On 1 January 2016, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — adopted by world leaders in September 2015 at an historic UN Summit — officially came into force. Over the next fifteen years, with these new Goals that universally apply to all, countries will mobilise efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind.
While the SDGs are not legally binding, governments are expected to take ownership and establish national frameworks for the achievement of the 17 Goals.
In order to achieve all the Sustainable Development Goals by the year 2030, UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Education Fund) believes that children must be put at the centre of the agenda. UNICEF is the custodian or co-custodian for 17 SDG indicators. It is responsible for 10 global SDG indicators and co-custodian for a further 7.
To assist teachers in helping children to understand the part that they can play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, UNICEF has compiled a number of child-friendly learning resources. These include videos, such as the one below, games, teaching materials and comics which will provoke discussion and help children learn about the SDGs.
There is lots more information on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well as the teaching materials on the UNICEF website HERE
