Education – Sustainability Learning Cafe

Session questions(s):

How is education on wellbeing and sustainability (e.g., planetary wellbeing, one health, planetary health or courses incorporating related content) presented both abroad and in Finland? What are the best practices? What are the current needs and key competences to be developed under different conditions (e.g. higher education institutions, disciplines, study paths)? What kind of opportunities exist for promoting collaborations between faculties or higher education institutions (e.g. Climate University platform or Kestävyysopintojen verkosto).

Session description:

The session was attended by representatives of higher education organisations, especially those involved in education planning. The discussion and group was representing different disciplines such as medicine, sustainable resource use, social sciences and restonomy. The discussion was mostly covering what type of education is existing, what are the challenges for students and teaching, and what could be done to overcome these.

Session lesson(s):

Whilst one health / planetary health / planetary wellbeing and similar topics are covered in education programmes, the contents are typically spread out to different courses in a fragmented manner. While this is a good approach in some sense, students and teachers/researchers alike are struggling to grasp the full complexity and inter-linkages on a systems level. Furthermore, while there could be theoretical knowledge, more emphasis is needed on practical implementation and solutions (incl. policies, economy). Development is needed in skills such as trans-disciplinary communication, future-thinking and action/practice.

Session keyword(s):

transdisciplinary, sustainability, wellbeing, health, education, teaching

Marju Prass

Specialist, Nature Step to Health 2022-2032, Lahti University Campus

Session questions(s):

in the Sustainability Learning Café in SSD. The main theme discussion topics were (1) how do you understand sustainability in education? (2) What does sustainability in education mean to you in practice?

Session description:

Sustainability in education (SDG4) was discussed from various perspectives. Sai Väyrynen explained the sustainability in education targets, she also showed one example of the implementation of the UN Sustainability Development Goals in Helsinki 2023: From Agenda to Action. She stressed that different countries may have different targets. All participants discussed how they understood sustainability development, it should not only include the environmental issues, but also many important aspects, such as the importance of social and societal elements, such as vulnerable populations, people’s well-being, equality, inclusion, etc. dimensions. And All the sustainability goals are all inter-connected together.

Further on, all the participants shared their views on how they can take action and contribute to sustainability goals in their life and in their work in practice. One participant shared that as a researcher and as a social worker how he used resources to support immigrants in Finland in developing their capabilities and to be integrated in Finnish society. Teachers and teacher educators also discuss how they can incorporate Sustainability goals in their own teaching courses. They felt that more cross-disciplined courses are needed in eth future.

Session lesson(s):

The Sustainability Learning Café was a fruitful discussion for sharing and learning. Participants gained wider and richer perspectives and understanding of SDG and SDG4. All participants agreed that “substantiality should be connected with responsibilities”, also expressed that they will take further actions in practice towards sustainability development goals.

Session keyword(s):

SDG4, Education, Social justice, Inclusion

Sai Väyrynen & Jenny Niu

The Global Innovation Network for Teaching and Learning (GINTL) – Maaria Manyando

University of Helsinki

Tag: Education

Sustainability and health? Best practices for integration in higher education