Progressive Education for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals: The Impact of NEP 2020 on Policy, Governance, and Pedagogic Innovation

Abstract

The integration of Sustainable Development Goals in educational systems is a key issue for a sustainable future. India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 presents the transformative approach to education that focuses on educational practices aligned with a global sustainability agenda. This paper critically examines the role of NEP 2020 in furthering SDGs through its impact on educational policy, governance, and pedagogical innovation. The research focuses on three main dimensions: (1) Policy reforms that support inclusivity, equity, and lifelong learning; (2) Governance frameworks that foster decentralization, community engagement, and collaborative leadership; and (3) Pedagogical innovations, such as technology integration and competency-based education, to make the learning experience more meaningful and foster sustainable development. The study, which presents an analysis of these reforms, shows how NEP 2020 can provide a strong framework for changing the educational outcomes and responding to global challenges. The paper maintains that NEP 2020 not only reshapes India's educational landscape but also becomes an excellent model for aligning the national education systems with the SDGs. The findings highlight that these policies have the potential to drive sustainable societal changes in society through education.