Sustainable Development Goals and Science and Technology Education

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of independent yet interconnected goals in support of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The goals, created with the twenty-first century skills in mind, weave STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines throughout and aim to end poverty, protect the health of our planet, and provide equitable educational opportunities to ensure that, by 2030, all members of civil society can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives. This chapter provides a historical perspective of the concept of sustainability, its relationship with global development, and the importance of developing a global STEM-literate workforce capable of responding to the worldwide challenges presented today and into the future. Implementation models of international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as regional and national examples highlighting STEM programming related to formal, non-formal, and informal STEM educational settings promoting Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), are discussed.KeywordsSustainabilitySustainable developmentSustainable Development Goals (SDGs)Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)Twenty-first century skillsSTEMSTEM educationFormalNon-formal and informal learningLifelong learning