Advancing green higher education for sustainable development in Vietnam

Abstract

As green transition and sustainable development have become global priorities, higher education plays a crucial role in developing human capital, advancing scientific research, and fostering sustainability-oriented values. This article examines the current state of green higher education in Vietnam, identifies its major achievements and challenges, and proposes strategic measures to strengthen its contribution to sustainable development. The study employs a qualitative approach based on document analysis and synthesis, combined with historical–logical and comparative methods. The analysis draws on Party documents, state policies, reports from international organizations, and relevant scholarly literature on sustainable development and green higher education. The findings indicate that green higher education in Vietnam has made notable progress in promoting green campuses, integrating sustainability-related content into academic programs, encouraging research and innovation, and enhancing students’ environmental awareness. Nevertheless, its development continues to face several constraints, including institutional limitations, insufficient resources, and the uneven integration of sustainability principles across higher education institutions. Based on these findings, the article proposes a set of policy and institutional recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of green higher education and strengthen its contribution to sustainable development in Vietnam.