Title: Preparedness of higher education institutions for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4: the case of Nepalese universities

Authors: Dev Raj Adhikari; Bijaya Bikram Shah

Addresses: School of Management, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal ' Faculty of Management, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to assess the quality of education, research, and governance of Nepalese higher education institutions (HEIs) as a supplement to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) by 2030. This paper follows a qualitative method to analyse the viewpoints of the actors and stakeholders. From the analysis of stakeholders' views, it appears that Nepalese HEIs have not found prepared for integrating their plans, policies, and strategies to the SDG 4. Furthermore, the quality of education, research, and governance require total restructuring to integrate this public policy agenda in the operational activities of universities. This research initiates discourse on policies and framework to inculcate sustainability culture through teaching, research, and good governance. The paper is the first of its type in the context of a least developed country.

Keywords: higher education institutions; Sustainable Development Goal 4; SDG4; universities; quality of education and research; operational activities.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHES.2021.117892

International Journal of Higher Education and Sustainability, 2021 Vol.3 No.3, pp.207 - 230

Received: 05 Dec 2020
Accepted: 06 Jan 2021
Published online: 04 Oct 2021 *