INTRODUCTION

Within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4)-ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all-the UD not only focuses on on-campus education but also extends its social impact through educational, training, and knowledge transfer activities within local communities. These programs are implemented flexibly according to practical needs, contributing to the enhancement of professional competencies, vocational skills, and managerial capacities of staff, teachers, students, and local community members.

Off-campus training and capacity-building activities (Ad hoc)

The University of Technology and Education-UD (UTE) has also implemented numerous STEM education and science and technology innovation transfer activities for the community. A notable example is the program “Development and Scaling of STEM Education Models in Secondary and High Schools in Da Nang City” in 2024. This initiative represents a collaboration between the university and the general education system, contributing to the innovation of teaching methods and stimulating students’ interest in science and technology learning[1].

The program “Development and Scaling of STEM Education Models in Secondary and High Schools in Da Nang City” was held at Le Hong Phong Secondary School on October 26, 2024

The UD’s outreach educational activities have expanded the reach of higher education into the community, contributing to the promotion of lifelong learning through knowledge transfer, the dissemination of educational innovation, and the support of local human resource development.

These training programs and collaborative initiatives have fostered strong linkages among the university, businesses, governmental agencies, and the community, establishing a University-Community Partnership model for sustainable development.

This activity clearly reflects the social impact and community value of the UD, while also meeting the criteria of the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings under SDG 4-Quality Education, particularly the indicators on community education activities and the dissemination of lifelong learning knowledge. The UD continues to affirm its position as a regional center of knowledge and higher education innovation in the Central and Central Highlands, where knowledge is shared not only within the classroom but also actively disseminated to the wider community.

Off-campus lifelong learning activities- On programmed basis

Within its sustainable development strategy aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4)-ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, the UD implements numerous off-campus training, professional development, and capacity-building programs on a scheduled basis. These initiatives contribute to enhancing the quality of teachers and educational administrators and promoting a culture of lifelong learning within the community.

The University of Sciences and Education-UD (UED) serves as a core institution and coordinating hub within the network of teacher training universities in the Central and Central Highlands regions, undertaking the training and professional development of teachers at all levels according to local needs. Each year, the university implements programs for professional development, pedagogical methods, educational management, and teaching competency enhancement for teachers in Da Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Kon Tum, and Gia Lai provinces. These programs are designed in accordance with professional standards for teachers and educational administrators and closely align with the fundamental and comprehensive reform orientations of the 2018 General Education Program issued by the Ministry of Education and Training.

Off-campus professional development programs of the University of Education-UD in 2024

Notably, UED is one of the key institutions participating in the Enhancing Teacher Education Program (ETEP), led by the Ministry of Education and Training and funded by the World Bank, aiming to enhance the capacities of teachers and educational administrators nationwide. Through this program, the university has organized hundreds of training courses and developed the professional skills of thousands of teachers and school leaders, focusing on areas such as: active and learner-centered teaching methods; STEM education and the application of information technology in teaching; and the development of pedagogical competencies, critical thinking, and innovative teaching practices[2].

The scheduled professional development activities of the University of Sciences and Education (UED) have had a significant social impact, contributing to the standardization, modernization, and enhancement of teacher quality in the Central and Central Highlands regions. The implementation of these regular training programs not only addresses the continuous professional development (CPD) needs of teachers, but also directly strengthens their capacity to implement the new General Education Program at the local level.

This initiative clearly demonstrates the UD’s strategic commitment to extending the reach of higher education beyond the campus, transferring knowledge and pedagogical competencies to the community, while simultaneously promoting lifelong learning in line with the United Nations’ framework.

By maintaining a regular, large-scale, and high-impact professional development system implemented within the framework of the national ETEP program, the UD reinforces its role as a lifelong learning hub for the Central and Central Highlands regions. These initiatives fully meet the criteria of the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings for SDG 4-Quality Education, emphasizing expanded access to education, continuous professional development, and the dissemination of knowledge for the benefit of the community.

CONCLUSION

UD is not merely adopting Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) as part of its strategic roadmap; it is profoundly integrating it into its core identity and values. The three strategic orientations—enhancing education quality, promoting lifelong learning, and expanding international cooperation—serve as the tangible embodiment of its commitment to "Quality - Creativity - Humanity - Community Service."

As a key regional university of national importance, UD's proactive efforts to build an equitable, high-quality, and open educational ecosystem reaffirm its mission. These endeavors not only enhance its institutional capacity but also solidify UD's position as a pivotal contributor to human development, the promotion of social equity, and Vietnam's successful implementation of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.