THE OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE 2030 AGENDA IN THE LANGUAGE CLASSROOM

THE OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE 2030 AGENDA

Language courses play an important role in equipping individuals with the necessary skills to communicate effectively in a globalized world. This is said, we can now ask we can ask why language courses should include the 2030 Agenda.    The answer is that, the courses can highlight the benefits the agenda can bring to students and society as a whole.  The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which was adopted by the United Nations in 2015, is a comprehensive framework and aims to address global challenges like poverty, inequality, climate change, etc.  Therefore by integrating the principles and objectives of this agenda into language courses, students can develop a deeper understanding of these issues.  Let’s consider some of these issues:

1. Global Citizenship.   Language courses which incorporate the 2030 Agenda can create a sense of global citizenship among students. They can learn about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how the global issues are interconnected.  They can develop a wider perspective and a sense of responsibility towards the world. For example, a Spanish language course could include discussions on SDG 13 (Climate Action) and encourage students to explore environmental challenges in Spanish-speaking countries, such as deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.

2. Communication and Collaboration: The 2030 Agenda emphasizes the importance of collaboration to achieve its goals. Language courses can provide a platform for students to practice cross-cultural communication and develop skills in collaboration. For instance, a French language course could involve group projects where students work together to propose solutions for SDG 4 (Quality Education) in a French-speaking country, fostering teamwork and intercultural understanding.

3. Cultural Awareness: Language courses that incorporate the 2030 Agenda can enhance students’ cultural awareness and appreciation. By exploring the diverse cultures and perspectives represented in the SDGs, students can develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by different communities around the world. For example, an English language course could include discussions on SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and encourage students to examine the role of women in an Hindu society, promoting cultural sensitivity and empathy.

As a result, Incorporating the principles and objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development into language courses can bring numerous benefits to students and society. By fostering global citizenship, communication and collaboration skills, and cultural awareness, language courses can empower students to become active contributors to the achievement of the SDGs. As all  the world citizens are longing for a more sustainable and inclusive future, it is essential that language education embraces the 2030 Agenda, equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world.

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READY FOR PLANET ENGLISH by Eli Publishing includes a series of topics which carefully introduce the class to sensitive areas, included in the 2030 Agenda, such as Inclusion, Reduce Diversity, Gender Equality, Climate Action etc.    

https://www.elionline.com/english-elt/2997-ready-for-planet-english/ 

https://ibereli.com/urun/ready-for-planet-english-intermediate-students-book/