Contribution of European University Alliances to Education for Sustainable Development and to the SDGs: A Case Study on the Circular EELISA Community

Abstract

European University Alliances are increasingly crucial to promoting Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research, education, and innovation. In this line, the Circular EELISA Community was created as part of the European Alliance of EELISA Universities. This study aims to analyse the contribution of the Circular EELISA Community to ESD and the SDGs, evaluating its contribution according to the impact level of EELISA credentials and the community contribution by year. To conduct this analysis, EELISA credentials, which were awarded to 533 participants in 19 activities between 2022 and 2023, were used as indicators of contribution. The results reveal significant community impact on SDGs 9, 11, and 12, with impact level 2 (knowledge) and increased input in 2023. The Circular EELISA Community positively contributes to ESD and the SDGs. Although the SDGs must be addressed from a systemic perspective, developing tools allows us to deepen our knowledge of concepts such as sustainable development, which can sometimes be ambiguous. This study could facilitate, for students, education professionals, politicians, and all interested parties, identifying appropriate competencies and pedagogies that empower citizens to meet global environmental priorities from socioeconomic and technological perspectives.