The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Looking for ways to launching the new year and a new vision that reflects the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals?

Let us help you with some ideas!

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, are a set of 17 interconnected objectives designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all”. They were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 and aim to be achieved by 2030. The goals are:

1. No Poverty: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
2. Zero Hunger: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
3. Good Health and Well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
4. Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
5. Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
7. Affordable and Clean Energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
10. Reduced Inequalities: Reduce income inequality within and among countries.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
13. Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
14. Life Below Water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
15. Life on Land: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
17. Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

Each goal has specific targets and indicators to measure progress. The aim is to address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice.

To support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), schools can implement various activities that not only educate students about these global targets but also engage the broader community in these efforts.

Here are five examples of ways to implement the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals:

1. Community Gardening (Goal 2 – Zero Hunger, Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, Goal 15 – Life on Land): Schools can create a community garden where students, staff, and community members can learn about sustainable agriculture and contribute to local food production. This can also serve as a hands-on learning experience for students about the science of growing food, the importance of nutrition, and the concept of food security.
2. Recycling and Waste Management Workshops (Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, Goal 13 – Climate Action): Schools can host workshops for students and community members about recycling, waste reduction, and responsible consumption. This could include composting lessons, recycling drives, and clothing swaps to promote reuse and reduce waste.
3. Energy Efficiency Initiatives (Goal 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, Goal 13 – Climate Action): Schools can work with local energy companies to conduct energy audits and implement energy-saving measures. They can then hold informational sessions for parents and community members on how to save energy at home.
4. Gender Equality Seminars (Goal 5 – Gender Equality): Schools can organize seminars and workshops promoting gender equality. They can invite community leaders, local NGOs, and activists to discuss topics like equal opportunities, overcoming gender stereotypes, and promoting respect and understanding among genders.
5. Peace and Justice Events (Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): Schools can host events focused on promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions. These might include guest speakers from local law enforcement or justice departments, debates on topics of justice and fairness, or student-led peace projects. This can engage the community in dialogue and encourage involvement in local institutions.

Remember, it’s crucial that these activities are not standalone events but are integrated into the broader educational strategy of the school. This ensures the concepts are reinforced in the curriculum and help in creating a culture of sustainability, equality, and justice within the school and the broader community.

Here are five more examples of ways to implement the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals:

1. Clean Water Campaigns (Goal 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, Goal 14 – Life Below Water): Schools can organize local river, lake, or beach clean-up events, involving students, parents, and local community members. These initiatives not only contribute to cleaner environments but also raise awareness about water pollution and the importance of conservation.
2. Health and Well-being Workshops (Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being): Schools can arrange health and wellness fairs, inviting local health professionals to give talks and conduct workshops on topics such as mental health, physical exercise, and balanced nutrition. Free health screenings could also be provided to engage the broader community.
3. Cultural Exchange Programs (Goal 4 – Quality Education, Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities): Schools can host cultural exchange events where students and community members can share and learn about different cultures. This can foster a sense of multicultural respect and understanding, supporting both quality education and reduced inequalities.
4. Sustainable Transport Initiatives (Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, Goal 13 – Climate Action): Schools can encourage sustainable transportation by organizing ‘walk to school’ or ‘bike to school’ days, or setting up carpools for students. Workshops on the environmental impact of various modes of transport could engage the wider community in understanding the importance of sustainable travel.
5. Partnership and Collaboration Events (Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals): Schools can organize events that encourage partnerships and collaborations, such as community volunteer days or charity fundraisers. By involving local businesses, organizations, and community members, schools can build strong networks that can be leveraged for future community-based projects aligned with the SDGs.

These activities not only support the achievement of the SDGs but also create learning opportunities that prepare students to be responsible and active global citizens.

Younger Children: Here are five examples of ways to implement the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals:

1. Planting Trees (Goal 13 – Climate Action, Goal 15 – Life on Land): Young children can be part of tree planting initiatives in their local community. It is a simple yet effective way to instill the importance of conservation and can be tied in with lessons about nature and science.
2. Storytelling Sessions (Goal 4 – Quality Education, Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities): Schools can hold storytelling sessions where stories from around the world are shared. This promotes cultural understanding and tolerance from a young age. Including stories that underscore equality and mutual respect can directly contribute to achieving these goals.
3. “Trash to Treasure” Art Projects (Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production): Young children can be encouraged to create art projects using recycled or discarded items. This can help them understand the importance of recycling and reducing waste, making them aware of sustainable consumption practices.
4. Classroom “Mini Market” (Goal 1 – No Poverty, Goal 2 – Zero Hunger, Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth): Create a classroom “mini-market” where students can exchange goods (like toys or books) or services (like chores or homework help). This can help younger children understand basic concepts of economy, the value of work, and the importance of equitable distribution of resources.
5. Water Conservation Activities (Goal 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation): Simple activities like a classroom competition on who can save the most water, or a field trip to a local water treatment plant can teach young children about the importance of water conservation. These practical lessons can then be shared with their families and community.

Each of these activities is hands-on and engaging, and it can help younger children to understand complex concepts in a simplified manner. The key is to integrate these lessons seamlessly into their daily activities and curricula.

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Internationally renowned for his expertise in education leadership, Greg Parry’s vast experience includes leadership of projects for education institutions throughout Australia, the Middle East, the United States, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and China. Recognised for his numerous contributions in the education arena, Greg has received the Ministers Award for Excellence in School Leadership based on improvements in school performance and a range of successful principal training and leadership development programs, as well as the School of Excellence Award for Industry/School Partnerships and the School of Excellence Award for Technology Innovation. His company GSE (Global Services in Education) has been recognised as having the Best Global Brand in International Education in 2015 and 2016.

Considered one of the premier experts in his profession, Greg has trained teachers and principals throughout the world in areas such as critical thinking, language development and leadership. His expertise in school start up projects, leadership and curriculum development, has made him a sought after authority in these discipline.

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Global Services in Education set up and operate schools in all parts of the world. Governed by a philosophy of global citizenship, every member of the GSE team shares a passion to help shape international education and student achievement through inspiration and collaboration.
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