Sixteenth International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities

Abstract

The last decade has witnessed a growing public awareness of sustainability. Institutes of higher education should be primary vehicles of change in our transition towards a sustainable future and educating the next generation on pathways toward a more sustainable way of life. As such, many institutes are actively rethinking their goals and missions, which are filtering into courses, research programs, and policies. In order to accomplish this goal, the world’s teachers have to play a crucial role in helping to bring about the changes in attitudes, in social values, and in aspirations required. Furthermore, advancing the role of students and actively involving them in national sustainable agendas in the context of environmental protection and the promotion of economic and social development are crucially needed. The purpose of this study is to enhance potential consideration for institutions of higher education throughout Malaysia to be change agents for sustainability. This exploratory study examines the awareness and knowledge level among academics and students towards sustainable development. It proposes a framework which considers the critical factors affecting the improvement of awareness and knowledge of higher education staff and students towards sustainable development.