CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHALLENGES OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Abstract

This article analyzed the contributions and challenges of higher education institutions in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda. Methodologically, a qualitative and interpretive study was conducted under the State of the Art approach, covering the period from 2016 to 2026. Thirty reference works were selected and subjected to thematic content analysis, organized into three theoretical axes: practical role, operational barriers, and the relevance of SDG 4. As results, it was found that universities actively contribute through University Social Responsibility (USR) and by strengthening the indissociability of teaching, research, and extension to promote bioconsciousness. However, chronic operational barriers persist, such as underfunding, isolated academic actions, insufficient teacher training in sustainability, and weak collaboration in inter-institutional networks. It is concluded that to overcome purely institutional discourse and consolidate the 2030 Agenda transversally, a robust administrative commitment that integrates sustainability into university governance and pedagogical practices is essential.