Education for Sustainable Development: The Role of Universities in Shaping the Leaders of the Future

Sorin Burlacu, Ioan I. Gâf-deac, Carmen Valentina Rădulescu () and Răzvan Marian Pîrcălăbescu
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Sorin Burlacu: 1Bucharest University of Economic Studies
Ioan I. Gâf-deac: INCE - CEMONT Romanian Academy
Carmen Valentina Rădulescu: 1Bucharest University of Economic Studies
Răzvan Marian Pîrcălăbescu: 1Bucharest University of Economic Studies

A chapter in Leading Change in Disruptive Times, 2026, pp 549-557 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This research aims to analyze the role of universities in promoting education for sustainable development (EDD), with a focus on integrating sustainability principles into curricula and interdisciplinary approaches. The study starts with the observation that, although ESD is fundamental for training future leaders in the field of sustainability, its implementation in higher education remains uneven and underdeveloped. Literature indicates progress in the field, but also highlights major gaps, such as differences between institutions and the lack of a coherent vision of educational practices. The research methodology is based on a critical review of the literature and the analysis of relevant statistical data, with the aim of identifying current trends and assessing the contribution of universities to the development of the skills needed for a sustainable society. The results show an increase in interdisciplinary initiatives in ESD, but also persistent challenges, such as limited resources, the variety of institutional approaches and the uneven involvement of teaching staff. As a main contribution, the study proposes a strategic framework for more effective implementation of ESD in higher education, including practical recommendations for training leaders in the field of sustainability. Although the research has limitations, such as restricted access to detailed data and difficulties in assessing long-term impact, the results provide a basis for future research and for adapting ESD in various educational settings.

Keywords: education for sustainable development; universities; sustainability; skills; future leaders (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:prbchp:978-3-032-19276-9_35

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-19276-9_35

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