Views on Sustainable Development Goals in higher education in Albania

We are pleased to share a new UN working paper by Aljaz Kuncic (UNRCO Albania) and Abdurrahman Isik (Epoka University) titled: “Views on Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education in Albania”. This timely research presents the findings of a nationwide survey conducted among 465 stakeholders in the Albanian higher education system, including students, academic staff, administrators, and alumni. The study explores awareness, perceived importance, and personal and institutional engagement with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Insights:

• Awareness gaps remain significant: Only 26% of respondents reported being reasonably or very familiar with the SDGs. Students, in particular, showed the lowest familiarity levels.
• Despite low familiarity, 85% believe the SDGs are critical for a sustainable future. Yet only 37% frequently take personal action aligned with these goals.
• The SDGs most prioritized were Quality Education (SDG 4), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), and No Poverty (SDG 1). Least prioritized were Life Below Water (SDG 14) and Clean Water & Sanitation (SDG 6).
• Support is strong for integrating the SDGs into curricula, with preferences for workshops, seminars, and elective courses. Around 17% advocate for making SDG education compulsory.
• Women and alumni show higher awareness and engagement than male and student counterparts.
• There is a clear appetite for multi-stakeholder collaboration, with 75% of respondents supporting deeper university partnerships with local communities, government, and civil society to advance the SDGs.

Why It Matters:

Albania has made significant gains in the SDG rankings, rising from 54th in 2023 to 42nd in 2024, but challenges remain in key areas such as SDGs 5 (Gender Equality), 9 (Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure), and 14 (Life Below Water). This research shows that while the national policy framework is increasingly SDG-aligned, the education system — especially universities — plays a critical role in embedding sustainable mindsets and mobilizing youth action.

This paper fills a research gap in the Western Balkans, offering granular data and statistical analysis that can inform academic policy, student engagement initiatives, and curriculum reform. Whether you're a university leader, SDG advocate, educator, or policymaker, we invite you to explore the findings and consider how higher education can accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda.

Please find below the full working paper (and please note the caveat that as a working paper, the views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the United Nations)