Global Higher Education Advances Sustainable Development Goals

Higher education systems worldwide face critical challenges and opportunities as governments and institutions seek to align academia with industry, support sustainable growth, and uphold public trust. In Zimbabwe, a disconnect between universities and industry hinders the practical application of research, prompting calls for greater collaboration to drive innovation and national development. Montenegro has introduced a new higher education law establishing a flexible three-cycle study model and mandating practical teaching to better prepare students for the workforce. In the U.S., a recent joint statement from major educational organizations emphasizes higher education's public service role, promoting opportunity, inclusivity, and democratic values as foundational commitments. Globally, universities are recognized as vital actors in advancing the UN's Pact for the Future and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda through international cooperation and knowledge sharing. Meanwhile, under President Donald Trump's second term, the U.S. higher education landscape faces potential policy shifts focusing on reducing costs, combating perceived partisanship, and expanding apprenticeship programs, with students expressing mixed reactions to these changes.