SWAT: Educationists have stressed the need for integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the system of education.

They said that the SDGs offered a holistic approach to learning, fostered real-world relevance and promoted inter-disciplinary education.

They were addressing a teacher training session on sustainable development in the classroom called “Education for Global Citizenship and Sustainability” at a local college. A large number of teachers, educationists and students from different parts of Swat, Malakand, Dir and Buner participated in the training.

The speakers said that teachers of both public and private educational institutions should have knowledge of SDGs to include them in their lessons. “This will not only empower students to become agents of positive change and foster a sense of global citizenship but will also promote the professional development of teachers,” said Younas Khan, a trainer.

Syed Shawal, another trainer, stated that by incorporating the SDGs into the education system, the schools might help to shape future leaders committed to establishing partnerships and working in collaboration with many stakeholders to create a more sustainable and equitable society.

At the training session, teachers and students were given a variety of tasks covering the SDGs including quality education, gender equality, climate action, living on land, sustainable cities and communities, inexpensive and clean energy and the need to create hands-on projects with their answers.

Tauqeer Ahmad, a teacher, said that by incorporating the SDGs into the educational system, schools could play a crucial role in cultivating informed and engaged global citizens, who could understand the importance of sustainable development and take action to create a better future for all. “We have to shift our focus from the outdated syllabus and join hands with developed countries to meet the challenges of the day,” he added.

Noor an eighth grader said about the training that “they had a different type of learning as their teachers involved them in the topic. “We were also introduced to the 17 SDGs of the United Nations,” he added.

The students also presented their projects to the educationists and teachers at the end of the training.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2023