PROGRESS OF COUNTRIES IN ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: THE ROLE OF EDUCATION

The article is devoted to the study of the progress of countries in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in particular the role of education in this process. It is proved that for all countries, without exception, sustainable development is inextricably linked to the processes of ensuring the environmental efficiency of country development and building a green economy. The Sustainable Development Goals are an important indicator of the harmonious, balanced and secure development of countries around the world. Green growth and sustainable development are interconnected and complementary processes, and sustainable development is impossible without the fullest possible implementation of the principles of green growth. The article assesses the interrelationships between the processes of ensuring sustainable development, environmental efficiency and green growth on the example of the European Union and Ukraine. The progress of countries in achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals is measured by the Sustainable Development Goals Index. The article confirms that European countries have the highest results in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, but after the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020 and other simultaneous crises, progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals has stopped worldwide. Using multidimensional assessment tools, the impact and relationship of sustainable development goals with the relevant index were determined. Particular attention was paid to analysing and establishing the relationship between the level of sustainable development and the quality of education. It is determined that achievement of the sustainable development goals depends on strengthening the role of education and research aimed at environmental protection, joint efforts in solving environmental problems and development of environmental education. Therefore, universities have a special role to play in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN. Ukraine supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the results of their adaptation, taking into account the specifics of the country's development. Given Ukraine's accession to the European Union's policies and standards, achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is critical for Ukraine's post-war recovery and reconstruction.