Are the Education Sustainable Development Goals still Fit for Purpose?


November 20, 2018

Time: 4:30 - 6:00 pm



Location: Waseda University, Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies (Building 19)

Room: 717


In September 2015, 193 countries adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the United Nations. The 17 global goals, which are supposed to be achieved by 2030, cover a range of issues from Poverty and Hunger to Global Warming and Sanitation. In terms of Education, SDG 4 aims to "ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all." It has 10 targets and 42 indicators (IIEP 2018).



The SDGs received mixed reactions both before and during implementation. Many governments, NGOs and businesses have rallied support around the SDGs. However, criticism has been levied against the Goals for being less focused than the Education for All framework, having too many targets to be useful (169 in total), and for providing an agenda for aid to low income countries rather than for sustainable development.



It has been more than three years since the SDGs were promulgated, so it is time to take stock. How fit for purpose are the SDGs proving to be? Are the goals and indicators being translated into a range of sustainable outcomes? Are the goals more about Sustainable Educational Development than about Education for Sustainable Development?



This panel discussion will critically engage with the strengths and weaknesses of the SDGs, and their likely impact on education and development over the next decade.



The panel brings together a renowned group of scholars working on the SDGs.



Panel members include:

· Keith Lewin, Emeritus Professor of International Development and Education, University of Sussex

· Angela Little, Professor Emerita, UCL, Institute of Education, University of London



Chair: Will Brehm, Assistant Professor, Waseda University



Program

25-minute presentations followed by 40 minutes of Q&A