Ashraf Alam, Atasi Mohanty, Silvi Asna Prestianawati
This research explores the integration of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and the Psychology of Sustainability to address critical global challenges in the 21st century. Rapid economic transformations, systemic shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic, and escalating environmental degradation have disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, including ethnic minorities, women, immigrants, and precarious workers. Grounded in interdisciplinary frameworks, the study highlights the importance of inclusivity, decent work, and resilience in advancing sustainable development. The paper examines the Psychology of Working Framework (PWF) and its potential to reduce systemic disparities by promoting equitable access to employment and psychological well-being. It emphasizes the transformative role of positive healthy organizations, agentic action, and sustainable leadership in creating environments that nurture human dignity and productivity. Furthermore, the paper addresses the impacts of global crises on economic, psychological, and environmental sustainability, emphasizing the need for flexible policies, collaborative efforts, and innovations in workplace dynamics. Additionally, the research explores environmental psychology’s contributions to sustainable behaviors and the gendered dimensions of sustainable consumption. It calls for culturally sensitive, systemic interventions to bridge equity gaps and advance sustainability goals. By integrating psychological science, sustainability principles, and policy reforms, this study outlines actionable pathways toward a resilient, inclusive, and equitable future for individuals and societies. © 2026 A. Jose Anand and Saravanan Krishnan.
Centre of Excellence in Public Policy, Sustainability and ESG Research, Alliance University, Bengaluru, India; Rekhi Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, India; Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia
