Education for Sustainable Development in Saudi Arabia: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Media and Government Policy Documents

This qualitative study examines the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s policy integrating Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into education system under country’s Vision 2030 sustainable development strategy. The specifically asks: how is ESD in presented discourses government documents and written media? two types documents, namely official published by governmental entities involved planning and/or execution integration policy, newspaper articles collected from three top-ranked newspapers (Arab News, Asharq Al-Awsat, Al Riyadh). Thematic coding was used to identify themes sub-themes documents. In addition, Fairclough’s model Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) employed offer a deeper understanding whether Arabia meaningfully aims at its 2030. Results suggest that does not consider as main tool achieve sustainability preserve environment. analysis reveals there are very limited discussion 2030, both media coverage well Moreover, CDA data shows great generalism language presenting road map implementing ESD, considerable vagueness on proposed procedures system. Consequently, lack comprehensive strategic plan with pre-determined steps. findings despite statements contrary, taking seriously.