Reforming Jordan’s higher education: The case for sustainability integration

As the world moves rapidly towards sustainable development(SD), higher education institutions (HEI) play a critical role in shaping a workforce -prepared to ‘meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’ (Brundtland Report, 1987). Jordan stands at a crossroads in this global transition, yet its Jordan National Qualification Framework (JNQF) remains insufficiently adapted to the contemporary definition of sustainable development (SD), emphasizing knowledge, competency, and skills while overlooking sustainability as a core element. This oversight creates a widening gap between Jordan’s education system and national, as well as global sustainability standards, limiting students' competitiveness in an increasingly ‘green’ economy. Addressing this shortfall is not merely a policy preference—it is a socioeconomic and environmental necessity.

Sustainability: A missing pillar in Jordan’s education system

The JNQF, which serves as the backbone for academic standards in Jordan, fails to integrate ‘sustainability’ as a foundational learning outcome. For instance, several gulf countries have developed National Qualifications Frameworks (NQFs) that emphasize sustainability and align with national (i.e., Vision 2025), as well as global (i.e., Vision 2030) standards. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has established its National Qualifications Framework, known as QFEmirates. Similarly, Qatar has been developing its NQF to integrate sustainability principles, reflecting a commitment to sustainable development(SD). These initiatives demonstrate a regional trend towards embedding sustainability within educational frameworks, aligning with global standards, such as the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), as well as the UNESCO'sEducation for Sustainable Development (ESD).

The JNQF does not mandate sustainability education across disciplines, unlike Gulf countries' higher education ministries, which have incorporated sustainability into their national qualification frameworks. This oversight hinders students from developing essential cross-cutting skills such as systems thinking, resource efficiency, and climate adaptation, which are crucial for addressing Jordan’s pressing challenges like water scarcity, energy dependency, and climate resilience.

Beyond environmental concerns, sustainability encompasses social responsibility and economic growth and development—two factors crucial to Jordan’s long-term stability. The exclusionof sustainability from the national education framework(NEF) means that graduates are ill-prepared to contribute to sustainable - business practices, such as circular economy, socialequity and inclusion, and green entrepreneurship, which are ‘all’growing sectors in the global market.

Consequences of ignoring sustainability in higher education

The absence of sustainability in the JNQF leads to ‘multiple’consequences that affect students, universities, and the national economy. Without sustainability embedded in the framework, graduates may struggle to compete for high-value international jobs as the global job market shifts towards sustainability-focused careers in renewable energy, circular economy, and sustainable finance. Leading rankings such as the QS Sustainability Rankings and THE Impact Rankings assess universities on their commitment to sustainability. Without formal integration in the JNQF, Jordanian - higher education institutions (HEI) ‘lag’ behind regional and global counterparts, weakening their global standing.

Moreover, private universities, with more flexibility, have already ‘begun’ incorporating green skills and sustainability courses, attracting top-tier students and faculty. Meanwhile, public universities remain constrained, leading to inequitable access to sustainability education and employment opportunities. The global - green economy is expanding rapidly, attracting investment in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and green startups. Without sustainability-focused curricula, graduates, in Jordan, are overlooked for opportunities in these high-growth sectors. Sustainability is also directly linked to solving Jordan’s ‘most’ urgent issues, such as water scarcity, food security, and energy diversification. Without integrating sustainability into education, future leaders will lack the skills necessary to develop innovative solutions to these pressing problems.

A call for reform: Transforming the JNQF for a sustainable future

To ensure Jordan’s higher education system remains relevant, immediate reforms to the JNQF are essential. Sustainability should be treated as a ‘fundamental’ pillar across all academic disciplines, similar to critical thinking and problem-solving. Introducing ‘mandatory’ sustainability reporting for higher education institutions will drive accountability and innovation, following the example of the gulf region - where universities are required to document their sustainability performance. 

Government - funding and accreditation incentives could support public universities in embedding sustainability, ensuring equal opportunities for students regardless of institution type. Universities should also be incentivised to partner with industry leaders, policymakers, and research institutions to advance real-world sustainable, and transformational projects that benefit both the economy and society, as well as the environment.

If Jordan is to thrive in a ‘rapidly’ evolving global economy, its education system must reflect the realities of a sustainable present and future. Institutions like the King Talal School of Business Technology (KTSBT) at PSUT have demonstrated the transformative power of sustainability in education. However, unless the JNQF undergoes ‘bold’ reforms, Jordan risks ‘falling’ behind in the global transition toward a greener, more resilient economy.

The time for action is now. The Ministry of Higher Education(MHE) must collaborate with universities, industry leaders, and international partners to ensure sustainability becomes a core pillar of Jordan’s educational framework. By embedding sustainability in the JNQF, Jordan can produce graduates - who are not just ‘passive’ job seekers but ‘active’ solution makers, capable of leading the nation towards a more equitable and prosperous future.