Title: Education for sustainable development in Russia: problems and challenges

Authors: Tatiana Salimova; Nadezhda Guskova; Evgenia Neretina

Addresses: Department of Economics, Ogarev Mordovia State University, Saransk 430005, Russia ' Department of Economics, Ogarev Mordovia State University, Saransk 430005, Russia ' Department of Economics, Ogarev Mordovia State University, Saransk 430005, Russia

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to identify both the maturity level as well as gaps in awareness and understanding of the values, objectives and challenges relating to sustainable development among various social and economic agents in Russia. This study is based on a comprehensive review of the literature and UN program documents in the area of sustainable development. Quantitative data were gathered through questionnaires, measuring perceived values, objectives and challenges relating to sustainable development from various categories of respondents. The final results are discussed in light of this background knowledge. We have learned that there is a difference in the understanding of key values, objectives and problems relating to sustainable development in Russia among various respondents. The findings illustrate that education in the area of sustainable development could serve to reduce current gaps. This research gives a better understanding of the necessity of lifelong education relating to sustainable development.

Keywords: sustainable development; quality of life; environmental sustainability; social responsibility; partnerships; qualitative analysis; quantitative analysis; education for sustainability; Russia; lifelong education; lifelong learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2015.071855

International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 2015 Vol.9 No.3/4, pp.246 - 261

Received: 07 Jun 2014
Accepted: 06 Jan 2015

Published online: 21 Sep 2015 *

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