The impact of Promoting Sustainable Development in Business Education and Student Engagement in Fostering Student Commitment to the SDGs

Abstract

This chapter explores the vital role of higher education institutions (HEIs), particularly business schools, in promoting sustainable development and advancing the commitment of students to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on enhancing student engagement. Drawing on experiential learning, transformative learning, and stakeholder theory, this chapter illustrates how business education can prepare future leaders to address real-world sustainability challenges. Experiential learning - especially via AI-enhanced simulations - helps students apply theoretical knowledge in dynamic, practical settings. Transformative learning fosters critical reflection, encouraging students to challenge profit-driven norms and embrace ethical, sustainable perspectives. Stakeholder theory promotes inclusive decisionmaking and long-term value creation, aligning with sustainability principles. Integrating education for sustainable development (ESD), through curricula, studentled initiatives, interdisciplinary projects, and institutional partnerships, further enhances engagement. Initiatives such as SDG-themed events, green campus projects, and participation in the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) raise awareness and inspire behavioural change, though improved evaluation methods are needed to assess long-term outcomes. This chapter advocates embedding sustainability in both academic and co-curricular experiences, supported by a campus culture which fosters proactive student involvement, and highlights strategies to deepen engagement and nurture genuine concern for sustainability, while acknowledging challenges such as limited institutional support or inconsistent messaging. Sustained, coordinated, efforts by HEIs are essential to overcoming these barriers and fostering long-term student commitment. Finally, the chapter outlines practical and theoretical contributions, and suggests avenues for future research to advance sustainability education and enhance meaningful student engagement in higher education