of leading countries in the field of sustainable development of higher education institutions was analyzed: The European Union, the United States of America, Australia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Japan, Canada, and Australia. As part of the adaptation and further implementation of international experience in sustainable development of higher education institutions in Ukraine, the following conditions need to be met: diversify funding sources through cooperation with the private sector and international organizations; start introducing green technologies on campuses to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact; integrate the principles of sustainable development into educational programs to train specialists capable of promoting sustainable development in various sectors of the economy; adhere to the principles of social inclusiveness and sustainability.

CONCLUSIONS. The experience of the world’s leading countries demonstrates the importance of a comprehensive approach to ensuring the sustainable development of higher education institutions. Economic sustainability, social inclusiveness, and environmental responsibility are integral elements of this process. Ukrainian higher education institutions can use the best international practices to formulate their own sustainability strategies: to strengthen the importance of integrating sustainable development; to use innovative approaches in education; to strengthen international cooperation and exchange of experience, which will allow for more effective adaptation of global sustainability standards to local conditions; to increase financial and political support through government grants, research programs and partnerships with private companies, which stimulates the implementation of sustainable solutions; to increase the globalization of processes that manifest themselves in the In general, the experience of leading countries in the context of sustainable development of higher education institutions serves as an important benchmark for other countries seeking to achieve a sustainable future through education and research.

KEYWORDS: higher education institutions; sustainable development; leading countries of the world; implementation; quality of education; development strategy; concept; higher education; universities; sustainable development initiatives; innovations; green technologies; sustainable development triangle.