As we stand only five years from 2030, the urgency to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has never been greater. Education is a cornerstone of this global agenda, not only as a specific target under SDG 4 but as an enabler of sustainable development across all 17 SDGs. This subtheme examines the transformative role of education and training in achieving the SDGs, offering a platform to assess achievements, confront challenges, and explore innovative pathways forward.
This subtheme invites critical reflection on the intersections between education and other global priorities, such as poverty eradication, climate action, and fostering peaceful and just societies. Through innovative research, bold policy frameworks, and transformative practices, this subtheme emphasises the politics of data in tracking SDG targets, asking “so what” questions to challenge conventional wisdom and inspire actionable solutions. How can education systems mobilise knowledge, partnerships, and innovations to create a systemic impact? What mechanisms exist to ensure that education contributes to the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development? What role does education play in shaping the post-2030 agenda?
We invite a focus on research for actionable policies and practices that will drive impact towards the SDGs. We encourage submissions that present practical insights, evidence-based solutions, and scalable innovations. This subtheme aims to foster dialogue on how education can drive real, measurable change for sustainable futures by integrating cross-cutting themes such as equity, partnerships, implementation, and sustainability.
Key questions include:
- How can we accelerate progress towards achieving SDG targets related to education over the final five years? What does this mean for research, delivery, governments, UN bodies, and all those working towards this?
- How can governments and institutions be held accountable for progress toward the SDGs? What is the politics of data? And what are the challenges in tracking educational outcomes, including issues of equity, power and transparency, as well as the role of innovation and technology?
- How can education learn from and foster synergies between SDGs, such as health, gender equality, climate poverty and sustainable cities? How can education be a nexus for cross-sectoral collaboration? What are examples of education interventions that have directly contributed to measurable progress on specific SDGs? How could education learn from other sectors about tracking and making progress against global goals?
- What are the innovations from Indigenous communities in addressing complex global challenges? How can the role of localised education practices drive progress to achieve sustainable development? How can local-global partnerships be leveraged to scale successful educational interventions?
- What does the future of the global education agenda look like? How can the multilateral system and development frameworks be reimagined to better align with global and local needs? What kind of education is needed to address the evolving challenges of a post-2030 world? What is education’s role in shaping a post-2030 development framework?
Read the blog by Rona and Najme about the theme
Sub theme convenors
 Rona Bronwin – FCDO |
 Najme Kishani – PAL Network |