Skip to main content
ISSUE 25: Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education: Integration of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 into Curricula, Research and Partnerships in Higher Education
Message from Editor in Chief
In the face of an ever-evolving global landscape, the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) by the United Nations—to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all—has emerged as a formidable challenge, particularly within the realm of higher education. The disparity in access to quality education, the underrepresentation of marginalized communities, and the pressing need for curricula that reflect the realities of the 21st century stand as stark reminders of the work that lies ahead. Pakistan, with its diverse and burgeoning population, faces unique challenges in higher education. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the literacy rate among people aged 15 years and above is around 62%, a figure that underscores the pressing need for educational reforms at all levels. When it comes to higher education, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan reports that there are more than 200 universities and degree-awarding institutions in the country. However, gross enrollment in tertiary education is estimated to be around 12.6%, which is significantly lower than the South Asian average. This scenario is further complicated by issues of access, quality, and equity. Rural-urban disparities, gender gaps, and socio-economic barriers continue to limit educational opportunities for many, while questions about the quality and relevance of higher education programs persist. The integration of SDG 4 into the higher education sector in Pakistan necessitates a multifaceted approach, focusing on curricula, research, and partnerships. The integration of SDG 4 into higher education is not just an educational imperative but a societal necessity. It requires commitment, creativity, and collaboration at all levels. As Pakistan strives to improve its higher education sector, focusing on inclusivity, quality, and equity will not only help achieve SDG 4 but also pave the way for a more sustainable, just, and prosperous future for all.
This issue of She Matters is a special issue on the theme “Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education: Integration of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 into Curricula, Research and Partnerships in Higher Education”. This issue includes interview of a profound leader in education Prof. Dr. Safia Ahmed (TI), Vice Chancellor of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Peshawar. This issue discusses the gender specific SDG targets which the country needs to achieve. The issue also highlights the need of building effective industry-academia linkages to produce graduates for sustainable economic growth. The issue also discusses the new leadership skill sets to be developed among students. Moreover, this issue also highlights the need of integrating AI in tertiary education. I would like to acknowledge that launching this issue would not have been possible without the great and much appreciated contributions from the editorial and technical team. The robust intellectual support and well time contribution of content writers deserve special appreciatory applause. Our team expects similar sort of sincere dedication from the writers in near future. Enjoy reading the issue!
