Photo by European Commission
The study of the responses of EU member states and Armenia to the 2015 UN resolution “Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” aimed at addressing poverty, inequality, and climate change, holds particular importance.
Among the 17 goals, the actions taken towards Sustainable Development Goal 4—ensuring quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all—are especially significant for the development of nations.
France
France is known for its education system based on the principle of equality. Following the adoption of Sustainable Development Goal 4, France has placed greater emphasis on improving educational conditions in socially disadvantaged areas.
Special status
The French program Réseaux d’Éducation Prioritaires (REP) is specifically designed for schools where the majority of students come from socially vulnerable families. REP schools are granted special status, allowing them to benefit from additional funding and resources. Under this program, teachers receive higher salaries, and class sizes are reduced to ensure greater individual attention for students.
In the context of education organized for sustainable development, France integrates topics related to environmental protection, human rights, and tolerance into its curricula. The aim of this approach is to shape socially responsible and conscious citizens.
Sweden
This Scandinavian country prioritizes an approach based on equality and multilingualism in its education system. Within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal 4, Sweden has significantly advanced the modersmålsundervisning program, which allows immigrant children to learn their mother tongue. This approach not only enhances students’ language skills but also supports their integration into Swedish society.
Sweden has also incorporated sustainability topics into its curricula, covering climate change, environmental protection, and social justice. This certainly helps students understand global challenges and explore ways to contribute to their solutions.
Germany
Germany, known for its punctuality and strong economy, has its dual education system as the cornerstone of its educational success. This system plays a key role in the effective implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 4. Its objective is not only to provide quality education but also to prepare professionals with skills tailored to the labor market, contributing to improved quality of life.
Through this model, students have the opportunity to combine theoretical education with practical training. Various companies are involved in designing educational programs to ensure students are ready to meet the demands of the labor market.
In Germany, the youth unemployment rate is very low, thanks to the successful connection between education and the labor market. This example shows that an education system can be not only a tool for acquiring knowledge but also a driving force for the country’s economic growth.
Germany has also launched large-scale programs to digitize education. Of particular note is the DigitalPakt Schule initiative. This program allocates funding primarily to rural schools to modernize technological infrastructure.
Finland
Finland, known for its unique approach to education, is one of the leaders in sustainable development. This country, which has been determining educational policy for decades, pays special attention to education for social change and development. Finland’s Kestävän Kehityksen strategy identifies six key directions to promote sustainable development:
Each of these directions assigns a key role to education, ensuring that students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to face future challenges. This approach demonstrates that the goals of education are fully aligned with Finland’s social and environmental priorities.
In classrooms, significant emphasis is placed on developing ecological awareness and the principles of smart resource use. The curricula focus not only on academic achievements but also on fostering sustainable lifestyles.
Following the adoption of Sustainable Development Goal 4, the role of teachers in Finland’s education system has become even more fundamental. Teachers are not only instructors but also developers of educational programs. This enables them to respond more effectively to the needs of their students.
Finland’s education system is an exemplary model. Through its educational approach, the country demonstrates how education can become a cornerstone of social and economic development.
The strong connection between education and sustainable development fosters the creation of a society that is better equipped to face future challenges, while being more adaptable and innovative.
Armenia
Armenia has also committed to ensuring inclusive and quality education. In November 2022, the country adopted the law approving the “State Program for the Development of Education in the Republic of Armenia until 2030.”
This is essentially the main strategic document for Armenia’s education system. Since 2022, significant steps have been taken towards educational reforms (including a teacher training and certification program, as well as initiatives aimed at digitization).
However, the experience of the above-mentioned EU countries shows that only the implementation of a clear, targeted, and well-developed strategy, along with a comprehensive policy, can make education more inclusive, high-quality, and modern.
Educational reforms must be accompanied by sufficient financial investments and clear objectives to prepare Armenia’s citizens for global challenges.
MFE Co-founder,
Teacher at Hagaskolan – Stockholm’s Waldorf School
MA in International and Comparative Education, Stockholm University
