THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

At Seven Peaks, we believe that students and teachers alike are changemakers—and Ms. Donley and Mrs. Lyke are living proof. As current Advocates for the Global Schools Program, they’ve taken their passion for equity, justice, and global education to the next level.

This week, they’ll be leading a special staff workshop focused on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—also known as the Global Goals. These goals, developed by the United Nations, serve as a powerful framework to fight inequality, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030.

🎥 Watch the Video: "We the People"
 

What Are the Global Goals?

The 17 SDGs are ambitious, interconnected goals that challenge all of us—individuals, communities, governments, and schools—to be part of a better future.

Some key goals include:

🌍 Goal 1: No Poverty
Together, we can end extreme poverty everywhere.

🍎 Goal 2: Zero Hunger
Food is a basic human right. Every person deserves access to safe, nutritious food.

📚 Goal 4: Quality Education
All children deserve inclusive, equitable education that empowers lifelong learning.

💧 Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Everyone should have access to safe drinking water and sanitation—no exceptions.

Each goal is deeply connected to the others, forming a web of opportunity and action. For example, a child who lacks clean water (Goal 6) is more likely to miss school (Goal 4), which affects their chance of breaking the cycle of poverty (Goal 1). That’s why understanding and teaching these goals is critical.

A Thread That Connects Us All

When students begin to see how these global issues affect their local communities—and vice versa—they become active participants in building a better world. And that’s the heart of the ESD Advocates Program.

This program empowers teachers around the world to integrate sustainability and global awareness into every corner of the classroom. Whether it's a science experiment about water purification or a literature discussion about human rights, the SDGs offer countless ways to spark meaningful inquiry and purpose-driven learning.

Big Questions for a Bold Future

At the end of their presentation, Ms. Donley and Mrs. Lyke will ask staff an important question:
Do you think the world will be the same or better by the year 2030? Why or why not?

It’s a question we encourage everyone in our community to consider. Because the future won’t shape itself—it will be shaped by people like Ms. Donley, Mrs. Lyke, and the students they inspire.

Join Us

The more we understand the Global Goals, the more intentional we can be in creating learning experiences that prepare students to be global citizens. We invite all staff to join this week’s workshop and be part of this movement.

Together, we’re not just talking about change—we’re living it. 🌱🌏