Engaging in the internationalization of education and SDGs: Case study on the global hub of UNAI on sustainability

MDP Global Classroom Program, Joint Program between Al Farabi KazNU and MDP Program at Earth Institute at Columbia University, Earth Institute at Columbia University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

^* Corresponding author: r.abazov@yahoo.com

Abstract

The education sector has been identified as one of the key players in globalization processes and implementation of the UN Agenda 2030. The role of education, including higher education, involves not only raising awareness among young people and educators about the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and global environmental changes, but also in mobilizing them for partnerships towards fulfilment of these goals (as defined in SDG-17) and dealing with the challenges of globalization. The purpose of this article is to analyze the engagement of HEIs in internationalization of education, realization of the UN Agenda 2030 and supporting the implementation of SDGs, using as an example the work of the UNAI at the university level. First, the article provides a short literature review on empirical and theoretical aspects of the internationalization of HEIs, looking at how international institutions impact internationalization, organizational culture and the formulation of educational process and international cooperation activities at HEIs. Second, it analyzes organizational tools for internationalization by looking at the international experience and activities of university networks such as UNAI and the impact of those networks on the internationalization of universities. Third, it presents a case study of the work of an international university network, using the example of UNAI Hub at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, and discusses how the UNAI programs have impacted the perception of internationalization and organizational culture at the university.