Digital inclusion strategies for sustainable development
Daniel Nicolai at the UN World Summit on the Information Society 2024 in Geneva
The World Summit on the Information Society 2024(WSIS+20) in Geneva marked a significant milestone in the implementation of the outcomes of the original summit, which took place in two phases - in Geneva in 2003 and in Tunis in 2005. This year's summit was characterized by a series of multi-stakeholder discussions focusing on the achievements and future challenges since the Geneva Action Plan of 2003. Daniel Nicolai had the opportunity to present the SDGs4future project to a broad public at this summit.
Video recording of the lecture:
Welcome and introduction
Daniel Nicolai began his presentation with a heartfelt thank you to the conference organizers and emphasized the importance of the panel topic "Empowering Tomorrow, Digital Inclusion Strategies for Sustainable Development" and that he would like to provide answers on how education for sustainable development can be promoted through the use of technology. He illustrated this with the SDGs4future project, which he presented in his talk.
Mission and urgency
Nicolai emphasized the urgency of creating a sustainable future quickly. He showed a picture of young children and asked the audience how many children are currently living on the planet. The answer - 2.4 billion children under the age of 18 and a total of 3 billion young people including young adults - highlighted the enormous challenge and importance of early education for a sustainable future.
Importance of technology
Over the past 20 years, Nicolai has gained experience in entrepreneurship, management, corporate responsibility, sustainability, marketing and technology. He emphasized that the solution to educational challenges lies in the use of technology. The 3 billion young people currently living on the planet need to be reached early and trained to think and act sustainably.
The role of education
Nicolai emphasized that there will always be more than 1 billion young people on the planet during his lifetime. These young people, like the schoolgirl in one picture shown, could be employees, scientists or activists in 20 years' time. The need to educate these young people about a sustainable future and mindset is crucial.
Digital learning platform
The SDGs4future project aims to overcome this challenge. Nicolai explained that in 20 years it will be difficult to change the behavior of today's teenagers when they grow up. Therefore, it is important to reach them now. SDGs4future is a digital e-learning platform that supports young people worldwide to develop sustainable mindsets using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework.
Accessibility and global reach
The platform is accessible via smartphones, laptops or tablets and has a responsive design that anyone can use via the Internet. It is free and locally adapted. Nicolai emphasized that partnerships with universities, schools, companies and organizations around the world are being entered into to make this project a reality.
Implementation and partnerships
One focus of implementation is in China and other parts of Asia where children are well equipped with digital devices. The platform should be entertaining and proactive, with projects and local connectivity. Nicolai emphasized that children need to be directly involved without having to go through teachers.
Content and framework
The project uses the SDGs as a framework and has added an 18th goal for animal welfare. This framework provides guidance for young people. The platform will be available in several languages, with downloadable lessons and video content.
Participation and impact
Nicolai posed the question of how the participants would like to spend their lifetime on earth. There are numerous ways to get involved - as a consumer, volunteer, activist, employee, voter, leader, entrepreneur, investor, scientist, politician or teacher. The program provides a framework for different stages of life, from childhood to young adulthood, to create awareness, inspire and highlight opportunities.
Conclusion
At the end of his presentation, Nicolai emphasized that the project is currently in its infancy and needs support, especially from organizations such as UNESCO, UNDP and UNICEF. Financial support and backing from a large organization will make it easier to raise funds.
Conclusion
Daniel Nicolai's presentation at the WSIS+20 Forum in Geneva was inspiring and groundbreaking. His vision and commitment to a sustainable future through education and technology are exemplary of an innovation-based approach to action.
The SDGs4future project shows how digital solutions can make a significant contribution to sustainable development, which - supported by the right partners - will have an impact around the world. It is crucial that Daniel Nicolai's SDGs4future efforts are widely supported and reach many young people worldwide.
