Localizing the SDGs through tailored-based training solutions targeting students and academics

Abstract

This paper focuses on understanding, education, and knowledge gaps on topics related to sustainable development such as urban metabolism, responsible use of natural resources, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This work is part of a broader study that aims at disseminating education on topics at all level of societies, including minority groups such as children, elderly, persons with disabilities, students and academics, women, LGBTI+, and homeless and refugees. The current study tackles students and academics specifically and illustrates the relationship between cultural background (country and continent of origin) and perceptions of sustainable development and politics at the local level. For this analysis, data were analysed and collected at the Politecnico di Milano, Milan (Italy) using structured interviews and survey questionnaires. Findings provide a deeper understanding of students and academic sensitivities of SDGs and local political system spatial patterns by continent across the world.