In order for future sustainability leaders to stand a chance at tackling the sustainability challenge, they need to be skilled and capable enough to cope with them. Higher education for sustainable development (HESD) plays a crucial role in developing sustainability leaders. The intent of this research is to examine how contemplative practices (CPs) can be strategically used as a pedagogical tool to support the new leadership paradigm needed to move society towards sustainability. Through interviews, the study explored the current state of CPs in HESD by asking how and why they are used, and what barriers prevent them from being used more widely.

Findings showed that:

- CPs are not being used strategically as a tool in HESD

- CPs can be used to support the development of sustainability leaders

- HESD has a limited focus on inner transformation

This study showed that the use of CPs as a pedagogical tool in HESD has significant impacts on individuals’ learning and inner transformation. At the same time, they support the development of individuals’ wellbeing and leadership skills towards sustainability. However, it was found that there are several barriers to overcome in order for this tool to be strategically used in HESD.