Perception of the Sustainable Development Goals among university students: A multidisciplinary perspective

Abstract

This study explores the variations in perceptions and understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among university students, influenced by their field of study and gender. To this end, we introduced the 17 SDGs across various academic disciplines. Students participated in a concise educational initiative, with data being gathered to evaluate their baseline awareness and comprehension (before the initiative) as well as their ensuing empowerment (after participating in the initiative, which equipped them with essential knowledge pertaining to the various SDGs). Additionally, the satisfaction levels associated with the initiative was assessed. The findings unveil that, generally, Spanish university students possess a restricted grasp of the SDGs. However, students immersed in Social-Legal (S-L) sciences exhibit a significantly heightened acquaintance with these objectives compared to their counterparts. Students perceive the impact of the SDGs on their lives as moderate to high and anticipate that their individual contributions can facilitate moderate progress towards the realization of these goals, with S-L science students manifesting a greater sense of empowerment. Moreover, the study underscores a pronounced interest among university students in engaging with the SDGs. Gender appeared to have a minimal effect on the evaluated variables, with the exception of satisfaction levels concerning the educational initiative.