Inclusion and education to sustainable development: The experience of the University of Siena

Abstract

According to SDG 4.7, by 2030 all learners will “acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development”. Since 2009, with the establishment of the Working Group on Good Practices for Sustainable Development at the University of Siena has worked to raise awareness and promote good practices for the sustainable development: the campus became carbon neutral, it encouraged sustainable mobility, it tried to put the 2030 Agenda goals into practice, and it expanded the educational activities on sustainability themes. This paper will focus on the educational proposals of the University of Siena with specific reference to the promotion of inclusive societies and development of skills in sustainable development (SD) and global citizenship. In this context the University of Siena has activated courses and participates into projects to promote dialogue on the above-mentioned issues, to ensure a more sustainable future. Along this pattern, for example, the University of Siena has organized two multidisciplinary courses on sustainability and gender discrimination and violence. In order to increase sustainable development competencies for students and staff, it promotes practices on sustainability internally as well as in its relationship with other stakeholders. The University, through its project EDU4SD, addressed to schools, aims at disseminating Agenda 2030 SDGs to promote EU values and fundamental rights through educational tools based on empathy and emotional intelligence. All these experiences demonstrate the potential of a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to SD education, based on non-formal and transformative learning methodologies to enhance inclusive societies.