Chapter 6: The Role of Universities in Upholding Sustainable Development Goals During Times of Crisis and Mass Displacement: Lebanese Universities in the Spotlight

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were set in 2015 to promote peace and prosperity for people and the planet and respond to pressing challenges that threaten the ability of communities to thrive. Higher education institutions (HEIs) worldwide have endorsed these goals and their promising impacts. However, limited resources and the increasing demands of stakeholders often present challenges for the HEIs in sustainable development, primarily in the third-world countries and the global south, such as Lebanon. HEIs in Lebanon have been long struggling with fragmentation and shutdowns due to the financial crisis and political instability, compounded by the mass Syrian displacement and the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, Lebanese HEIs remained committed to their mission of sustaining high-quality education, social support, and community empowerment, and promoting the SDGs. This chapter aims to expand the knowledge on the efforts and approaches of the Lebanese HEIs amid the collective crises. This chapter surveys the Lebanese landscape and offers examples of successful HEIs that promoted the 17 SDGs and community development, reflecting the dedication of leaders of the Lebanese higher education system to raising the bar of education and sustainability despite challenges.