Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, are 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. Although these goals are designed to be achieved by everyone, regardless of age, gender, or nationality, young people must learn about them from a young age. Here’s why.
1. Raise Awareness And Foster a Sense of Responsibility
One of the main reasons young people should learn about the SDGs is to raise awareness about the world’s ongoing challenges. Awareness of what is happening worldwide is the first step to growing responsibility towards finding ways to solve them. By learning what each goal represents, the younger generation can identify the issues affecting their local communities and their countries, or even the whole world, and take action to address them.
2. Develop Critical Thinking And Problem-Solving Skills
Learning more about the SDGs can help young people develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They must have a deeper understanding of how the world works and be aware of all complex interplays between the various social, economic, and environmental factors contributing to global challenges. With all this knowledge, young people (and leaders of tomorrow) can critically think of solutions and develop innovative approaches to tackle them.
3. Promote Global Citizenship and Cross-Cultural Understanding
The SDGs are a global agenda requiring collective effort from people and governments worldwide to be effective. As such, the need for international cooperation makes people realize that we are all in this together and that every individual action matters towards the common goal. This inspires a sense of global citizenship and cross-cultural understanding. All of the above promote respect for diversity, empathy, and cooperation.
4. Prepare for the Future Job Market
The SDGs provide a framework for sustainable development that will shape the future job market. By learning about these goals, young people can start working towards improving their skills and knowledge in demand in the future, such as digital literacy, environmental awareness, and social responsibility. Doing so will prepare them for the future workplace and allow them to be integral to creating a sustainable and prosperous society.
5. Inspire and Empower Young People to Take Action for the SDGs
Finally, learning about the SDGs can inspire and empower young people to take action and make a difference in their communities and beyond. By understanding that they have a role in achieving the SDGs, young people can become agents of change and leaders. This will empower them, instil confidence and resilience and create a generation of responsible and engaged global citizens.
Conclusion
Learning about the SDGs from a young age is essential for our planet’s future and all people’s well-being. By raising awareness, fostering critical thinking, promoting global citizenship, preparing for the future job market, and inspiring and empowering young people to take action, we can create a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
If you want to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among young people and support sustainable and innovative development in your local community, check out our EU project called Didactic Mine. This project aims to build the capacity of youth workers online and offline and encourage the development and sharing of methods to reach marginalized young people. By promoting initiatives among young people and improving quality development and innovation in youth work, Didactic Mine helps create a more sustainable and inclusive world.
To learn more about this project and how to get involved, visit the website today.
