Education for sustainable development as a driver of enhanced human development: a cross-country analysis

Le résumé fourni par la source

The Human Development Index serves as the primary benchmark for measuring progress across its three dimensions: education, health, and income. However, it relies on limited education indicators, with the economic aspect being significantly more prominent. This dominance restricts the capacity of the Human Development Index to adequately reflect development that focuses on sustainability. Education for Sustainable Development is underrepresented within Human Development Index frameworks, which can be attributed in part to a lack of comprehensive global data. This research utilizes Transformative Learning Theory to contend that the exclusion of Education for Sustainable Development overlooks essential competencies needed to tackle sustainability challenges and risks. This omission exacerbates inequalities in access to quality education among countries with different Human Development Index levels. The inadequate quality of education and the absence of responsible educational approaches in certain countries pose substantial barriers to the development of effective long-term strategies for sustainability. Using panel regression analysis across 15 emerging economies globally for the period 2000–2023, this study examines how Education for Sustainable Development-related indicators can be integrated into the Human Development Index. Findings consistently indicate that all education variables—pre-primary, secondary, and tertiary—alongside adult literacy rate and internet penetration, are statistically significant Human Development Index drivers. Results remain robust and show consistent positive effects across the sample, while inefficient education spending and closely related labor market indicators show structural challenges that may hinder development. Among all education variables, adult literacy arises as the most substantial contributor. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating Education for Sustainable Development into the education component of the Human Development Index. This integration is crucial for accurately reflecting inclusive and sustainable development pathways. Strengthening Education for Sustainable Development enhances human development outcomes and tackles inequalities in both the quality and accessibility of education. This approach is particularly relevant for countries at various stages of development and with differing priorities. This study offers insights for governments, educational institutions, and other organizations on how to integrate Education for Sustainable Development into national and international developmental strategies. It also highlights the need for future research focused on measuring competencies related to Education for Sustainable Development and understanding long-term sustainability transitions, which will ultimately benefit future generations. Furthermore, the study underscores the necessity for future policymakers and experts across diverse fields to acquire relevant knowledge and skills, as well as the importance of engaging the broader community in this initiative.

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