Developing an ESP Syllabus to Promote Sustainable Development Goals: A Delphi Study

Abstract

The syllabus design for ESP should account for specific learners’ and industry needs regarding language skills, aspects and functions. Furthermore, the process should consider the globally trending challenges to prepare learners for their prospective jobs. In this regard, UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are comprehensive agenda that shapes the world's future in different interconnected domains. Thus, incorporating them in ESP syllabi can promote knowledge about Sustainable Development (SD) as suggested by UN SDG 4 on Quality Education and contribute to the achievement of other goals, such as UN SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth. Subsequently, the present study adopts the Delphi technique to explore 23 multinational and multidisciplinary experts on the ways to develop a needs-analysis-based tourism ESP syllabus that promotes the UN SDGs and enables learners to effectively communicate them in their future careers. The results show that although the current syllabus is aligned with target learners' needs and the specified goals, it lacks appropriate alignment with UN SDGs and sustainable tourism. The experts recommend updating learning goals and outcomes to align the syllabus with the UN SDGS and enrich it with more SD-related content. The study's implications highlight the need for further research on adapting ESP syllabi across disciplines to address globally trending issues and initiatives outlined in the UN SDG framework.