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In the contemporary global landscape, the imperative for the advancement of nations, the corporate sector, and governmental entities aligns intricately with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) articulated by the United Nations. A competent synchronization of sustainable development in higher education institutions (HEIs) is significant because these institutions must educate future generations to understand the challenges ahead and equip students with the knowledge and tools to address them (Cornet et al., 2024). The success or failure of any organization or institution ultimately depends on how effectively all the stakeholders contribute to the collective actions. The core objective of any higher education institution, irrespective of its magnitude and area of operation, is to help people and society through its teaching, research, training, inquiry, collaboration, and partnership with multiple stakeholders. As a behemoth of over 88,000 HEIs and 235 million students, the global higher education sector can face adverse environmental and social concerns without proper action (UNESCO, 2022).
These institutions' reputations are determined by excellent academic functioning, meaningful ultra and co-curricular activities, an environment conducive to learning, student support services, and investments. Conversely, effective engagement of alumni with their alma mater is a decisive element that with support and reinforcement, can strengthen and expand the institution's reputation and advancement (Obeng-Ofori & Kwarteng, 2020). Alumni associations create a space where alumni can interact within a community of people who share a unique experience. Their fundamental purpose is to strengthen relationships between students and alumni while boosting and working for the university's growth and development in diverse ways. Indeed, former students are ambassadors of their alma mater and are crucial for revenue mobilization and student placement openings. The alumni's role is vital for the growth and development of HEIs. More than all other stakeholders of any educational institution, alumni develop an emotional bond, a sense of belonging, and an attachment between faculty and non-teaching staff in particular and toward the institution in general.
Many university alumni associations play a pivotal role in fostering an industry-institution interface, acting as a bridge between the present students and industry and facilitating the mutual development of students and education institutions. These alumni associations confidently encourage research collaborations, financial support, mentorship, technology upgradation, internships, job opportunities, entrepreneurship networking, guest lectures, and community outreach. HEIs are the most vital actors to efficaciously endorse SDGs through training, research, and outreach capacity building that help promote sustainable action all over the structure (Martínez-Virto & Pérez-Eransus, 2021).
The alumni network dedicated to SDGs demonstrates considerable relevance, particularly in light of the ongoing implementation of SDGs aligned with federal government priorities. Alumni associations, especially those associated with HEI, play a crucial role in enhancing the reputation of their alma maters. These institutions shape students' careers, focusing on producing socially and environmentally conscientious citizens for their nation. Given the current emphasis on promoting social responsibility and ecological mindfulness worldwide, examining alumni's role in advancing SDGs implementation is crucial. Such examination will promote an understanding of their contributions and will help to harness their potential to drive meaningful change locally, nationally, and globally. This area provides a compelling avenue for research and action in advancing sustainable development agendas worldwide. Alumni groups span industries and geographies worldwide, creating an impactful contribution with their vital and extensive networks and using innovative and novel practices. Moreover, these associations can advocate for and influence policymakers and business leaders to implement specifically environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues by proffering educational impact with a long-term orientation.