Resumo

The Ukraine-Russia war and the escalating global tensions challenge Sustainable Development (SD). The UN is pivotal in addressing these crises. The 2030 Agenda aims to balance economic growth and environmental sustainability. Debates reveal a divide between the Global North and South, shaped by economic disparities and differing priorities. The Global North often overlooks the Global South's unique challenges. This study examines HEIs' sustainable actions and strategies, highlighting their unique contributions and promoting inclusive solutions to align with SDGs.

How do organizational strategies for sustainable development in Higher Education Institutions differ between the Global North and Global South, and what unique contributions do these strategies make toward achieving sustainable value? The study aims to analyze HEIs' organizational strategies for SD in both the Global North and Global South, emphasizing their unique contributions and linking their sustainable value to strategy.

Higher education institutions (HEIs) play a critical role in promoting sustainability through education, research, and community engagement. Integrating sustainable practices into their operations and strategies is essential for aligning with global goals, despite financial constraints and competitive pressures. HEIs must prioritize financial sustainability while fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. By doing so, they can advance environmental awareness, social inclusivity, and economic viability, thereby contributing significantly to a sustainable society.

The research utilized qualitative methods to examine sustainable strategies in HEIs, analyzing data from university websites to validate existing literature. Results were discussed in relation to prior studies, aiming to enhance understanding and build on previous research. Institutions participating in THE Impact Ranking were selected based on their SD actions, including top performers and those from the Global South, providing insights into diverse implementation strategies across global regions.

The study shows that Global North HEIs prioritize clean technologies and pollution prevention, leveraging advanced technology and regulations. In contrast, Global South HEIs emphasize context-specific solutions, enhancing access and local relevance. Both regions pursue sustainable value through strategies like the Base of the Pyramid (BoP) and regenerative approaches. This framework stresses equitable support for Global South priorities, including resource access, technology transfer, and capacity building, promoting region-specific sustainability strategies and collaborative SDG efforts.

Higher education institutions (HEIs) integrate sustainability strategies like businesses, emphasizing environmental and social responsibility alongside their educational mission. Leading institutions, especially in the Global North, prioritize comprehensive initiatives with ample resources and visibility. Strategies vary regionally, responding to local challenges and emphasizing operational improvements and campus greening. Pollution prevention stands out as critical for sustainability efforts.

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