The ability to challenge the assumptions of the past and forge a new path for sustainable education can be achieved through a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals in order to create global citizens. Young people who are empowered to develop their voice as changemakers and the leaders of tomorrow.  A focus on Sustainable Education will help to ensure a bright future for everyone.

To change course, the world needs many more of its citizens, especially the next generation, to have the knowledge, values, and skills to better navigate this uncertain future, tackle its profound challenges, and build more prosperous and resilient communities. The age group 10 – 25 now has over 1.8 Billion youths, the largest demographic in this range in the history of the planet. Research shows that Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a crucial tool, which not only empowers students to shape a better world but also perform better in school. At the heart of this challenge, must be the development of a model of education that celebrates, and promotes the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).

Established at the UN General Assembly in 2015 and signed by 193 member states, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 ambitious objectives for a greener, healthier, more peaceful, and equal planet, agreed to by all governments, to be achieved by 2030. These goals are meant to be a blueprint for a better world, and they cover a wide range of topics such as poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, climate change, and more.

The importance of devoting urgent attention to sustainable development is critical for the future of the planet and its people. According to scientists, climate change could threaten livelihoods, trigger conflicts, accelerate biodiversity loss, exacerbate disease outbreaks, destabilize political and social systems, cause economic shocks, and increase inequalities.

We need to take action now, and education is a key part of the solution. ESD can help equip young people with the skills and knowledge they need to become agents of change in their communities. It can also help them understand sustainable development issues and learn how to take action to make a difference. Global citizenship is about caring for the world we live in and working together to make it a better place for everyone. It’s about understanding that we all have a responsibility to care for our planet and its inhabitants. And it’s about taking action to make positive change in the world.

ESD is an educational approach that seeks to empower students to take action on sustainable development issues. It goes beyond traditional academic learning by providing opportunities for students to develop key competencies, critical thinking skills, solve problems, and think creatively about sustainable solutions. ESD is often interdisciplinary, involving subjects such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, social sciences, and arts and humanities.

There are many ways to incorporate ESD into the education sector and daily life of schools. An education model based on the ESDs is a powerful way of initiating lasting change and there are many ways to incorporate ESD into the heart and soul of schools. At Sophia High School, a leading British Online School for children from across the globe aged 3 to 15, the Sustainable Development Goals form the foundation for the development of the curriculum.

Through a partnership with the Junior Duke Awards and links with Project Zero, a global movement supported by renowned scientists, business leaders, campaigners, culture makers and ocean experts, who are all working together to awaken the fight for the ocean, students are provided with the opportunity to develop their voices as changemakers and global citizens.

These voices have encouraged school leaders at Sophia High School to further develop their strategic vision and policies to showcase their commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, including joining the globally recognised Council of International Schools; in doing so becoming one of a select group of three online schools around the world to be granted Membership.

School Leaders are recognised as UN Sustainable Development Schools Network Global Advocates for ESD which has opened the door to Sophia High School joining the Global Schools Program, an initiative of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network in support of UNESCO’s Global Action Program on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). In addition, the school is awaiting the outcome of the submission of its BCorp Assessment. When achieved, SHS will be the first British Online School to be recognised by the BCorp Corporation Movement.

“By reflecting on our own actions, and the consequences of those actions, within the context of how we engage with the world, how we care for our fellow citizens and what we express of our values, we can come to a greater understanding of ourselves and how we can become change makers. But being aware is not enough. We need to equip ourselves with the skills and desires to make changes, and tap into a courageous belief that what we do makes a positive impact for a better world tomorrow.” Ms. Vanessa

The aim of all these ESD programs is to provide the tools, resources and programs to support education systems around the world in shaping a more resilient and sustainable world. At Sophia High School this translates into a shaping vision for a future of education which inspires a world where every primary and secondary school student is equipped with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary for effectively responding to the greatest challenges of this century and shaping a sustainable and prosperous world for all.

ESD provides students with the skills they need to become agents of change in their communities and make a difference in the world. Through ESD, students can develop critical thinking skills, solve problems, and think creatively about sustainable solutions. Global citizenship is about caring for the world we live in and working together to make it a better place for everyone. It’s about understanding that we all have a responsibility to care for our planet and its inhabitants. And it’s about taking action to make positive change in the world.