Tatia Kharabadze
Head of Quality Assurance Office, Central University of Europe
Abstract
The presented paper focuses on analyzing the role of high quality assurance in the process of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals defined in accordance with the 2015 United Nations General Assembly resolution “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. The paper is based on official documents, scientific research articles, analysis, and employs the historical-comparative method. The Sustainable Development Goals developed by the United Nations in 2015 are linked to and, to some extent, represent a logical continuation of the Millennium Development Goals, the implementation period of which was set for 2000-2015. Based on the analysis of the activities carried out, new trends in sustainable development emerged, which combine 17 goals and 169 targets. One of these important goals is to ’’Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all (Goal No. 4)’’. In addition, the implementation of these goals aims to create inclusive, equitable, environmentally sustainable, economically strong societies, which is significantly related to the field of education. Georgia, as a UN member state, declares its readiness to fulfill the named goals.
In parallel with the mentioned process, significant changes were made to Georgia’s education sector alongside the implementation of the Bologna Declaration, aimed at creating a unified European Higher Education Area. This process, initiated by 29 European countries in 1999, followed key milestones such as the Magna Carta of Universities (1988), the Lisbon Convention (1997), and the Sorbonne Declaration (1998).
Georgia joined the Bologna Process in 2005 at the Bergen Summit, thereby confirming its full readiness to become a member of the single European educational space. This decision of the country, in turn, was associated with a complete renewal of the education sector and the implementation of significant institutional reforms. It is worth noting that at that time Georgia was carrying a heavy Soviet legacy, and this fact was especially evident in the education sector.
In conclusion, the comprehensive reforms in Georgian higher education marked by the modernization of institutional structures, the implementation of rigorous quality assurance systems, and the clear articulation of educational goals demonstrate a strategic and sustained commitment to aligning with European standards. These transformative efforts not only ensure the delivery of high quality education but also play a critical role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4. By doing so, Georgia positions itself as an active contributor to global educational progress and long-term sustainable development.
Keywords: Sustainable Development; Quality Assurance; Institutional Change; Educational Innovation.
JEL: I23; I21; I25; O19
DOI: 10.52244/c2025.18
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