Awareness of Sustainable Development Goals among University Students

Abstract: In 2015, the United Nations launched Agenda 2030 with a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Achieving the Agenda 2030 requires concerted efforts by all agencies, including higher education. According to THE global ranking on SDG performance, the University of Auckland has ranked in the top 10 positions since 2019. Did these efforts translate into awareness and knowledge about the SDGs among the students? Hence, the study sought to understand the awareness of SDGs among final-year undergraduate students. Using a qualitative-constructivist approach, data was collected through focus groups from students of four different faculties. The results reveal that students had a good understanding of the concept of sustainability, but the awareness of specific SDGs is a mixed bag; they gained knowledge from multiple sources – curricular and co-curricular areas. It is not surprising students recommended use of both curricular and co-curricular strategies for promoting the SDGs among students.