Educating for a Sustainable Future

Oct 24 / Dr. Lindsay Andreolli-Comstock
In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 ambitious goals aimed at achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. Goal 4 of the SDGs focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. This includes equipping learners with the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, such as education for sustainable development, human rights, gender equality, and global citizenship.  

The School of Global Citizenry (SGC) is an online school that has been working towards this goal since its founding in April 2019. SGC is an independent, CEU-certified institution that offers 

global citizenship education (GCED) programs for adult learners from around the world. Their curriculum covers a wide range of topics related to sustainability, including:

  • Environmental sustainability
  • Social justice, equity, and inclusion
  • Cultural and religious competency
  • Peace and conflict resolution

SGC's programs are designed to help learners develop the knowledge, skills, and values they need to become responsible global citizens. Through their courses, learners explore critical issues facing the world today and learn how to take action to create a more just and sustainable future.

Here are some specific ways that Tumbuh Global and The School of Global Citizenry are working towards SDG 4.7:

1. Curriculum Focused on Sustainable Development:
  • Interdisciplinary Approach: SGC's curriculum integrates various disciplines like environmental science, psychology, trauma-informed care, and political science to provide a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development challenges.
  • Real-World Case Studies: Learners engage with real-world case studies to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Global Perspectives: SGC emphasizes a global perspective, exploring issues from diverse cultural and socioeconomic contexts to promote empathy and understanding.

2. Skill Development for Sustainable Action:
  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Courses are designed to enhance learners' ability to analyze complex issues, identify root causes, and propose innovative solutions.
  • Communication and Collaboration: SGC fosters effective communication and collaboration skills, essential for working with diverse stakeholders to address local and global challenges.

3. Lifelong Learning Approach:
  • Flexible Learning Formats: SGC provides a variety of learning formats, including online courses, weekend workshops, and in-person retreats, catering to different learning styles and schedules.
  • Continuing Education: SGC offers opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development, ensuring that adult learners stay updated on the latest developments in the field of sustainability.

By focusing on these areas, SGC is equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become effective agents of change and contribute to a more sustainable future.