In a globalised world, the principles of sustainable development (SD) have become central values. Education is critical in shaping knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to enable moving along pathways towards SD, and a catalyst for development. It is a key determinant of social and economic transformation, and an essential precursor to sustainability. The significance of education for achieving the SDGs is clear. In target 4.7, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is mentioned as a key instrument. Although SDGs are equally important, indivisible, and common for all countries, their priorities are country specific, depending upon the level, gaps and structure of development. B+NESDG responds to a need as lacking international support, Nepan and Bhutan will not manage to create own institutions which can steer their policy on the national level towards SD (German Report on Curriculum Framework ESD). B+NESDG will contribute to increase the quality of tertiary education through a capacity building holistic approach of 6 HEIs on SD to facilitate the accomplishment of relevant SDGs in Bhutan and Nepal, modernising HEIs to be more internationally recognised and competitive by:-Creating “whole-institutions” mainstreaming sustainability into all aspects of the institution, reinforcing their capabilities to support the country on accomplishing SDGs, turning them into institutions fostering SD, inclusion and social commitment. The principle “leaving no-one behind” will be a cornerstone in the project aligned with Bhutan and Nepal commitment to addressing the needs of the vulnerable.-Integrating ESD within HEIs through and inclusive and equitable quality educational approach, contributing to modernise and update the pedagogical framework and to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes needed to be responsible global citizens. -Extensive capacity building through training of the university community (staff, educators and students).
Specific objectives of the B+NESDG innovative proposal to accomplish the SDGs through ESD in HEIs in Bhutan and Nepal-to create sustainable universities through capacity building, mainstreaming sustainability into all aspects of the HEI - to integrate ESD with an equitable and inclusive educational approach - to provide capacity building (Training of Trainers)- to mitigate gender disparities and foster inclusiveness - to establish a long-lasting international cooperation and partnerships
B+NESDG aims to increase the quality of tertiary education through a capacity building holistic approach by modernising 6 HEIs to be more internationally recognised and competitive on SD to facilitate the accomplishment of relevant SDGs in Nepal and Bhutan,responding to, gaps and challenges, such as lack of international support, difficulties in creating own institutions to steer policy on the national level towards SD and, severe resource and capacity constraints for carrying forward the SDGs
<< Background >> B+NESDG aims to increase the quality of tertiary education through a capacity building holistic approach by modernising 6 HEIs to be more internationally recognised and competitive on SD to facilitate the accomplishment of relevant SDGs in Nepal and Bhutan,responding to, gaps and challenges, such as lack of international support, difficulties in creating own institutions to steer policy on the national level towards SD and, severe resource and capacity constraints for carrying forward the SDGs << Objectives >> Specific objectives of the B+NESDG innovative proposal to accomplish the SDGs through ESD in HEIs in Bhutan and Nepal-to create sustainable universities through capacity building, mainstreaming sustainability into all aspects of the HEI - to integrate ESD with an equitable and inclusive educational approach - to provide capacity building (Training of Trainers)- to mitigate gender disparities and foster inclusiveness - to establish a long-lasting international cooperation and partnerships << Implementation >> -SDG Integration Methodology established, Whole-university strategy implemented by the SDGs Units, monitoring and reporting of the SDG indicators Panel -Capacitation of SD appointed staff, to manage SD Units, audit of SD Offices and future online audit-s of any organization-Customized Pedagogical methodology, curriculum framework, training, ESD pilots and, ESD Platform delivered-Online and On-site Capacity building on whole-university approach, SDG-ESD program implemented and assessed << Results >> -B+NESDG raised awareness about the critical importance of SD, SDGs, LNOB, gender equality, inclusion, whole-university and national/regional/international cooperation.-Strengthened skills and capacities of participants, through training (Training of Trainers ToT model)-ESD implemented, Pilots delivered-, new courses, ESD Platform launched -SD Units/Offices, fully operative, monitorization of SDG Indicators, with individualized Sustainability Plans, properly staffed, equipped and audited