← back |
On September 25th 2015, during the 70th United Nations General Assembly, all members adopted a set of goals concerning global development, the 17 world Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The mission statement accompanying the document referred to "A shared blueprint of peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future". These goals are designed to create a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030. The SDGs cover various areas, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. The ultimate aim is to leave no one behind while promoting inclusive and equitable growth and development worldwide.
Our project, GreenVET, has its eyes set on altering VET schools' operations and teachings all over Europe so as to align themselves to the new standards the SDGs have set for communities. In doing so, not only do the VET schools themselves serve as a significant aid towards the ultimate goal, but also future professionals who are to graduate from these schools will carry the lessons they received and will apply them to their future working environments, changing thus the world for the better.
GreenVET's main purpose to contribute to green growth and environmental sustainability goes hand in hand with what the United Nations had in mind when agreeing on the Sustainable Development Goals. A look into some of the Goals can help make clear as to why GreenVET is a significant initiative which can lead VET schools to being drivers of change and lead the transition.
Goal 7 emphasizes the need for affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. By encouraging the adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power, the SDGs aim to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. This transition is essential not only for mitigating climate change but also for ensuring energy security and reducing air pollution.
Goal 15 focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. It aims to combat deforestation, desertification, and biodiversity loss. By promoting sustainable agriculture, forestry, and land management practices, the SDGs help enhance the resilience of communities and ecosystems to climate-related hazards.
Goal 9 focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. Investing in resilient infrastructure helps protect communities from the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels.
It is clear that for all those Goals, VET schools can do plenty towards their fulfillment. Vocations which are directly linked to sustainable energy, land use and resilient infrastructure can firstly alter their operations from the very basis of where everything starts. Future employees' education. Through this as well as through VET schools' collective efforts, commitment and operations adjustments, there is no doubt that a more sustainable and resilient future can be created for all.