Resources and Tools

Implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) into your teaching practice is made easier with the right tools and guidance. This section connects you to a curated collection of toolkits, guidebooks, and frameworks developed by global experts and organizations.

These external resources provide actionable strategies, practical examples, and evidence-based approaches to help you embed the UNSDGs into your courses, assignments, and learning activities. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, step-by-step guidance, or discipline-specific tools, these external resources are designed to support your efforts in fostering sustainability, innovation, and global citizenship in your teaching. Explore the links to deepen your understanding and take your practice to the next level.

UNSDG Advancement Interactive Workbook

The UNSDG Advancement Interactive Workbook makes it easy for faculty to bring the SDGs into their courses in meaningful and engaging ways! Featuring 17 adaptable templates, these ready-to-use activities link course content to local and global challenges and can be used as standalone exercises, reflective assignments, or editable templates across disciplines. Faculty can easily adapt the materials to suit their course level, discipline, and learning outcomes. 

This Resource will:

  • Connect Learning to Real-World Issues: Help students explore topics such as climate change, poverty, health, and equity through course-based activities.  
  • Encourage Critical Thinking and Global Citizenship: Support deeper reflection and analysis of complex social and environmental challenges.
  • Adapt Activities to Your Course: Use templates as standalone exercises, reflective assignments, or editable activities aligned with your learning outcomes.
  • Integrate Sustainability with Ease: Engage with the UNSDGs in a practical, low-barrier way without redesigning your course. 
Click here to view the workbook

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Practical Resources such as Tool Kit, Guidelines & Case Studies

The Oxfam Global Citizenship Guides

The Oxfam Global Citizenship Guides provide resources and practical advice for educators to incorporate global citizenship into teaching. They emphasize the importance of a global perspective in education and offer strategies for engaging students with various subjects, including controversial issues and the Sustainable Development Goals. These guides aim to foster critical thinking and encourage active participation in global learning within the classroom. 

For more details, you can visit the Oxfam Global Citizenship Guides. 

Oxfam Global Citizenship Guides (https://www.oxfam.org.uk/education/who-we-are/global-citizenship-guides/) 

Educators 4SC resources

Educators 4SC resources focus on teaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The site offers various teaching resources, lesson plans, and articles to help educators integrate SDGs into their curriculum effectively. For more details, you can check the full resource here. 

Educators 4SC (https://educators4sc.org/teaching-about-the-sustainable-development-goals/): Compiled list of lesson plans, articles, and other resources 

The York University toolkit

The York University toolkit helps educators integrate the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into classroom settings. It provides practical teaching materials, lesson plans, and activities designed to engage students in understanding and addressing the SDGs. The content encourages interdisciplinary approaches, making global challenges relatable to students at various educational levels. For more information, visit the SDG Resources for Classrooms. 

The Sulitest global initiative

The Sulitest global initiative aims at promoting sustainability literacy through educational tools and assessments. It offers universities, companies, and individuals’ resources to evaluate and enhance their understanding of sustainability issues. Its tools include the TASK™ certification, which assesses sustainability knowledge, and engagement quizzes designed to raise awareness. Sulitest supports the integration of sustainable development principles into education and professional practices, helping institutions and individuals contribute to global sustainability goals. For more details, visit Sulitest. 

The Sulitest Initiative (https://www.sulitest.org): Provides HEIs with tools and data to measure, improve, and communicate their sustainability knowledge 

Library Guide from University of Victoria

This repository from the University of Victoria provides resources and guidance for incorporating the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into teaching practices. It offers academic materials designed to help educators align their courses with the SDGs and promote sustainability education. For more specific information, you can visit the page directly. 

University of Victoria library guide on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (https://libguides.uvic.ca/sdg/teaching) 

Repository from Selkirk College’s library

This repository from Selkirk College’s library likely offers a collection of materials and tools that support teaching and learning about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These resources may include guides, research databases, teaching frameworks, and academic papers to help educators and students understand and work towards sustainability goals. You can explore the full details by visiting Selkirk College’s SDG Resources. 

Selkirk College library guide on SDGs (https://library.selkirk.ca/SDGs/Resources#s-lg-box-16591744)

General Resources or Websites

The UN Knowledge Center

The UNESCO resource focuses on the importance of education in achieving sustainable development. It emphasizes the role of education in promoting environmental awareness, social justice, and economic sustainability. UNESCO advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education as a fundamental right that empowers individuals and communities to address global challenges. The initiative seeks to integrate sustainability principles into education systems worldwide. 

For more detailed information, you can visit the UNESCO Sustainable Development Education page. 

Education for Sustainable Development (UNESCO) (https://www.oneplanetnetwork.org/views/ajax?q=/knowledge-centre%3Ff%5B0%5D%3Dglobal_sdgs%3A37&f%5B0%5D=global_sdgs%3A37&f%5B1%5D=global_sdgs_12_targets%3A85): News, events, and publications on sustainable development in the context of education. 

The UN Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative

The UN Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative aims to transform business and management education by fostering responsible leadership. It encourages business schools and higher education institutions to integrate sustainability and ethical decision-making into their curricula, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PRME supports this through a global network, resources, and partnerships, helping educators and institutions engage students in responsible management practices. Visit the PRME website for more details. 

Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME; https://www.unprme.org): UN-supported initiative to promote sustainability principles in business education 

The HLPF 2020 Virtual Exhibition

The HLPF 2020 Virtual Exhibition, organized by the International Association of Universities (IAU), the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), showcases initiatives from universities to promote sustainability and support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The exhibition highlights collaborative projects aimed at achieving a more sustainable future, emphasizing a Whole-Institution Approach to sustainability and the importance of higher education in advancing global agendas. For more details, you can visit the IAU website. 

High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development virtual exhibition (https://www.iau-aiu.net/HLPF-2020-Virtual-Exhibition-IAU-ACU-AUF) 

The Higher Education and the SDGs Network

The Higher Education and the SDGs Network, initiated by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), aims to leverage higher education institutions to contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The network fosters collaboration among member universities, promoting international partnerships and sharing best practices. It provides grants, hosts events, and facilitates discussions to enhance the role of higher education in sustainable development initiatives. Members are encouraged to engage in various projects and initiatives that align with the SDGs, ensuring a collective effort towards building a sustainable future  

For more detailed information, you can visit the ACU website here. 

Higher Education and the SDGs Network (https://www.acu.ac.uk/members/networks-and-communities/higher-education-and-the-sdgs-network/): Forum for sharing knowledge and practice in relation to engaging with SDGs 

The Sustainable Development Goals guide provides information and research resources (articles, databases, books, and videos) related to each goal, as well as some suggestions on how individuals can engage with them. Click here for more information.

Home – Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – LibGuides at Kwantlen Polytechnic University

UNSDG Champion Artifacts

The sustainable development goals mapping project final report made recommendations to provide project-based time release opportunities and the creation of SDG teaching resources. In Spring 2024, the Teaching & Learning Commons took on this recommendation and launched a UN SDG Champions program, providing single course time releases to six KPU faculty to pursue individual projects aimed at advancing the UN SDGs. 

The first cohort of six UN SDG Champions completed their projects at the end of Spring 2024, but work towards the SDGs is ongoing and our Champions will continue their work into the future. This blog post will share reflections from each Champion about their experience and the UN SDGs. 

Blog post: Leading by Example: Faculty Initiatives for Sustainable Development.

This section showcases the inspiring work completed by the second cohort of six UNSDG faculty time-release champions at the end of fall 2024.

These champions integrated the UNSDGs into their teaching and scholarship, and their commitment is reflected here in a collection of meaningful artifacts. Explore an ePortfolio that captures their creativity and impact through recorded Pecha Kucha presentations, which bring each project to life, and read a blog post highlighting their efforts.

Read Blog Post : Sustainability in Action: Faculty Champions Advancing the UNSDGs at KPU

The work completed by these champions and the resources they created serve as inspiration for supporting KPU students in building a more sustainable future.

TL Commons UNSDG Initiatives

Read Blog Post : Bringing the UNSDGs to Life at KPU: Why It Matters and How We’re Doing It written by Maryanne Eva, Content Developer Time Release Receipient Fall 2024

KPU UNSDG Initiatives

  • UNSDG month A month to highlight all of the work that KPU faculty, staff, or student are doing to support UNSDG Goals.
  • Office of Sustainability & Sustainability Hub– The Office of Sustainability and Sustainability Hub is dedicated to sharing with you what steps help to achieve significant and continued energy use reduction, details of what Kwantlen has accomplished and ideas to enhance your conservation activities.
  • UNSDG mapping project & report – This report outlines Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) progress towards meaningfully embedding sustainability into its culture, policies, and practices.
  • Student Research and Innovation Grant (SRIG) – Student Research and Innovation Grants (SRIG) are meant for KPU students to gain research and innovation experiences as part of their polytechnic university experience
  • Dedicated library section on the UNSDGs – Activities surrounding the SDGs take place all across the institution, from inside individual classrooms with instructors and students, to work done within departments, to KPU-wide initiatives.
  • Podcasting Greg – Paula, Mark and Greg, three green criminologists at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) engage a range of guests on issues of environmental, ecological and climate justice and education.
  • PD Funding (0.6%) – The 0.6% Faculty development fund is a professional development fund which  faculty members (non-regular type 1, non-regular type 2, and regular) are eligible to apply. Applications are accepted three times per year: February 1, June 1, and October 1. The minimum award is $1,000; provisions exist to support applications for $20,000 or more.
  • KPU Annual Sustainability report – The purpose of this report is to serve as a living document that will be periodically updated to display KPU’s current and planned sustainable practices.
  • KPU SDG Accord report (annual) signatory since 2020 – The SDG Accord recognises that we are at unique stages in our journey towards a sustainable future, with differing strategic priorities dependant on our ambitions, areas of expertise, and organisational culture.
  • KPU Sustainable horticulture – The Institute for Sustainable Horticulture improves ecosystem resilience by providing tools and strategies for agriculture and landscapes through applied research, innovation, knowledge sharing, and partnerships.
  • KPU Sustainability Strategy (in 2050 framework) – The goal of the KPU 2050 Official Campus Plan Sustainability Framework is to have carbon-neutral campuses by 2050. The sustainability framework also aims to make sustainability visible, celebrated, and ubiquitous across KPU.

References & Bibliography

Collazo Expósito, L., & Granados Sánchez, J. (2020). Implementation of SDGs in university teaching: A course for professional development of teachers in education for sustainability for a transformative action. Sustainability, 12(19).

Crowe, K., Másdóttir, T., & Volhardt, M. (2023). Maximise your impact: Sustainable Development Goals-focussed content in communication intervention and teaching. International Journal of Speech Language Pathology, 25(1).

EdCan Network. (2021). Teaching With the UN Sustainable Development Goals. https://www.edcan.ca/magazine/spring-2021/

Gey, N., Pellaud, F., Blandenier, G., Lepareur, C., Massiot, P., Shankland, R., & Gay, P. (2023). Assessment of cross-cutting competences in education for sustainable development: Example of the Swiss research project transformations. Environmental Education Research, 29(5), 766-782.

Hueske, A.-K., Aggestam Pontoppidan, C., & Iosif-Lazar, L.-C. (2022). Sustainable development in higher education in Nordic countries: Exploring e-learning mechanisms and SDG coverage in MOOCs. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 23(1).

Hunter, K., Sunderland, T., & Moreau, T. (2022, May 30). Education for Sustainability: Integrating the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Teaching, Learning and Leadership. Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology, University of British Columbia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9r8Wjw2jos

Jayden, H., Moraes, O. R., Rickards, L., Steele, W., Hotker, M., & Richardson, A. (2022). Online learning and teaching for the SDGs—Exploring emerging university strategies. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 23(3).

Kioupi, V., & Voulvoulis, N. (2019). Education for sustainable development: A systematic framework for connecting the SDGs to educational outcomes. Sustainability, 11(21).

Morin, E. (1999). Seven Complex Lessons in Education for the Future. UNESCO. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0011/001177/117740eo.pdf

Rickards, L., & Steele, W. (2019). Towards A Sustainable Development Goals Transformation Platform at RMIT. RMIT University. https://www.rmit.edu.au/research/our-research/enabling-impact-platforms/urban-futures/sdg-transformation-platform

SDSN Australia/Pacific. (2017). Getting Started With the SDGs in Universities: A Guide for Universities, Higher Education Institutions, and the Academic Sector. Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Edition. Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Australia/Pacific. https://ap-unsdsn.org/wp-content/uploads/University-SDG-Guide_web.pdf

SDSN General Assembly. (2017). The Role of Higher Education to Foster Sustainable Development: Practices, Tools and Solutions. https://sdsn-mediterranean.unisi.it//wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2017/08/Testo-positional-CON-FIG-1.pdf

University of British Columbia. (2022). Education for Sustainable Development from Kindergarten to University: An SDG Toolkit for Educators. https://sustain.ubc.ca/sites/default/files/SDG%20K-U%20Toolkit%20v.8.pdf

Pihkala, P. (2020). Anxiety and the ecological crisis: An analysis of eco-anxiety and climate anxiety. Sustainability, 12(19), 7836.

SDG Academy (n.d.). SDGAcademyX: Work and Employment for a Sustainable Future. Retrieved October 18, 2024, from https://www.edx.org/learn/sustainability/sdg-academy-work-and-employment-for-a-sustainable-future

SDSN Australia/Pacific. (2017). Getting Started With the SDGs in Universities: A Guide for Universities, Higher Education Institutions, and the Academic Sector. Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Edition. Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Australia/Pacific. https://ap-unsdsn.org/wp-content/uploads/University-SDG-Guide_web.pdf

Sustainable Development Goals. (n.d.). Monitoring and Progress. Retrieved September 4, 2024, from https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/monitoring-and-progress-hlpf/

Sustainable Development Report. (n.d.). Sustainable Development Report 2024. Retrieved September 4, 2024, from https://dashboards.sdgindex.org

UNESCO. (2017a). Education for Sustainable Development Goals: Learning Objectives. UNESCO. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0024/002474/247444e.pdf

UNESCO. (2017b). UNESCO cross-cutting and specialized SDG competencies. UNESCO. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0024/002474/247444e.pdf

United Nations. (2015). Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Retrieved September 4, 2024, from https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda

United Nations. (2023). The Sustainable Development Goals Report: Special Edition. https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2023/The-Sustainable-Development-Goals-Report-2023.pdf

United Nations. (n.d.a). The 17 Goals. https://sdgs.un.org/goals#icons

United Nations. (n.d.b). University Global Coalition. https://sdgs.un.org/partnerships/university-global-coalition

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2017). Education for Sustainable Development Goals: Learning Objectives. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000247444

Wu, J., Snell, G., & Samji, H. (2020). Climate anxiety in young people: a call to action. The Lancet Planetary Health, 4(10), e435-e436.