Leveraging Digital Tools to Enhance Education for Sustainable Development in Higher Education

The integration of digital technologies into higher education presents opportunities to strengthen Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study employed a Systematic Literature Review to examine how digital tools enhance ESD delivery and develop sustainability competencies in higher education. Peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2025 were analysed from Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, Google Scholar, and JSTOR. Findings indicate that Learning Management Systems, virtual and augmented reality, simulation software, Geographic Information Systems, collaborative platforms, and data analytics enhance student engagement, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Blended, experiential, and learner-centred pedagogies grounded in Constructivist Learning Theory were particularly effective. However, inadequate infrastructure, digital literacy gaps, and limited access remain significant barriers, especially in developing countries. The study proposes a Digital Education for Sustainable Development Adoption Model (DEAM) and recommends investments in infrastructure, capacity building, and inclusive policies to advance SDGs 4 and 13