Proposta de otimização da exigência de critérios de aderência aos objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável nos projetos acadêmicos da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

Abstract

The growing interest in sustainable development, following the widespread dissemination of the concept initiated with the publication of the Brundtland Report in 1987, culminated in the establishment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations (UN) in 2015. These goals encompass a global agenda aimed at promoting sustainability across various domains. In Brazil, formal commitment to the SDGs was established in 2016 with the creation of the National Commission for the Sustainable Development Goals. Within this context, this research, conducted at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), seeks to enhance the monitoring and application of the SDGs in academic projects, in addition to evaluating the institution's conduct in promoting a sustainable culture across its sectors. Through a qualitative and quantitative approach, using an electronic questionnaire, data were collected between August 2024 and November 2024. The results reveal a moderate understanding of the SDGs among respondents, which hinders their full integration into projects developed at the institution. After analyzing this data, it was concluded that improvements are needed in UFRN’s Integrated Academic Activities Management System (SIGAA) to facilitate the incorporation of SDGs into academic management by implementing a tool that allows project coordinators to view SDG targets and indicate the achievement of objectives in final reports. Additionally, a "Diagnosis on the Association of SDGs in Academic Projects at UFRN: Coordinators' Knowledge Level and Promotion of Sustainability" was prepared, and recommendations were made for the "Promotion of Environmental Awareness and Better Integration of SDGs in Academic Projects at UFRN". This study is expected to contribute to fostering a culture of environmental preservation, academic excellence, and social responsibility at UFRN. By promoting the effective implementation of the SDGs and engagement with environmental awareness within the academic community, the university can play a prominent role in advancing the global sustainable development agenda.