*3.2. Key Competencies in SUD*

Traditional teaching in HEIs has focused on knowledge specialization, reductionist thinking, and education within disciplinary silos [20]. However, there is a need to educate a new generation of professionals capable of analyzing and dealing with complex problems in sustainable development, and a narrow focus on knowledge acquisition limits the ability of graduates to gain a holistic, integrated understanding of the issues. In response, researchers have defined key competencies needed to develop a broad understanding of sustainability and solve real-life sustainability problems. Rather than focusing on cognitive learning, competencies focus on developing skills for solving diverse sets of problems, including effective communication, teamwork, and methododological competencies. The most widely used set of competencies for sustainable development is perhaps that of UNESCO [21] (Table 1), which is based Wiek et al.'s [22] synthesizing of key competencies

in sustainability, and Rieckmann's [23] research on the key competencies that should be fostered through university teaching and learning:


**Table 1.** Key competencies for sustainability according to UNESCO [21].

"Key competencies represent cross-cutting competencies that are necessary for all learners of all ages worldwide (developed at different age-appropriate levels). Key competencies can be understood as transversal, multifunctional and contextindependent." [21]

All eight UNESCO competencies are highly necessary to tackle problems—wicked or otherwise—in sustainable development. In addition, all students need to be taught methodological competences like traditional project management techniques, planning and decision-making methods [24], skills to work across national, geographical, and cultural boundaries [25], and generic working life skills required for their future careers [26], as well as specialist skills and competencies related to their field of study. For example, technology graduates should have strong analytical and computer literacy skills. In social sciences, basic methodological, reading, writing and presentation skills are essential to understanding social scientific concepts and theories, as well as their relevance in making sense of everyday life [24]. These skills support the development of effective citizenship, enabling graduates to navigate in a politically polarized social climate and transform existing soci(et)al structures and patterns of behavior, including, inter alia, sexism, racism, and colonialism [25].
