52 Why Study or Participate in the SDGs?

You are a member of “an increasingly interconnected and multicultural society. Students need to be aware of cultural norms and differences around the world so that they can succeed and thrive. The SDGs are universal goals for all people and are inherently global in nature. Learning about these initiatives helps students develop insights into issues around the world, such as lack of access to clean water and gender equality. These issues are inseparable from culture, and to truly understand the SDGs, students need to learn about the world around them” (“4 Reasons to Teach the Sustainable Development Goals,” para. 4).

By participating in these global issues/problems, students can develop the characteristics of a global citizen, an individual who is active in their local and global communities while exhibiting empathy for those around them.