ERASMUS+ Project SDG4U
A main priority of the project 2022-1-EL01-KA220-HED-000088776 ‘Engaging SDGs for Transformative Education and Enhanced Sustainability in Universities’ with the Acronym SDG4U, is to stimulate innovative learning and teaching practices through engaging SDGs (the Sustainable Development Goals) for transformative education and enhancing sustainability in universities. The project foresees the development of a mapping tool aiming to foster a better sense of where higher education institutions stand in supporting SDGs and providing a means of enhancing effective engagement with SDGs. It is expected to reveal existing modules that contain SDGs in their content, and it will help students choose courses narrowed by these criteria as well a bring inspiration for future-oriented curricula that better meet the needs of individuals. It will further contribute to the development of new trans-disciplinary modules or courses and will highlight the need for improvements in educational methods characterized by innovation, multi-functional approaches, heterogeneity and equity. At the same time, the mapping tool will inform operations and community engagement efforts to incorporate the principles of sustainability at all levels of university life. The project also includes creating modules/courses and a lifelong learning seminar on SDGs.
Although all SDGs are addressed, emphasis is placed on environmental protection and the fight against climate change. EU initiatives such as the European Green Deal and the New European Bauhaus factor in prominently: combat climate change and focus on adaptation and resilience, promote sustainability, equity, environmental protection, the principles of circular economy, designing cities where art and culture are finding their expression and sustainability is prioritized.
SDG4U
SDG4U’s key priority is to stimulate innovative learning and teaching practices through engaging SDGs to transformative education and sustainability practices in universities. The project will support and enhance the implementation of SDGs in higher education by embedding sustainability across teaching, research, operations, and community outreach.
The project tackles the following goals:
- To identify modules/courses that include SDGs in existing academic material
- To create a mapping tool for SDGs in Higher Education
- To develop initiatives on SDG mapping tools and standardize good sustainability practices
- To shape potential modules to be included in existing/new courses to educate students on SDGs implementation
- To create pedagogical material for a seminar and train SDG facilitators
- To enhance the participation of ‘learners’ in the decision-making processes
The project activities will enable access to knowledge and skills required for understanding and promoting sustainable development through formal education, life-long learning programs and initiatives with an emphasis on promoting equality and developing a culture of peace, non-violence and fairness at all levels.
Work is organized around 5 Work Packages:
WP1 – PROJECT MANAGEMENT
WP2 – MAPPING TOOL & IMPLEMENTATION
WP3 – PROMOTING SDGs IN THE ACADEMIC CONTEXT
WP4 – ADVANCING SUSTAINABILITY OF UNIVERSITIES
WP5 – DISSEMINATION PLAN