Enhancing student engagement with the SDGs through sustainability games: a case study in Brazil

Higher education institutions, aligned with the principles of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), play a crucial role in fostering student engagement through educational initiatives. This paper presents one such initiative from the Green Office at the University of Passo Fundo: the Sustainable Development Goals Games. The Games were conducted over a week, featuring daily online activities and an on-site marathon. Each activity aimed to foster knowledge generation and promote engagement with specific SDGs. Overall, the Games encouraged active learning by creating a space for knowledge sharing and collective engagement on sustainability and climate action within the university. In its inaugural edition, the event brought together 75 participants from diverse backgrounds, including students, faculty, staff, and representatives from NGOs, local government, and businesses.