Dr. Namrata Sharma on Education for Sustainability and Global Citizenship

In this Business Talk podcast episode, Dr. Namrata Sharma, faculty member at the State University of New York and expert contributor to the UN Harmony with Nature Knowledge Network, discussed her latest book "Education for Sustainability and Global Citizenship: Intercultural, Ethical, and Justice-Based Approaches."

Key Concepts Discussed

• Dr. Sharma defined sustainability as "how people live with each other within planetary boundaries" and maintaining safe limits of Earth's system functions.

• She explained global citizenship as the understanding that we are all connected as human beings, with our actions affecting people and the planet beyond national borders.

• She emphasized that sustainability education and global citizenship education are often discussed in isolation but should be integrated as "two sides of the same coin."

Value-Creating Global Citizenship Education

Dr. Sharma introduced her pedagogical approach of "value-creating global citizenship education," which focuses on:

• Equipping students with knowledge and skills to address 21st-century challenges like climate injustice and AI's impact on job markets

• Enhancing existing teaching across various subjects rather than requiring new curriculum content

• Focusing on the well-being of students and the planet

• Encouraging learners to contribute positively to society and the environment

Indigenous Knowledge and Diverse Worldviews

Dr. Sharma highlighted several examples of how indigenous knowledge and diverse worldviews can inform education:

• The concept of "Vasudev Kutambakam" (the whole world is one family) from Sanskrit texts

• Alternative schools in India like Mirambika School that provide holistic education

• The Soka Amazon Institute in Brazil, which promotes environmental education through initiatives like the "Seeds of Life" project where a tree is planted for every newborn child

• The Earth Charter, which brings together wisdom from various cultures and traditions

Challenges and Opportunities

Dr. Sharma identified several challenges in bringing sustainability and global citizenship into mainstream education:

• Education systems already overloaded with content

• Teachers under pressure with tests and examinations

• Political resistance in some countries where topics like climate change are seen as controversial

However, she also noted sources of hope:

• Young climate activists like those in the Fridays for Future movement

• Networks and resources available to support educators

• Growing recognition of the importance of these topics in universities and education ministries

Call to Action

Dr. Sharma concluded with a call to action, emphasizing that everyone can contribute to a more sustainable world through daily choices and acts of global citizenship, including what we buy, how we travel, and how we treat diversity in our neighborhoods.