Empowering Educators and Youth: Shaping a Sustainable Future
By Natalie Wright
Imagine a world where poverty is eradicated, hunger is a thing of the past, climate change is under control, and peace and justice prevail. This vision is not merely aspirational; it's the essence of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. Educators hold the transformative potential to shape a world that is aligned with these goals. As stewards of knowledge and cultivators of future leaders, educators play a pivotal role in this global endeavor.
More than half of the global population is currently under 30—the largest generation of young people the world has ever seen. This puts educators in a truly unique position of influence to educate millions of students to overcome the greatest challenges of the 21st century and lead healthy, productive, and sustainable lives.
The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), taking place in New York this coming July, is the premier platform for monitoring and evaluating progress towards the SDGs worldwide, and it holds significance for educators as an avenue for meaningful engagement. Derived from the 2030 Agenda and General Assembly resolution 70/299, HLPF epitomizes international cooperation and commitment. Unlike conventional UN gatherings, HLPF adopts intergovernmentally-negotiated political declarations, emphasizing consensus and concerted action.
This year's agenda will focus on SDG 1: No Poverty; SDG 2: Zero Hunger; SDG 13: Climate Action; SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
But why should educators take note? As guides of tomorrow's leaders, educators can embed principles of sustainability, global citizenship, and social accountability within educational frameworks. By integrating SDG education into pedagogical practices, we empower students to become proactive agents of change. HLPF gives educators the perfect opportunity to dive into these topics.
Moreover, there are already tons of existing free resources on the SDGs for educators to use! Check out the Global Schools Program’s free lesson plans, toolkits, programs, and additional materials; and educate yourself about sustainable development with the SDG Academy’s free online courses.
Opportunities for Educators and Youth:
HLPF 2024 is the precursor to the landmark Summit of the Future. Building on the momentum generated at HLPF, the Summit will offer educators and young minds a platform to delve deeper into discussions, exchange ideas, and forge collaborative partnerships aimed at driving positive change on a global scale. Scheduled to take place at United Nations Headquarters in New York City on September 22-23, 2024, the Summit of the Future will serve as a pivotal gathering for multi-stakeholder participation in shaping the future of global cooperation.
At the heart of the Summit lies a commitment to youth empowerment. Recognizing the invaluable perspectives and potential of young leaders, the Summit places a significant emphasis on their involvement. Young participants will have the chance to not only share their insights, but to co-create actionable solutions to pressing global issues through interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and more.
There will be seven themes at the Summit: Global Economic & Financial Architecture, Human Rights & Participation, Development (HLPF, SDGs), Global Digital Compact, Environmental Governance, Peace & Security, and UN & Global Governance Innovation. From sustainability and innovation to social justice and equitable development, the agenda reflects the multifaceted challenges of our time. Expect engaging discussions led by experts, educators, and youth advocates aimed at fostering dialogue, inspiring creativity, and driving tangible change.
For educators, the Summit offers a unique opportunity to connect with peers, gain insights into global trends, and explore innovative teaching methodologies. From best practices in incorporating global issues into the curriculum to networking with fellow educators from around the world, the Summit promises to be a valuable professional development experience.
Expectations are high for the Summit of the Future. Participants from diverse backgrounds anticipate meaningful exchanges, collaborative endeavors, and concrete action plans. By harnessing the collective expertise and enthusiasm of attendees, the Summit aims to generate actionable recommendations that can inform educational policies, inspire youth-led initiatives, and pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
The Summit of the Future and its preceding forums, like HLPF, are not just events—they are catalysts for change. Through their focus on youth empowerment, interdisciplinary dialogue, and innovative thinking, this year’s major UN events embody the spirit of education for sustainable development.
How to Get Involved:
Educators can organize discussions within their classrooms or educational institutions to delve into the themes and objectives outlined in the Policy Briefs. These nine Policy Briefs, issued by the UN Secretary-General, play a crucial role in providing educators and students with detailed insights into global issues. The briefs aim to support Member States as they prepare for the Summit of the Future by offering in-depth analyses of specific proposals and their potential impact on achieving the SDGs. For educators, incorporating these policy briefs into classroom discussions can enrich students' understanding of global challenges, critical thinking skills, and appreciation for their role in addressing complex global issues.
Young people can actively engage in initiatives aimed at systematically including youth in global decision-making. This could involve joining youth-led organizations, participating in youth forums, or advocating for youth representation in local, national, and international policymaking bodies. Learn more about youth involvement through the UN Youth Office and the Major Group for Children and Youth.
Educators and youth can collaborate to develop proposals aligned with the themes of the Policy Briefs. Submissions can be made to relevant stakeholders, such as government agencies, non-governmental organizations, or international bodies involved in the Summit of the Future. These proposals could address specific areas such as education transformation, digital technology, peacebuilding, or sustainable development. The proposal theme “Youth, Education, Building a Culture of Peace, Cooperation, Trust Building and Positive Peace” may be particularly relevant. Learn more about proposals here.
The Summit will feature the Declaration on Future Generations as one of its key outcomes, highlighting the importance of considering the interests of future generations in education and policymaking. This is an important step in recognizing the needs of future generations. Consultations were conducted independently with the Youth and Indigenous Groups, United Nations Agencies and Programs, as well as Civil Society Organizations, Research Institutions/Academia, and the Private Sector. Member States and Observer delegations were invited to join the consultations to hear the views of all stakeholders and representatives. Learn more about the declaration and summaries of the stakeholder consultations here.
Educators and youth can advocate for the inclusion of specific agenda items or proposals from the Policy Briefs in the deliberations of UN Member States. This could involve writing letters to policymakers, organizing advocacy campaigns, or leveraging social media platforms to raise awareness and garner support for relevant issues.
Keep an eye out for opportunities to participate in consultations organized by Member States, UN agencies, or civil society organizations on the Summit of the Future and the Our Common Agenda. These consultations may provide platforms for educators and youth to contribute their perspectives and recommendations directly to decision-makers. Explore online platforms dedicated to youth engagement and advocacy, such as the Mission 4.7 Events Calendar, Youth4Peace, YouthActionNet, or MY World 2030.
Educators can integrate discussions and activities related to the themes of the Policy Briefs into their lessons. This could involve incorporating case studies, projects, or simulations that allow students to explore and analyze real-world challenges and potential solutions.
The role of educators in advancing the SDGs extends beyond the classroom. By participating in globally relevant forums like HLPF and the Summit of the Future, educators can amplify their impact and show their students that their voices matter, shaping a world where sustainability, equity, and prosperity prevail.
For more information on the Summit and its preceding events click here.
