Abstract
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a shift to ensure that sustainable development becomes the prevailing paradigm in transforming society and protecting the natural environment. Agenda 2030 reaffirms the notion of working together in partnerships. Higher education institutions (HEIs) in southern Africa can inspire future leaders to have innovative skills and mindsets of transforming societies by engaging in impactful research and embodying sustainability practices. The institutions can achieve this through promoting interdisciplinary work and problem-based learning experiences. A conceptual orientation to problems that confront HEIs is required to help clarify practices that characterize these institutions in achieving the desired sustainability. This chapter explores HEIs’ processes, aimed at escalating their roles and responsibilities in effectively implementing SDGs. The chapter is guided by three questions: (1) What are the implied roles and responsibilities of HEIs in SDGs implementation? (2) How can HEIs demonstrate participatory approaches towards effective sustainability processes, and (3) How can HEIs strengthen existing partnerships to enhance the implementation of SDGs? In addressing these questions, the chapter articulates underlying problems and existing gaps in HEIs processes with a view of initiating reforms that have an effect on enabling SDGs implementation. This may help identify knowledge gaps on sustainability, hence enabling HEIs to initiate forums that bring together relevant stakeholders to co-engage on best practices.