SDG Learncast

UN SDG:Learn

Insightful conversations around the subject of sustainable development and learning, helping us all to achieve a sustainable future.

  1. 1 day ago

    Future Ready Skills: Data Literacy & Storytelling for Sustainable Development

    What skills can help young people shape a more sustainable future? As we celebrate World Youth Skills Day this 15 July, we are looking at the essential, practical tools the next generation needs to make a real difference in sustainability. While progress toward global development relies heavily on tracking numbers and trends, numbers alone rarely inspire deep change or move people to action. To drive real progress, young professionals need to look beyond dry statistics. In this episode, we explore how data skills and storytelling can be woven together to turn complex numbers into compelling human stories, to help us challenge the unhelpful habits and assumptions that keep our world unsustainable. We speak with Dr. Rachel Bennett and Professor Arran Stibbe from the University of Gloucestershire. Rachel is a specialist in quantitative capacity-building and development data skills, and Arran is a pioneer in the field of ecological linguistics. Together, they share how combining data literacy with the power of stories can train a whole new generation of well-rounded sustainability leaders. They show us how blending these two worlds equips today's youth with a powerful skillset to both measure the problems of our world and inspire real solutions. Please subscribe to SDG Learncast. Visit UN SDG:Learn website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.unsdglearn.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The opinions expressed in the SDG Learncast podcasts are solely those of the authors. They do not reflect the opinions or views of UN SDG:Learn, its Joint Secretariat, and partners.

    30 min

  2. 13/11/2025

    Playgrounds, Songs, and Storytelling: Local Learning for Climate Action in Ghana

    How do you turn climate research into community action? In this episode, we head to Ghana to explore a vibrant, localized approach to knowledge brokering that blends traditional storytelling, local games, radio, and immersive technologies like virtual reality. Prince Ansah and Valerie Nutakor — innovators at the intersection of climate literacy, education, and cultural expression — share how they use music, card games, poetry, and interactive activities to turn complex science into powerful community narratives. Their work reaches across generations and geographies: from rural women composing climate-themed songs, to students learning through climate-adapted card games and activities, to policymakers experiencing community resilience through virtual reality. It’s a story about democratizing knowledge, amplifying local voices, and designing learning that meets people where they are. Please subscribe to SDG Learncast. Visit UN SDG:Learn website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.unsdglearn.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/. ⁠⁠⁠⁠ The opinions expressed in the SDG Learncast podcasts are solely those of the authors. They do not reflect the opinions or views of UN SDG:Learn, its Joint Secretariat, and partners.

    38 min

  3. 05/09/2025

    SDGs and Beyond: Rethinking Multilateralism for the Post-2030 Era

    As 2030 approaches, the Sustainable Development Goals stand at a crossroads. While some targets are within reach, others lag dangerously behind.   At the same time, the global order is shifting. What happens to sustainable development in a world where trust in multilateralism is fraying, yet the need for collective action has never been greater?  In this episode, we are so happy to welcome and speak with Professor Jeffrey Sachs, the President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and also University Professor and Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University.   Please subscribe to SDG Learncast. Visit UN SDG:Learn website at ⁠⁠⁠www.unsdglearn.org⁠⁠⁠ to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/. ⁠⁠⁠ The opinions expressed in the SDG Learncast podcasts are solely those of the authors. They do not reflect the opinions or views of UN SDG:Learn, its Joint Secretariat, and partners.

    24 min

  4. 27/08/2025

    How to heal a river: What the Emscher teaches us about cities and nature

    In this episode, we dive into one of Europe’s most inspiring urban renewal stories: the transformation of Germany’s Emscher River. Once an open sewer running through the industrial heartland of the Ruhr, it’s now a thriving, green artery for wildlife and communities.   Over 30 years and €5.5 billion, the Emschergenossenschaft and Lippeverband replaced 430 km of open wastewater channels with modern underground systems, restored 170 km of river, and created public spaces like the stunning Phoenix Lake.  We’ll talk with Prof. Dr. Uli Paetzel, CEO of Emschergenossenschaft, about how a river went from symbol of industrial pollution to a model of ecological restoration and community pride. This is a story of engineering brilliance, political will, and deep community engagement, a blueprint for how cities can heal their waterways and themselves.  Please subscribe to SDG Learncast. Visit UN SDG:Learn website at ⁠⁠www.unsdglearn.org⁠⁠ to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at ⁠⁠https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/. ⁠⁠ The opinions expressed in the SDG Learncast podcasts are solely those of the authors. They do not reflect the opinions or views of UN SDG:Learn, its Joint Secretariat, and partners.

    14 min

  5. 01/08/2025

    What happens when AI becomes your startup mentor? Transforming online courses for entrepreneurs in the Global South

    In this episode, we dive into how artificial intelligence or AI is transforming entrepreneurship education. Our guests for this SDG Learncast are Dorina Dobra-Basca and Guillaume Lamothe from the International Trade Centre’s SME Trade Academy. They will take us inside their AI-powered pilot course which is on “Raising Funds for Your Business,” which engaged over 400 learners across 100 countries.  They were inspired by Benjamin Bloom’s “2-Sigma Problem,” which underscores the effectiveness of one-on-one tutoring to increase learners’ performance. With this in mind, they pilot-tested three AI personas— AI Tutor, AI Moderator, and AI Grader—to provide personalized support, boost motivation, and deepen learning.   We would like to hear their experience but also learn from them what it takes to make AI feel like a mentor, not a machine? How do we balance rigor with inclusivity, especially for learners in the Global South? And what’s next for AI in education beyond the buzz?  If you're an educator, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of learning, stay with us for a timely look at how AI can drive inclusive and impactful education.   Please subscribe to SDG Learncast. Visit UN SDG:Learn website at ⁠⁠www.unsdglearn.org⁠⁠ to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at ⁠⁠https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/. ⁠⁠ The opinions expressed in the SDG Learncast podcasts are solely those of the authors. They do not reflect the opinions or views of UN SDG:Learn, its Joint Secretariat, and partners.

    35 min

  6. 11/07/2025

    Europe at a Crossroads: Can the EU Lead the World to SDG Success?

    In this episode of SDG Learncast, we are speaking with Mr. Guillaume Lafortune, Vice-President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and lead author of the Europe Sustainable Development Report 2025 (ESDR). We will unpack the key findings of the latest ESDR, examining the slowdown in SDG progress across Europe and the challenges that lie ahead. Set against a backdrop of rising populism, geopolitical tensions, and climate risks, this conversation dives into urgent priorities for the new EU leadership (2024–2029). Topics include persistent inequalities, international spillovers from EU consumption, the transformation of food systems, and the role of European leadership in shaping global sustainability efforts. We also spotlight the outcomes of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), hosted in Spain, and discuss how Europe can lead reforms in global financial architecture to support SDG acceleration. This episode explores how innovative financing, policy coherence, and new forms of SDG diplomacy can help Europe not only get back on track but also catalyze sustainable development globally.  Please subscribe to SDG Learncast. Visit UN SDG:Learn website at ⁠www.unsdglearn.org⁠ to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at ⁠https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/. ⁠ The opinions expressed in the SDG Learncast podcasts are solely those of the authors. They do not reflect the opinions or views of UN SDG:Learn, its Joint Secretariat, and partners.

    33 min

  7. 25/10/2024

    Beyond Natural: The Hidden Costs of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Expansion

    In this episode of SDG Learncast, we will explore the often-overlooked environmental and social impacts of liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure expansion. Our guest from Earth Insight will unpack how the global push for LNG, often viewed as a cleaner fossil fuel, threatens coastal and marine ecosystems—from the Gulf of California to the Verde Island Passage and beyond. We will discuss the urgent need for a shift to renewable energy and strategies for safeguarding our planet’s most vulnerable regions from the devastating effects of LNG projects. Based on the insightful report "Anything But Natural: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Infrastructure Expansion Threats to Coastal and Marine Ecosystems," this episode will highlight significant threats LNG projects pose to coastal and marine environments and the communities that depend on them. Our speaker will also present the global investment surge in LNG infrastructure, which jeopardizes the transition to renewable energy and threatens biodiversity-rich regions. Finally, we will share some examples and case studies from the Gulf Coast of the United States, the Gulf of California in Mexico, the Verde Island Passage in the Philippines, and the Atlantic Coast of Brazil, highlighting the diverse and far-reaching impacts of LNG projects. Want to learn more about sustainable development and learning? Subscribe to SDG Learncast on podcast apps. Visit the UN SDG:Learn website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.unsdglearn.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/.

    16 min

  8. 14/06/2024

    Beyond Action: The Role of Inner Development Goals for a Sustainable Future

    In this podcast episode, we will look into the transformative power of the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) and how they support achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The IDGs offer a framework for cultivating the human capabilities, qualities, and skills essential for building a sustainable, equitable, and thriving future for all. In this episode, we will explore how the IDGs complement the SDGs by focusing on the inner dimensions of change, such as self-awareness, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and resilience. These inner qualities are critical for addressing the complex challenges of our time and for driving meaningful, systemic change towards sustainability. Our discussion with Åsa Jarskog, the Director Global Collaboration of the Inner Development Goals will cover the origins, development, and applications of the IDG framework, showcasing how it equips individuals, communities, and organizations with the inner skills needed to effectively contribute to the global sustainable development agenda. Let us unlock the synergy between inner transformation and outer action, illuminating a holistic path to achieving a sustainable future for all. Want to learn more about sustainable development and learning? Subscribe to SDG Learncast on podcast apps. Visit the UN SDG:Learn website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.unsdglearn.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/.

    19 min
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About

Insightful conversations around the subject of sustainable development and learning, helping us all to achieve a sustainable future.

Information

  • Creator
    UN SDG:Learn
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © UN SDG:Learn
  • Show Website
    SDG Learncast