Written by Abigail Chifusa, Global Schools Project Officer.
As the year draws to a close, the Global Schools Program continues its tradition of recognizing individuals dedicated to promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through education.
Each month, we celebrate advocates whose innovative initiatives and commitment inspire change within their communities and beyond.
For December, we honor nine advocates who have gone above and beyond in championing SDGs, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), and climate action.
Seda Erten is a Global Schools Program (GSP) Advocate from Turkey.
As a mathematics teacher at Ölüdeniz Middle School, Seda organized the "Climate Change Children's Workshop" under the United Nations Global Schools Program (UN Global Schools Program). The event was held at the Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Atatürk Cultural Center in collaboration with the Muğla Provincial Directorate of National Education. The workshop, which involved advocates from various provinces of Turkey, attracted significant interest from students and teachers alike.
The program began with an introductory presentation on the United Nations Global Schools Program, followed by seminars, panels, and interactive workshops aimed at increasing children's awareness of climate change. Participants shared experiences and explored solutions together. Students also made presentations, showcasing their workshop activities to peers.
Supported by the Muğla Provincial Directorate of National Education, the event aimed to instill climate awareness among children and empower them to take action in their communities. By fostering conscious individuals, this initiative seeks to raise future climate ambassadors who will contribute to a sustainable world.
Seda also participated in an event organized by the Fethiye City Council Women's Assembly to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Violence against women, a human rights violation and a global issue, is closely tied to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which seek to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
Last month, Seda's school hosted a compost workshop led by an expert from the Fethiye Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture. The activity supported SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Additionally, officials from the Nature Conservation and National Parks Directorate conducted a seminar on biodiversity, nature conservation, and biosmuggling in alignment with SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
Other notable initiatives included integrating healthy breakfasts with real-life math skills and applying for a UNESCO Club. Following approval from the Turkish National Commission, UNESCO Club activities were combined with global school initiatives. Seda also championed the "Nature Pioneers Program," carried out in collaboration with WWF-Turkey and the Ministry of National Education. This program equips middle school students to become agents of change through universal environmental action.
When Olukayode Odujobi encountered the advertisement for the Global Schools Advocate program in May 2024, he had not h anticipated the transformative journey ahead. Upon being accepted as an advocate, Olukayode underwent the Global Schools Advocacy training, which equipped him with the tools and knowledge required for this demanding role. Despite the challenges, Olukayode was determined to make an impact.
While it was initially difficult to incorporate the Global Schools Advocacy program as a whole-school initiative due to his school's curriculum structure, Olukayode seamlessly integrated the SDGs into his weekly teaching of Grade 10 economics and Grade 12 commerce. Leveraging resources from the advocacy training, Sustainable Development Solutions Network webinars, and British Council professional development programs, he successfully infused education for sustainable development (ESD) into his lessons.
Support from his school community played a vital role in his journey. He credits his principal, Mrs. Iheke, headteacher Mrs. Chisom Okoro, and fellow advocate mentors Coach Faith and Diallo for their guidance. Most importantly, Olukayode highlights his students’ enthusiasm and engagement as the driving force behind his advocacy efforts.
His students have been deeply inspired by their exposure to the SDGs. Through classroom activities and an ESD Club, they have developed confidence in problem-solving and ownership of their learning. The students' dedication culminated in impressive end-of-term presentations that showcased their understanding of the SDGs and their relevance to real-life challenges.
Passionate about his newfound role, Olukayode envisions SDG and ESD activities becoming regular features of his teaching. He plans to incorporate lessons around international observances set by the United Nations and its affiliates, further enriching his students’ awareness.
Reflecting on his journey, Olukayode draws motivation from Martin Luther King Jr.’s words: "If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward."
This spirit has fueled his monthly exploration of new ideas and strategies, allowing him and his students to navigate the value-laden journey of SDG and ESD initiatives with renewed energy and insight.
As the only Global Schools Advocate in Ethiopia, Ambassador Abubeker is working diligently to engage fellow teachers in participating in this prestigious initiative, which benefits educators, schools, students, and, most importantly, the future, from Grade 1 to Grade 12. He has introduced the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) through a comprehensive toolkit provided by Global Schools. By facilitating workshops and training sessions, he empowers teachers with the resources needed to implement sustainable practices in their classrooms.
Ambassador Abubeker views challenges as opportunities, focusing on solutions rather than problems, and leads with purpose while serving with integrity. Considering that approximately 60% of Ethiopia's population is in school, integrating ESD into the curriculum poses difficulties due to accessibility issues and a shortage of human and material resources. Despite these challenges, Ambassador Abubeker remains committed to fostering a culture of sustainability within the education system, ensuring that students and teachers alike understand the importance of global partnerships in achieving the SDGs. He works to integrate ESD into school curricula at Uplift Academy and other schools across Ethiopia.
Ambassador Abubeker often reflects on powerful quotes related to education and the SDGs to inspire his efforts. He firmly believes, "We are global citizens, and our planet is our home; together, we can create a better future, and education is the master key for it."
Through his advocacy, Ambassador Abubeker aspires to inspire a new generation of learners to become proactive in addressing global challenges.
Madeleine Proud became a Global Schools Advocate in 2024. As the Director of Global Citizenship at Nexus International School Malaysia, she has led numerous in-school activities and community partner initiatives. Her role as a Global Schools Advocate aligns seamlessly with the three main principles she emphasizes in her work:
1. Facilitating learners to become global citizens through the lens of the Sustainable Development Goals.
2. Establishing community partnerships to enhance learning.
3. Inspiring learners to become changemakers.
During the 2024/25 academic year, Madeleine organized a Global Goals Day at her school, engaging all 700+ learners in various workshops and activities to learn about and take action towards the SDGs. Keynote speakers included Dr. Sharifah Mazlina, who shared insights on SDG13: Climate Action, and Harinder Sekhon, a two-time world record holder, who focused on SDG3: Good Health and Well-being. Dr. Sharifah, renowned as the first Muslim woman to complete the "Polar Hat Trick Explorer," has led multiple groundbreaking expeditions and continues to inspire others.
Madeleine has also arranged service field trips for middle school students, providing opportunities to volunteer with local organizations. As a champion of SDG17: Partnership for the Goals, she actively promotes the Global Schools Program at various conferences, where she has been invited to speak. She enjoys networking and seeks to establish new community partnerships. Her recent projects include collaborations with the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC) to promote sustainability initiatives at Nexus International School Malaysia.
Through her dynamic approach, Madeleine continues to inspire learners and others to take meaningful action towards the SDGs.
Gözde Gesoğlu has been a dedicated Global Schools Advocate, bringing attention to the SDGs throughout her school. Through workshops and initiatives, she has successfully raised awareness of the goals among students and staff. Notable projects include a Carbon Footprint Assessment, where students evaluated their daily habits, and a Healthy Snacks Sale to promote better eating choices.
Beyond her own initiatives, Gözde has inspired her colleagues to integrate sustainability and social responsibility into their teaching practices. With her guidance, events such as Kindness Day and Children’s Rights Day have been organized to foster empathy and awareness among students. Additionally, she has supported her colleagues in planning cultural trips, outdoor lessons, and career talks through the “I’m Learning from an Expert” program.
Through her collaborative efforts, Gözde has empowered students and teachers to embrace global citizenship and drive positive change, making sustainability a cornerstone of education in her school.
As a Global Schools Advocate at Sekolah Bina Persada, Ms. Hannah Gazzingan actively promotes the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through interactive activities and initiatives.
She guides students in creating SDG-focused projects, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Through collaborative discussions, project proposal workshops, and oral presentations, she emphasizes student-led solutions to global challenges. By integrating SDG concepts into lessons and sharing advocacy opportunities with the broader community, she strengthens her school’s commitment to sustainability and inspires students to become proactive change-makers.
Adamson-Abiodun Temitayo is a dedicated educator and environmental sustainability advocate, passionate about educating learners on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate change, and education for sustainable development (ESD).
She believes that educators should have the resources necessary to equip learners and climate ambassadors with knowledge about environmental sustainability. Temitayo has participated in various sustainable development programs, training sessions, seminars, and community engagements, both within and outside her school.
Through these experiences, she has gained valuable insights into climate change education, the circular economy, climate injustice, and more. She has actively engaged her school community in activities that highlight ESD’s contributions to sustainable development.
Temitayo is currently working on transforming a classroom into a modern and functional library. This project aligns with UN SDG 4 and global best practices, promoting a culture of reading and providing enhanced educational opportunities for her students.
To further integrate SDGs into her school, she designed a captivating display featuring the 17 SDG logos and a visual artwork promoting inclusive efforts to preserve the planet. Her artwork was recognized on a UN-sanctioned day by Compass Education.
Temitayo also developed a 12-point Climate Action Pledge, encouraging students to adopt eco-conscious behaviors. This initiative has fostered collective efforts within her school to achieve the SDGs.
She launched Earthvocacy Week, aligning with SDGs 2, 4, 13, and 17, showcasing ESD through interactive activities for students and colleagues. Additionally, she inaugurated an SDG Club and organized tree-planting exercises to promote sustainability.
Temitayo is an advocate for waste reduction and creative recycling. She has engaged in projects that give PET bottles a second life, highlighting the importance of resourcefulness in achieving sustainability.
Committed to making the earth "smile again," Temitayo firmly believes that collective responsibility is key to creating a sustainable future for generations to come.
Maria Tsapara is an early childhood educator at the 2nd Kindergarten of Perama, Greece, and a passionate advocate for integrating sustainability into early education. Her work focuses on fostering critical thinking and environmental awareness among young learners through innovative teaching methods.
As a PhD student, Maria’s thesis explores the use of board games as a tool for STE(A)M education in the context of sustainable development. She demonstrates how these games can inspire young learners to engage with environmental issues and address global challenges.
By embedding SDG concepts into her classroom activities, Maria provides students with a foundation in global citizenship and environmental stewardship. Her methods extend beyond board games, incorporating coding, art, and storytelling to make sustainability concepts accessible and engaging.
Maria also leads European eTwinning projects, collaborating with educators across Europe to design interdisciplinary activities that blend SDGs with technology, creativity, and teamwork. Inspired by Helen Keller’s words, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” Maria exemplifies how collaboration and innovation can transform early education into a force for building a sustainable future.
Abdoulaye Abou Coulibaly, an English teacher and Global Schools Advocate in Mali, has spearheaded numerous advocacy initiatives, including teacher training on SDGs and ESD and the creation of the “Eco-Club,” a student-led group advocating for sustainability.
The Eco-Club promotes SDG 4 by integrating ICTs into learning and addressing the school’s technological resource challenges. In response to Mali's severe climate impacts, such as extreme heat and flooding, the club engages in SDG 13 activities, including tree planting, garden cultivation, and waste collection, contributing to environmental conservation and creating a cleaner school environment.
Abdoulaye’s lesson plans emphasize the vital role of education in achieving sustainable development, highlighting connections between ICTs and SDGs 4 and 9. Through language teaching, he fosters responsible behaviors, activates students’ awareness of sustainability, and integrates these principles into their daily lives.
In alignment with the Global Schools Program’s mission, Abdoulaye conducts workshops on ESD, SDGs, global citizenship education, and 21st-century skills. These sessions showcase practical strategies for embedding SDGs into classroom lessons and inspire the school community to adopt sustainable practices.
Abdoulaye exemplifies how education can drive sustainable development, preparing students to take meaningful actions for a better future.
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