Role of Educational Institutions in the Implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Russia

This study analyzes the activities of universities in the Russian Federation aimed at achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The experience in the field of sustainable development accumulated by Russia and its partners through coordinated work, including on the basis of educational institutions, is considered. The article is not limited to the experience of only metropolitan universities, but also takes into account the activities of educational institutions from the regions of Russia. It is emphasized that educational institutions are of high importance in the context of achieving the SDGs. These institutions are subject to SDG-4 (Quality Education), which is closely linked to many other UN SDG points. At the same time, universities are also considered as centers for coordinating domestic and international activities within the framework of achieving the UN SDGs, which not only indirectly affects the SDGs, but also represents a separate Goal 17 - Partnerships for the Goals. The paper indicates current challenges and prospects in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in the Russian Federation and its partners, including through cooperation in the field of education. It was revealed that Russian universities are working in the context of the SDGs in at least four areas, which include educational work, environmental activities, volunteering, and international cooperation. It was found that even under the conditions of sanctions policy, Russian universities are not in academic isolation, but are looking for new opportunities for cross-border cooperation with countries near and far abroad. The novelty of the study is reflected in the following points: the activities of not only leading universities, but also those located in remote regions of the country are considered; work to implement the SDGs is studied comprehensively; modern geopolitical alities are considered.