2024 Highlights:
Revolutionizing Education for Sustainable Development ​​​​
Pre-Summit of the Future: Ages of Globalization Beta Launch
On September 20, 2024, the beta version of Ages of Globalization was unveiled at SDSN’s High-Level Pre-Summit of the Future. Under the theme “Solutions for the Future,” the event brought together over 200 sustainability leaders, activists, and researchers in person, with hundreds more joining online. The course was celebrated as a major breakthrough for Education for Sustainable Development, advancing SDG 4 by promoting quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Launch Event Speakers (Find out more)
Opening Remarks by UNESCO's Assistant Director-General for Education Stefania Giannini
4min Video of Launch Highlights
Worldwide Engagement: A Global Community of Learners
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From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, learners — students ages 14+, educators, and lifelong learners alike — from every corner of the world have joined the Ages of Globalization (AOG) adventure.
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1300+ Learners Enrolled
5000+ Live Session Participants
163 Countries
Highlights & Impact ​​​​​
​Through dynamic video lectures, virtual travel to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and engaging lesson plans, learners have embarked on an immersive journey with the release of the first nine Classes, examining how geography, technology, and institutions have shaped our interconnected world, and to explore solutions to today’s complex sustainability challenges.
​​"A learning experience for life!
Ismael Lima do Nascimento
School Leader from Brazil
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"Participating in this program was not just an educational experience, it was a life-changing moment. I discovered how interconnected our world truly is and how small, meaningful actions in our communities can ripple out to impact the wider world. Through the interactive sessions and collaborative projects, I felt empowered to address pressing issues like pollution and community awareness in ways I never imagined possible. What touched me the most was the sense of belonging and purpose I found. Ages of Globalisation brought together individuals from different walks of life, all united by the same hope: to leave this world better than we found it.
​Viergina Jeanty
Student from Haiti
"The Ages of Globalization course has been a transformative tool in my 9th-grade Global Citizenship class. Through its curriculum, my students have explored world demographics, mapped global interconnectedness, and analyzed the SDGs through powerful frameworks like the 5 P's of sustainability and the traits of a good society. It’s been incredible to witness their understanding of the world deepen as they engage with these concepts and connect them to real-world challenges. ​
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​Carla Susana Cevallos Mathus
Teacher from Mexico
"Ages of Globalization is a superbly designed course and set of support materials. It cleverly weaves the humanities and social sciences to identify the overarching drivers and patterns that have propelled humanity into the anthropomorphic era. I audited the course for evaluating its relevance as a constructive, foundation resource for a program being designed for endorsement by the Western Australian School Curriculum and Standards Authority. Ages of Globalization will be invaluable for that purpose. Above all, it will provide students with a framework for understanding how and why humanity has evolved to this point and evaluating the actions needed to transform its current trajectory.
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​​Rees Barrett
Teachers for Climate Australia
Zoom In: Exploring the Power of Maps
The course offers an exciting component where learners and educators can work with maps and data to explore the intersections of social, economic, and environmental issues.
On November 20, SDGs Today and Columbia University’s Center for Sustainable Development hosted a virtual training for learners and educators, featuring tutorials to enhance Geographic Information Systems (GIS) skills, discussions on the power of maps and data in tackling global challenges, and hands-on activities linking global history to actionable solutions for sustainable development. The workshop highlighted how interactive tools and geographic data can transform learning into an engaging and impactful experience.
Zoom-in: Virtual Scavenger Hunt at the Pyramids of Giza
As part of its mission to foster intercultural learning through cultural heritage, AOG offers learners virtual live travels to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and beyond.
On November 4, AOG partner, Globe From Home, hosted a captivating virtual adventure to Egypt with hundreds of young people, educators, and parents. Participants met Khepri, a young Egyptian from 4000 BCE who had time-traveled to the present day to uncover a secret message hidden in the Pyramids. Working together to decode clues within the ancient structures, students discovered life during a pivotal era in human history when societies shifted from hunting and gathering to agriculture. Building on their discoveries, students shared their messages for future generations, with the most inspiring one to be recognized in 2025.
UN at Your Doorstep Live Sessions
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UN at Your Doorstep is the monthly live component to the AOG, hosted by the Global Schools Program, which provides learners a rare chance to engage directly with global leaders, youth activists, and peers from around the world in real-time discussions. These dialogues offer insights and inspiration on addressing today’s pressing global challenges, helping learners understand how to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future.​
3 Live Sessions ​​​​
6 Guest Speakers & 6 Pedagogical Resources ​
5000+ Participants
Young People are Leading Dialogues on Global Challenges with UN Directors, World Leaders, and Youth Activists:​​
"Young people are often seen as mere recipients of knowledge, but I had the privilege of challenging that assumption by speaking at the UN at Your Doorstep Live Session with ASG Felipe Paullier. Co-creating this space with young people worldwide was an incredible experience. I’m truly grateful to AOG and collaborators for creating this platform and for inviting me to the very first session!
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​Richa Gupta
Founder and CEO of the Labhya Foundation, UN Young Leader for the SDGs
"Moderating the UN at Your Doorstep session was an inspiring and eye-opening experience. Facilitating a dialogue with visionary leaders Erik Solheim and Boyan Slat reaffirmed my belief in the power of collaboration and gave me hope for the future. I am deeply grateful for this unforgettable opportunity.
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​Emma Mitchell
Young Reporter for the Environment Alumni from Scotland
Every Month, Young Reporters Take over AOG’s Social Media for a Week:​
"Participating in the social media takeover for the UN at Your Doorstep session was truly rewarding. The live session effectively demonstrated how young people can actively shape discussions around the SDGs and foster a sense of community among participants. ​
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​Alya Khairina
Media Communications & Programme Coordinator
Green Growth Asia Foundation, Malaysia, and YRE Alumna
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Educators Gain Tailor-made Resources to Enhance Learning and Action on Global Challenges Before and After Each Live Dialogue:
A Global Youth Challenge Invites Young People to Raise Awareness and Share Creative Solutions for Sustainable Development:
"The program provided an amazing platform to showcase my school's environmental initiatives on a global stage. It's inspiring to connect with people passionate about creating a positive environmental impact.​
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​Senaka Samarasundera
Student, Overseas School of Colombo, Sri Lanka,
Young Reporter for the Environment
Building Connections, Inspiring Change: What Participants Are Saying
74%
95%
​are eager to attend future UN at Your Doorstep live events.
valued the opportunity to engage with global leaders, youth activists, and peers in real-time discussions, offering fresh insights and inspiration for addressing today's most pressing global challenges.​​
74%
63%
expanded their global awareness, encouraging critical and systemic thinking about globalization, cultural interconnectedness, and sustainable development.​​
59%
​connected with a global network, fostering collaboration and opening doors to new opportunities for learning and future endeavors.​
51%
​reflected on global issues, contributed to the discussions, and got inspired to take action as local leaders for the SDGs.​
Outreach​
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Thanks to exceptional individuals and organizations, the Ages of Globalization has reached far and wide since September 2024.
AOG Global Educator Committee
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A powerful team of innovative educators from around the globe meets monthly to advise and support the beta roll-out of Ages of Globalization.
Impact in Numbers: AOG Website & Social Media
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The AOG website welcomed 7500+ unique visitors, the newsletter reached 5000+ subscribers, and AOG social media engaged a growing global community of 2000+ individuals.
What’s Next? A Look Ahead to 2025​
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The journey has just started. More learners, new content, and greater impact are just around the corner.
Release of Classes 10 to 28
Monthly live dialogues focusing on critical global challenges
From AOG Beta to Alpha Launch
Together, we are shaping a generation of thinkers, doers, and changemakers.
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We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all AOG partners and collaborators for their invaluable support.
Your dedication and collaboration have been instrumental in empowering young leaders, fostering global dialogue, and inspiring action for a sustainable future.​
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Thank you for an incredible 2024!
Here’s to an exciting new chapter for Ages of Globalization in 2025!