Embedding Sustainable Consumption into Higher Education in Vietnam

Abstract

Changing in the way that human produces and consumes are indispensable to achieve sustainable consumption. All of the countries in developed economies, economies in transition and developing economies should promote sustainable consumption. This will require larger changes in society. Higher education plays a vital role in promoting understanding, awareness of professors, staff members and students of sustainable consumption. Through higher education, these people would be positively change their mind about this issue. National Economics University (NEU) is one of the leading university in economics in Vietnam as a case study. Students graduated from the university will be future experts, leaders and businessmen. After graduation, as academic citizens with acquainted knowledge and skills, they will influence the economic and social changes though their business and private purchasing habits and decisions. Using data from the University, this paper will reveal the current landscape of sustainable consumption at National Economics University through the years. In order to embed this issues into education, the university should incorporate sustainable consumption into the curriculum, create and implement a sustainability plan and adjust teaching method to encourage students asking questions, analyzing, thinking critically and making decisions toward sustainable consumption.