SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, EDUCATION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING: CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD

Abstract

In a momentous move, mental health was included in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in September 2015 as part of its 2030 Agenda. Emphasising the excessively high global burden of disease due to mental illness, the UN positioned mental health as a priority for global development. Consequently, promotion of mental health and wellbeing became a vital part of SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being. Further, it is crucial in ensuring the achievement of several other SDGs such as No Poverty (SDG 1), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Reduced Inequality (SDG 10) amongst others. On World Mental Health Day 2023, the World Health Organization reiterated that “mental health is a universal human right” asserting that everyone everywhere has the right to the “highest attainable standard” of mental health. WHO further noted that it was impossible to accomplish sustainable development without attending to mental health. The National Education Policy, which was adopted by India in 2020, closely reflected these sentiments and took a holistic approach to learning. It highlighted the critical role played by educational institutes in ensuring emotional well-being and psychological health of students and impressed upon these institutes to create an inclusive and supportive environment conducive to psychological growth. This paper examines the rising trend towards appreciating the critical role of mental health in holistic education, sustainable development and growth. It assesses the provisions of the Sustainable Development Goals and National Education Policy that cater to this goal of facilitating mental health and inform policies of educational institutes. Actionable insights and policy recommendations are offered.