Tag / Global Goals

by Lynne Strong

SDG 17: Fostering Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development 🌍🤝

In our first blog in the series to understand each of the Sustainable Development Goals we are going to start with SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals. Why? Because we cant do it alone

Together for a Sustainable Future 🌟The path to a sustainable future is paved with cooperation and partnership. By embracing SDG 17, we can build a world where every goal, from eradicating poverty to protecting the planet, is achievable. Let’s unite our strengths for a better tomorrow. 🌍🤝

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17, ‘Partnerships for the Goals’, recognises that building a sustainable future is a collective endeavour that requires cooperation across countries, sectors, societies and young people. Let’s explore the importance of global partnerships in achieving the SDGs. 🌐💼

Understanding SDG 17 🎯

SDG 17 is all about strengthening the means of implementation and revitalising the global partnership for sustainable development. It acknowledges that no goal can be met without collaboration, sharing knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources. 🤝 For young people, this means finding ways to collaborate, share ideas, and take action on issues like climate change, education, and equality. It’s about combining our efforts to make a bigger impact and create a better world for everyone.💡

The Essence of Global Partnerships ✨

Collaboration is key. Partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society prove most effective in mobilising and sharing knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources to support the achievement of the SDGs in all countries. 🌍🔗

Key Focus Areas 🔍

For governments and the private sector key focus areas include:

  1. Finance: Mobilising financial resources to support developing countries in their sustainability efforts. 💷🌿
  2. Technology: Enhancing technology development, transfer, and dissemination. 💻🌍
  3. Capacity Building: Supporting national plans to achieve all the SDGs, particularly in developing countries. 🛠️📈
  4. Trade: Promoting a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory, and equitable multilateral trading system under the WTO. 🚢🌐
  5. Systemic Issues: Addressing systemic issues such as policy and institutional coherence. 🏛️📜

For young people key focus areas include:

  1. Environmental Sustainability: Collaborating on projects that promote eco-friendly practices and conservation efforts.
  2. Education and Literacy: Partnering with organizations to enhance access to education for underprivileged communities.
  3. Health and Well-being: Working together on initiatives that address mental health, nutrition, and physical activity among youth.
  4. Social Justice and Equality: Joining forces to support causes that fight against inequality and promote social justice.
  5. Innovation and Technology: Leveraging technology to solve community problems and improve lives.

These areas offer a broad platform for meaningful collaboration, driving positive change locally and globally.

How Can Organisations Contribute? 🤔

  1. Promote Partnership-Based Initiatives: Support and engage in initiatives and projects that are built on partnerships. 🌱🤲
  2. Encourage Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate the sharing of innovative solutions and best practices across borders. 📘💬
  3. Leverage Technology for Good: Utilise and advocate for technology that advances the SDGs. 📱🌿
  4. Foster Multi-Stakeholder Dialogues: Engage in dialogues and actions that involve multiple stakeholders for the implementation of the SDGs. 👥🗣️

How Can Young People Contribute 🤔

🌟 Ever wondered how young people can tackle the big challenges facing our planet? From climate change to ending poverty, the tasks might seem huge, but there’s a secret weapon you too can create partnerships! 🤝 SDG 17 is the glue that holds all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) together. It’s about countries, companies, and people like you and your friends and family joining forces to share ideas, resources, and energy to make the world a better place.

Think of it like a group project where everyone brings something unique to the table. When we work together, we can come up with creative solutions that no one could’ve thought of alone. Whether it’s through technology, education, or simply spreading the word, every action counts, and every partnership makes us stronger.

So, let’s get out there and team up! By building bridges, not walls, we can create a future that’s bright for everyone. Let’s make partnership our superpower and change the world, one collaboration at a time! 🌈💪

#TeamEarth #GlobalGoals #SDG17 #PowerInPartnership #TogetherWeCan #YouthForChange #MakeADifference #UnityForThePlanet #JoinForces #WorldChangers #GlobalPartnerships #SustainableDevelopment #UnitedForGoals #TogetherForChange 🌐🌟🤝🌿🌍

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL RESOURCES

For educational materials focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the following websites are highly recommended:

UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Provides comprehensive resources directly related to each of the 17 SDGs, including reports and action plans.

SDG ACADEMY

Offers free, high-quality online courses from experts on sustainable development and the SDGs.

GLOBAL GOALS

Engaging and informative, this site offers resources to educate about the SDGs, suitable for various age groups.

WORLD’S LARGEST LESSON

Part of the Global Goals, it provides lesson plans and materials to teach young people about the SDGs.

UNICEF TEACHING AND LEARNING RESOURCES

Offers a range of materials designed to educate children about the SDGs.

THE WORLD BANK – SDGS

Provides data, research, and reports on progress towards the SDGs, useful for more advanced learners.

These websites offer a range of materials, from introductory information to in-depth analysis, suitable for a variety of educational levels.

 

by Lynne Strong

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: The Imperative Role of SDGs in Education 🌍✨

The SDGs are more than policy targets; they’re a blueprint for collective action. As educators and learners embrace these goals, we pave the way for a generation that values sustainability, equity, and global cooperation. 🌟🌱

In 2015, the United Nations unveiled the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a universal call to action aimed at eradicating poverty, safeguarding the planet, and guaranteeing peace and prosperity for all by 2030. These 17 interlinked goals present a global framework for addressing critical issues like climate change, inequality, and environmental degradation.

Why are the SDGs crucial in today’s educational landscape? 📚💡

  1. Global Awareness: Integrating the SDGs into curricula broadens students’ horizons, teaching them about global challenges, especially those faced by developing nations. This fosters empathy and a sense of shared responsibility.
  2. Informed Citizenship: Learning about the SDGs equips young people with the knowledge to become proactive global citizens, aware of how their actions impact the world.
  3. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Education on the SDGs encourages students to think critically and engage in solving the world’s most pressing problems.
  4. Collaboration and Communication: The SDGs teach students valuable skills in teamwork and dialogue, preparing them to work across cultural and political divides.

Incorporating the SDGs into school curricula doesn’t just enrich students’ academic knowledge; it cultivates social and emotional skills essential for the 21st century. By understanding and engaging with these goals, students become key contributors to a sustainable future, embodying the essence of global citizenship.

The SDGs are more than policy targets; they’re a blueprint for collective action. As educators and learners embrace these goals, we pave the way for a generation that values sustainability, equity, and global cooperation. 🌟🌱

Further reading

Empowering future generations: The transformative benefits of embedding UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the curriculum for sustainable education

For students seeking more information on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), these websites are invaluable resources:

  1. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – SDG Knowledge Platform: Offers comprehensive details on each SDG, including targets, indicators, and progress updates.
  2. World’s Largest Lesson: Provides educational materials designed to introduce the SDGs to young learners, including lesson plans and activities.
  3. Global Goals: A vibrant platform with information, videos, and initiatives related to the SDGs, making the goals accessible to a younger audience.

These sites offer a wealth of information to deepen understanding and inspire action towards achieving the SDGs.

#GlobalGoals #SDGs #EducationForAll #FutureLeaders #Sustainability #GlobalCitizenship

How Teachers Can Integrating Sustainable Development Goals into the curriculum across various learning areas requires collaboration and strategic planning.

Here are some practical suggestions for teachers to work together:

  1. Interdisciplinary Approach:
  2. Curriculum Mapping:
    • Start by examining the existing curriculum. Identify opportunities to integrate SDGs into learning outcomes.
    • Use a strategic five-step process:
      1. Map: Understand what is already being taught.
      2. Build Capacity: Develop expertise in teaching SDGs (Education for the SDGs).
      3. Identify Priorities: Determine which SDGs align with specific subjects.
      4. Integrate: Infuse SDGs into existing lessons and activities.
      5. Evaluate and Communicate: Continuously assess progress and share insights with stakeholders2.
  3. Project-Based Learning:
    • Collaborate on project-based activities that address each SDG. For instance SDG 9
      • Design sustainable infrastructure models in technology class.
      • Investigate economic impacts of infrastructure development in mathematics.
      • Explore historical innovations in infrastructure across cultures in social studies.
  4. Co-Curricular Initiatives:
    • Extend learning beyond the classroom. Organise co-curricular events related to SDGs:
      • Leadership programs focused on sustainable development.
      • Student-led activities promoting awareness and action.
  5. Involve Stakeholders:
    • Engage students, teaching staff, university leaders, and external partners.
    • Encourage dialogue, workshops, and collaborative planning sessions.
  6. Share Best Practices:
    • Learn from successful examples within the institution. For instance for SDG 9 :

Remember, integrating SDGs fosters global citizenship and empowers students to contribute positively to our world. Let’s inspire innovation and sustainable practices across all learning areas! 🌏🌱

by Lynne Strong

SDG 13 Empowering Young Voices to Champion Climate Action 🌍🌱

 

Your Actions Matter 🌟

The journey to tackle climate change is challenging but achievable, especially with the energy and passion of young people. Remember, each small action you take contributes to a larger global impact. Let’s join forces to create a sustainable, equitable, and thriving planet for all. 🌍🙌

 

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a call to action for all of us, especially young people who are the vibrant changemakers of today. Among these goals, SDG 13 – Climate Action, stands out as a crucial challenge and opportunity for youth. Let’s dive into how you can contribute to this important goal. 🌟🤝

Understanding SDG 13 🎯

SDG 13 calls for urgent actions to combat climate change and its impacts. It’s a global commitment set by the United Nations in 2015, acknowledging the need for immediate and long-lasting environmental measures. Climate change affects every aspect of our world, from natural ecosystems to urban areas, and addressing it is key to a sustainable future. 🌍💼

The Role of Youth in Climate Action 🚀

You, as young people, are essential in the fight against climate change. With your innovative ideas, digital savviness, and commitment to a better world, you can drive meaningful change. Your actions today shape the world we all live in tomorrow. 🌱💡

How Can Young People Contribute to Climate Action? 🔍

  1. Educate and Spread Awareness: Learn about climate change and share your knowledge. Understanding the issue is the first step towards effective action. 📚🗣️
  2. Advocate for Change: Raise your voice for environmental policies and practices. Join or start campaigns that make a difference. 📢✊
  3. Innovate for Impact: Use technology to find sustainable solutions. Your creativity can lead to impactful environmental innovations. 💻🌿
  4. Volunteer and Collaborate: Get involved in community projects or organizations focused on climate action. Collective efforts have greater impacts. 🤲🌐
  5. Live Sustainably: Implement eco-friendly habits in your daily life. Small changes in how you consume and conserve can make a big difference. 🚯♻️

Building Partnerships for Climate Action 🤝

Teamwork is key. Connect with other young people locally and globally to share ideas and collaborate on projects. Together, you can amplify your impact on climate change. 👥🌍

For more information see our post Climate Change Explained 

#Youth4SDGs #GlobalGoals #SustainableFuture #YoungChangemakers #Act4SDGs #ClimateAction 🌐🌱🚀💚🌟

by Lynne Strong

Meet the Kreative Koala Kids Tackling #ZeroHunger

2020 has been an exceptional year for Kreative Koala artworks and we applaud every single student and teacher who has put so much time and artistic energy into the project.

This is the first in a series of four stories where we introduce you to the changemakers in Australia primary schools 

The United Nations has created 17 Sustainable Development Goals and each school participating in Kreative Koalas is tasked with choosing one main goal to study. For the very first time several schools chose SDG 2: Zero Hunger so let’s look at their artworks as they do their bit to feed the world and realise the importance of school gardens.

Looking at clean water scored Medowie Christian College the title of Grand Champion Community Project for Change in 2019 and this year the talented cohort turned their attention to zero hunger, with their koala appropriately named The Hunger Hero.

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Inspired by their school garden and their participation in OzHarvest’s FEAST program, Medowie’s Hunger Hero is a palette of school-produced food including fruit trees, pumpkins, apples, chickens, corn stalks and root vegetables.

“It was excellent and surprising to see that, even though this garden was located in our main infants play area, NO ONE disrespected our garden. All students looked after it, made sure it was cared for and our plants grew healthy!”

As part of their project Medowie also collected over 150 tinned items, which they donated to Medowie Foodway, for distribution in the community to those finding it difficult to find enough to eat.

Visit their blog to follow their journey

Another school helping those less fortunate in their own community was Annagrove Public School who donated school-produced eggs and vegetables to Windsor Community Garden.

“We donate eggs and vegetables every fortnight to Windsor Community Kitchen and have decided that we will sponsor Windsor Community Kitchen and donate a portion of the money we raise on mufti days to help them pay their rent, as well as donate food.”

Annagrove’s koala Badayla (an aboriginal word for food) is also a pictorial exploration of the school vegetable garden and, as an added bonus, holds a container for the collection of food scraps, which are then fed to the school’s chickens.

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Annagrove also participated in FEAST and were surprised at how easy it was to incorporate sustainability, not just in terms of food, into their daily lives.

“We now find that we are more aware of the impact we are having on our environment with everything we do. Another surprising thing was how we had a positive impact on other people we knew (some of our parents were even asking us for ideas and tips). Our parents, friends and family all showed changes in their behaviour through seeing and hearing about what we were doing.”

Watch their learning journal

Willow, from St Mary’s North Public School, was the third koala representing zero hunger and she is a split personality koala. The beautiful blue side of Willow depicts a sustainable world where everyone has enough to eat, while her orange side depicts the opposite. The students ask us: “Which world would you choose?”

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The school garden also played an important role at St Mary’s giving students an appreciation for the hard work that goes into producing food. Their Kreative Koala ideas began in the garden and morphed as this crazy year of 2020 progressed through drought, fire and a pandemic.

“These changes also evoked fear in the students: what will happen to our world when we are in lockdown, how will we get food?  This is how the students directed their focus on Zero Hunger, which then lead to studying the SDG’s Life on the Land, Responsible Consumption and Production and Climate Action.”

#KreativeKoalaKids #GlobalGoals #SDGs #ZeroHunger

See all our Kreative Koalas Artworks

 

by Lynne Strong

Kreative Koala Kids using cookbooks and big ideas to achieve zero hunger

After their successful foray into the world of Kreative Koalas in 2019, when they were awarded Grand Champion Community Project for Change for raising awareness of healthy waterways, Medowie Christian School are this year tackling zero hunger.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger is being investigated by students for the first time in 2020 and teacher Martha Atkins is excited to see changes in student thinking already.

 “One of our boy’s fathers works with AOG Medowie Foodway and he told us that Foodway supports 1500 families in Port Stephens, which is 10% of our population. This  was an eye-opening statistic for students. They thought zero hunger only applied to homeless people. They did not realise there were people and families who had a house and jobs who were experiencing difficult times. It has not been a hard job to get them to engage with this goal – they are excited about doing something to help.” Martha says

Whilst the students initially wanted to create a food bank within their school one of the things the students learnt from participating in KK 2019 was if you want to have community impact it’s important to meet the needs of the community and so began a journey of community consultation. The students created a survey which they shared with their family and friends.

“The feedback from the surveys showed us the community felt a larger priority was teaching our community about growing fruit and vegetables in a sustainable way and that has become our focus,” Martha says.

Complementing Kreative Koalas, Medowie Christian School is simultaneously participating in OzHarvest’s FEAST program, which aims to inspire “kids to eat healthy, waste less and be change-makers in their local community.” The final product of FEAST will be a school cookbook.

 “FEAST will tie in really well with Kreative Koalas and zero hunger.  We are a K-12 school so we have an agriculture teacher and our own school plot so we grow a lot of our own vegetables and will be using our own resources. We are looking at making our school garden a sustainable garden.” Martha says.

Another surprising outcome from Medowie’s community survey was the number of people who did not know about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“60% of those surveyed didn’t know of, or couldn’t explain, the SDGs and when the kids saw that they thought ‘oh that’s easy – we can fix that one  The students are making a video about SDGs and are enthusiastic about sharing information on their blog. “Although we’ve chosen zero hunger, if we want to see real change, we need to make all the goals famous.” Martha says.

Congratulations Medowie Christian School on your wonderful start to the 2020 Kreative Koalas program – we look forward to watching your journey and your contribution towards Zero Hunger. AND raising awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals and inspiring others to join the movement to achieve them.

You can follow the students on their blog here 

Listen to Martha Atkins share the students journey with ABC Newcastle

#KreativeKoalaKids #GobalGoals #SDGs #bthechange #behaviourchange #sustainability