The Sustainable Development Goals in Brazil: Challenges and Setbacks in the Brazilian Shadow Report (Relatório Luz) and the Role of Higher Education Institutions

Objective: To examine the challenges and setbacks faced by Brazil in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular attention to the role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and a critical assessment of the 2023 Brazilian Shadow Report (Relatório Luz), produced by civil society. Originality/Value: The article underscores the importance of monitoring SDG implementation in Brazil, highlighting the structural and ideological barriers that undermine progress. By connecting the actions of HEIs with the findings of the Shadow Report, the study addresses a gap in the literature and advances the debate on higher education’s role in sustainable development. Methods: The analysis draws on secondary data from the 2023 Brazilian Shadow Report (Relatório Luz), complemented by academic literature and official documents. A critical perspective was applied to identify both advances and regressions in SDG implementation. Findings: The results reveal that a significant number of goals are regressing, especially in poverty eradication, hunger reduction, gender equality, and environmental protection. The contributions of HEIs remain modest, often limited to isolated initiatives with limited systemic impact. Conclusions: HEIs occupy a strategic yet underutilized role in promoting the SDGs in Brazil. Strengthening their engagement, alongside integrated public policies and civil society monitoring, is essential for reversing setbacks and advancing toward sustainable development.