Regional case study of Sustainable Development Goals implementation: Informal education and third mission of universities

Abstract

The aim of the study is to introduce practical experience and explore the possibilities of sustainable development ideology in the region and to involve youth activists in international processes of regional reflection. Objectives: research of possibilities of youth organizations and universities in realization of non-formal education for overcoming environmental problems in the region; development of practical experience in realization of environmental education for sustainable development (ESD); development of pedagogical technology for non-formal work; creation of pedagogical model of interaction of different segments of youth organizations. Methodology: creation of the World Water Forum youth model. Work directions: adaptation of the international agenda to the regional one (Baikal region) and creation of the pedagogical model of practice-oriented work of youth communities for implementation of the third mission of HEIs. Regional ministries, youth government of Irkutsk region, colleges and universities of the region were involved in the model development. As a result of the thematic groups’ work, an inventory of the region’s problems was made by the activities of each working group; lists of the most promising areas of work to improve the environmental and social situation in the region were compiled; and road maps to achieve the set goals for up to 5 years were developed.