Integrating entrepreneurial education and active learning for sustainable development

Abstract

This article investigates the role of entrepreneurial education and active learning in promoting sustainable development, highlighting how these educational approaches can foster responsible and capable future leaders. As sustainable development becomes a necessity rather than a choice, education must adapt to equip students with the mindset and skills needed to tackle global environmental and economic challenges. The study focuses on the impact of the Junior Achievement (JA) program, implemented in high schools in Romania and the Republic of Moldova, showcasing how it helps cultivate an entrepreneurial consciousness and essential competencies for sustainability. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining literature analysis, surveys, and case studies, the study examines how entrepreneurial education and active learning influence students' understanding and engagement with sustainability issues. Findings indicate that JA promotes innovative thinking, critical awareness, and practical skills, preparing students to address the environmental and social impacts of their future professional choices. The article concludes with recommendations for expanding sustainable-focused entrepreneurial education in the school systems of both countries, supporting an integrative approach to developing a responsible and resilient generation.