Abstract

21st-century education no longer solely emphasises academic aspects; it also demands the formation of moral values aligned with the needs of global development. The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations emphasise the role of education in producing individuals who are ethical, knowledgeable, and responsible towards global challenges. Within this framework, Moral Education is seen as the primary vehicle for integrating human values with the principle of sustainability. This study aims to deeply explore the relationship between Moral Education and the SDGs and to develop a conceptual framework that systematically integrates both elements. Using a conceptual review approach based on an analysis of recent literature (2021–2025), this study organises research highlights into three main themes: the role of Moral Education in supporting the SDGs, effective pedagogical approaches, and implementation challenges in the school context. The findings indicate that Moral Education has high potential for instilling civic awareness, empathy, and social responsibility in students, especially when delivered through contextual and reflective approaches. However, challenges such as time constraints, curriculum overload, and a lack of teacher training still limit its effective implementation. This study contributes to the enrichment of the literature by proposing a more integrative conceptual framework and emphasising the need for policy strengthening, professional training, and advanced research. Overall, this study emphasises that Moral Education is an essential foundation for shaping ethical global citizens and contributing to a just and sustainable society.