ESG APPROACHES TO HIGHER EDUCATION MANAGEMENT: FROM RESPONSIBILITY TO QUALITY

Abstract

In the current conditions of the development of higher education in Ukraine, numerous challenges arise, related to both internal transformations and global crises, including full-scale war, environmental threats, growing social inequality and managerial inefficiency. Taking this into account, the article explores the possibilities of implementing ESG approaches (Environmental, Social, Governance) into the management practices of higher education institutions in Ukraine as a tool for ensuring responsibility, transparency and improving the quality of educational services. First, the content of ESG components is analyzed in the context of the educational sphere: environmental (development of an ecological culture and energy-efficient infrastructure), social (inclusivity, academic integrity, student participation), managerial (openness, accountability, strategic planning). Then, possible directions for integrating ESG principles into the development strategy of higher education institutions are considered, including the formation of internal policies, updating curricula, the development of interdisciplinary research and stakeholder involvement. Key barriers to the implementation of ESG approaches in higher education in Ukraine are identified: lack of regulatory support, limited resources, low awareness of managers, institutional resistance to change, weak interaction with business and civil society. At the same time, the article sets out prospects for overcoming these obstacles, in particular through the creation of inter-university platforms, attracting international expertise, developing a national ESG strategy and adapting successful foreign experience. The study substantiates that the adoption and systematic implementation of an ESG-oriented management model in higher education institutions constitutes a strategically significant factor for ensuring both the quality and credibility of educational outcomes. It is emphasized that embedding environmental, social, and governance principles into the governance architecture of universities fosters institutional resilience, enhances transparency, and advances stakeholder trust at both national and international levels. Beyond immediate improvements in academic performance and accountability, the ESG framework contributes to cultivating a culture of sustainability, ethical responsibility, and long-term value creation within the educational environment. Furthermore, higher education institutions are positioned not only as providers of knowledge but also as transformative agents of positive societal change, capable of shaping responsible leadership, advancing social cohesion, and accelerating the transition toward sustainable development paradigms.