NUS is holding our first ever SDG teach-in. We are asking educators across UK universities and colleges to pledge to include the UN Sustainable Development Goals in their teaching and learning during the week of 19th to 23rd February 2018.
Here are 5 reasons why you should ask your lecturers to pledge to take part...
1. Be part of a global movement
This is your chance to be part of something BIG. The SDGs are a set of 17 Global Goals, unanimously agreed upon by 193 countries. They are designed to transform our world by ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all by 2030. This is a truly worldwide agenda that requires local, national, and international action and collaboration - governments can't do this alone!
2. Turn your education into a force for good
Our dream is for all students to leave education equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attributes to tackle the world's biggest challenges. Perhaps you're already clued-up and want to share your vision with fellow classmates, or maybe you've never considered sustainable development before and want to find out more - this week could be a vital step in your journey. As students, we are the future, so let's make it a good one!
3. Because your subject matters
The SDGs are relevant to every subject because they look at sustainability in a holistic way - covering everything from gender equality, wellbeing, peace and justice through to sustainable cities and sustainable production. You can help raise awareness of why your subject is really important! For inspiration, take a look at our A to Z guide of sustainability in courses ranging from Art to Zoo Management.
4. Inspire new ways of teaching and learning
Encourage your lecturers to try out new ideas and cover the SDGs through case studies, open discussion, debate, group work, field work, creative projects, role-play simulations, or in partnership with local organisations or members of the community - whichever makes you most excited! You might become the catalyst that drives curriculum reform, introducing not only new topics but also new methods of teaching.
5. Students want it
NUS research over the past eight years has demonstrated that 85% of students agree that 'sustainable development is something which universities and colleges should actively incorporate and promote' and 60% agree that 'sustainable development is something which I would like to learn more about'. Students also say they want sustainability embedded into existing modules, not as a stand-alone unit. This is your chance to make it happen.
The SDG teach-in is taking place 19-23 February 2018. Share your involvement with the hashtag #SDGTeachIn.