UNSDG4: A compass for equitable, sustainable learning opportunities

In this article, part of my #17WeeksToCOP28 series, I focus on United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. The #UNSDG4 overview page shows another goal falling behind with underinvestment and the pandemic dealing major blows to progress. Here again, an intricate relationship exists between climate change and education, which presents a unique opportunity for corporations to demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship and societal well-being. By activating the climate-education nexus, businesses can play a pivotal role in driving sustainable practices while fostering knowledge, awareness, and innovation.

Corporate stakeholders like 3M can play a role in achieving this objective through initiatives like the 3M Young Scientist Lab, support for WorldSkills competitions, and emphasis on STEM education. With COP28 accentuating the role of youth, education and skills in climate action and the insights from a recent World Economic Forum (WEF) article on vocational training, there is a pressing need for the convergence of education, innovation, and sustainability starting at the country level.

Integrate Sustainability into Education Initiatives

According to a study by UNESCO, less than half of the countries have integrated sustainability into their education systems, indicating the urgent need for corporate collaboration in this area. Integrating sustainability into education can significantly impact future generations. According to the United Nations,

While 95% of surveyed primary and secondary teachers felt that teaching climate change is important, less than 30% expressed a readiness to teach it.

Last April, the UAE Minister of Education, Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, announced the "UAE's Green Education Partnership Roadmap" to prepare for COP28. He stressed the importance of the UN Climate Change Conference in inviting others to integrate climate change education into education systems worldwide.

The synergy between quality education, innovative solutions, and climate action is crucial for building a sustainable future. It should not be done by the government alone.

Including Purpose-Driven Corporations in the Equation

In 2021, 3M committed to advancing economic equity by creating 5 million unique STEM and skilled trades learning experiences for underrepresented individuals by the end of the 2025-26 school year. An integrated approach between the public and private sectors is needed to marry education, innovation, and environmental conservation. By nurturing an ecosystem of learning, creativity, and sustainability, we can empower future generations to tackle climate challenges effectively and contribute to creating a just, equitable, and sustainable global society. The combined efforts from corporations in alignment with governments, international bodies, and educational initiatives pave the way for the fulfilment of UNSDG4 and the broader sustainability goals, including Climate Change.

Support Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education:

Investing in STEM education yields long-term benefits for both individuals and society. With an economy increasingly reliant on STEM-related fields, supporting STEM education is critical. A Gallup survey found that students exposed to STEM education programs were more likely to express an interest in pursuing STEM careers.

As a company that strives to improve lives through science and innovation, 3M plays an active role from an educational perspective, believing in its importance in the future of our communities – also, we need to continue fuelling the future generations of scientists and engineers to continue innovating at 3M! We try to drive innovation and sustainability across the educational sector, especially within STEM fields.

The 3M Young Scientist Lab is an initiative to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators to develop solutions addressing real-world problems, including climate change. This venture aligns with the goals of UNSDG4 and COP28 by nurturing environmentally conscious innovators and fostering sustainable solutions.

A Truly Inclusive Education System

Girls are still underrepresented in STEM fields, even though they are just as smart and capable as boys. We must do more to encourage girls to pursue STEM subjects and careers, from demystifying science with our brilliant colleague Sarah C. to providing more opportunities for girls to learn about STEM subjects and careers, both in and out of school, and make it easier for people, especially women, to revisit STEM subjects and careers after school and university.

Advocating For Science To Solve Climate Change

Science is the foundation of our understanding of climate change. Scientists have been studying the climate for decades and have overwhelming evidence that human activity is causing the planet to warm. Science can help us develop solutions to climate change. A purpose-driven corporation can engage their greatest advocate to raise children's and adults' curiosity towards Science continuously.

Education Across All Ages

UNSDG4 is a global framework that creates equitable educational landscapes where everyone can access quality education and lifelong learning opportunities. It underlines the importance of eliminating literacy and numeracy gaps and achieving gender equality in educational contexts, as my colleague Tina Monk wrote last week.

Education is important for addressing climate change and a key component of achieving SDG4, which ensures inclusive and equitable education for all and promotes lifelong opportunities. Whilst we are doing our level best to drive a more equitable world, we cannot do so without educating adults who are the key stakeholders in driving behaviour change, bridging generational gaps and amplifying towards a more sustainable future.

Re-Skilling & Up-Skilling

3M’s collaboration with WorldSkills competitions highlights its dedication to enhancing vocational skills across diverse domains, realising UNSDG4 and contributing to forming sustainable societies.

?A recent WEF article underscores the transformative power of technical and vocational training in achieving SDGs and also highlights the woeful underinvestment in this area from developing countries. It implies that fostering technical and vocational skills is essential for creating resilient societies and economies. With underfunding being an issue here it will be insightful to follow the COP28 sessions in this area as investment across climate change problem areas will take centre stage – I for one, believe in educational support as an enabler towards better choices and a better society.

Collaborate with NGOs and Advocacy Organizations

Partnerships with NGOs and advocacy organizations can leverage the expertise and grassroots connections needed to drive impactful change. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), 67% of consumers believe companies should support climate-related issues that NGOs are addressing. Collaboration between corporations and these entities enables educational initiatives to scale, reach wider audiences, and create a stronger collective impact.

As climate change continues to reshape our world, the climate-education nexus presents an unparalleled opportunity for corporate leaders to create meaningful change. By integrating sustainability into education initiatives, supporting STEM education, fostering research collaborations, promoting workplace sustainability education, communicating corporate climate efforts, and collaborating with NGOs, businesses can drive sustainable practices while equipping future generations with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world.

Engage in Workplace Sustainability Education

Educating employees on workplace sustainability practices can lead to tangible benefits. Research conducted by the Institute for Sustainable Business found that organizations with strong environmental and social governance practices tend to outperform financially, with a 43% higher return on sales. Corporations can improve their bottom line by fostering employee awareness and behaviour change while contributing to a more sustainable future. #17WeekstoCOP was incepted as an employee engagement program, which engaged and empowered them to become 3M's greatest advocates.

Embracing this nexus benefits the environment and builds more resilient and enlightened societies. Let us seize this moment and inspire a future where corporate leadership drives sustainability and education hand in hand.