~ 312 ~ ISSN Print: 2394-7500 ISSN Online: 2394-5869 Impact Factor: 5.2 IJAR 2016; 2(7): 312-320 www.allresearchjournal.com Received: 25-05-2016 Accepted: 26-06-2016 Dr. Meeta Mandaviya Assistant Professor, Marwadi University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India Dr. Ved Vyas Dwivedi Pro-Vice Chancellor, C.U.Shah University, Surendranagar, Ahmedabad, India Correspondence Dr. Meeta Mandaviya Assistant Professor Marwadi University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India A critical review on paradigms of sustainable development in higher education: An international perspective Dr. Meeta Mandaviya and Dr. Ved Vyas Dwivedi Abstract Purpose: The paper aims to study various paradigms of sustainable development which are playing an immense role as a driving forces for creating sustainable development in higher education. The need for sustainable development entails for existing and coming cohorts to be better understood so as to contribute to make the transition to ‘sustainable concords’. The purpose of this paper is to study an international perspective of various paradigms of sustainable development for higher education. Research Methodology: This study identified the range of worldviews expressed on declarations, charters, and conglomerates established for Higher Education Institutes. The analysis was done on considering the four major paradigms. 1) Curriculum development 2) competency development 3) Multi- stakeholders’ perspective & 4) Quality assurance in higher education. The authors conducted an extensive review on literature on international perspective for higher education over the last 30 years, based on the combination of the keyword higher education for sustainable development with international perspective. Findings: The findings suggested the role of multi stakeholders was a leading factor for implementing sustainable development. It is strongly influencing a process of change in mindsets, practices and curricula to unified sustainability in academics. Several authors have identified the need for a Quality assurance, enhancement of teaching and learning pedagogy for higher education to develop criteria of potency, advocacy and interdisciplinary collaboration of individual. Studies suggested that there is a high requirement of development of strategic leadership for higher education programs. Originality/value: The paper underlines the crucial role of higher education for sustainable development. It is duty of all Universities, professionals and students need to take greater responsibility. Keywords: Competency development, Curriculum Development, Higher education, Quality Assurance, Multi-Stakeholders, Sustainable development Introduction Humanity stands at a defining moment in history. We are confronted with a perpetuation of disparities between and within nations, a worsening of poverty, hunger, ill health and illiteracy, and a continuing deterioration of environment and development concerns and greater attention to them will lead to the fulfillment of basic needs, improved living standards for all, better protected and managed ecosystems and a safer, more prosperous future. No nation can achieve this on its own; but together we can- in a global partnership for sustainable development. - (UNCED, “PREAMBLE”, Agenda 21, Regency press, London, 1992) Albert Arnold "Al" Gore, Jr. – Nobel prize winner (2007), enunciated at the City Hall in Oslo about “inconvenient truth”, “The world has a fever,” and except we take necessary actions., the fever will become worse, and the planet will be disparagingly ill”. The sustainability is vanishing. In this context, universities have a specific role: to rationalize their efforts and resources to antithesis those terrifying predispositions. For centuries, Academicians are doing research on sustainable development in Higher Education Institutions. Sustainability has been center of attraction for society. International Journal of Applied Research 2016; 2(7): 312-320