Qualitative Study on Strengthening Universal Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education: An Exploration of SUSTAIN-STEM Model

Despite global commitments to the 2030 Agenda, STEM education remains largely disconnected from pressing sustainability challenges such as climate change, energy, and waste. This conceptual paper argues that integrating sustainability is critical to strengthening universal STEM education that is equitable, relevant, and impact-driven. Drawing on the UNESCO ESD framework and Systems Thinking, the paper proposes the SUSTAIN-STEM Model: a 7-dimension framework comprising Systems Thinking, Use of Local Context, Sustainable Innovation, Teacher Capacity, Assessment for Impact, Inclusivity, and Netwo