THE REPRESENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS) IN THE 2ND YEAR ENGLISH TEXTBOOK (BOOK 2) BY THE PUNJAB CURRICULUM AND TEXTBOOK BOARD

Abstract

The study examines the representation of key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the second year's English text book (Book 2) published by the Punjab Curriculum and Text Board (PCTB), in particular the Gender Equality Goals 5 (clean water and sanitation), the Affordable and Clean Energy Goals 7 (clean energy and good work and economic growth).Using qualitative content analysis, the research evaluated to what extent these global goals were explicitly or implicitly integrated into textbooks, comprehension exercises and additional materials. The results showed that although the Fifth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) was effective in addressing the discussion on women's education and social reforms in the Mustafa Kamal chapter, and that the Six Sustainable Development Goals were reflected in the stories of public health and sanitation, the Seven Sustainable Development Goals (competitive and clean energy) were completely absent. SDG 8 is partially represented in historical and economic case studies, but lacks contemporary relevance. The study highlights the gap between textbooks and global sustainability objectives despite the emphasis on SDG integration in Pakistan's revised national curriculum (2023). The study emphasized the need to include content related to the SDGs more deliberately in English textbooks in order to promote critical awareness and responsible citizenship among students. To enhance the representation of the SDGs, the educational department should provide recommendations for curriculum developers and policy makers to ensure that education contributes significantly to Pakistan's commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development agenda.