RCE Greater Atlanta - 2024

Atlanta Declaration on SDG Education & Research
CSV
Basic Information
Title of project : 
Atlanta Declaration on SDG Education & Research
Submitting RCE: 
RCE Greater Atlanta
Contributing organization(s) : 
Georgia Institute of Technology

Kennesaw State University
Focal point(s) and affiliation(s)
Name: 
Bruce Stiftel
Organizational Affiliation: 
Georgia Institute of Technology
E-mail: 
bruce.stiftel@design.gatech.edu
Format of project: 
Manuscript
Language of project: 
English
Date of submission:
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Web link: 
https://www.change.org/p/atlanta-declaration-on-sdg-education-and-research
Does this project link to any education and/or sustainable development policy or policies?: 
No
Geographical & Education Information
Region: 
Americas
Country: 
United States
Location(s): 
Greater Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Address of focal point institution for project: 
North Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30332
Ecosystem(s):
Urban/Peri-urban
Target Audience:
Community, Higher
Socioeconomic and environmental characteristics of the area : 
Atlanta is currently a city riddled with wealth and income inequality, particularly affecting communities of color, where 80% of African-American children reside in high-poverty areas compared to only 6% of their white peers. Historical divisions in housing, schools, and zoning perpetuate these disparities. The city's rapid development can also affect the environment, causing potential issues with reduced greenery, increased pollution, flooding, and soil erosion. Despite being an economic hub, Atlanta is marked by racial segregation, concentrated poverty, gentrification, and displacement, and has one of the lowest social mobility rates for its poorest population. It also ranks poorly in terms of income inequality, energy burden, gentrification, traffic, and air quality.
Description of sustainable development challenge(s) in the area the project addresses: 
The project tackles challenges such as the urgent need for systemic sustainability solutions, equitable partnerships between research institutions and communities for environmental justice, and the historical neglect of equitable distribution. These challenges underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and embedding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in education and research to foster equitable, efficient, and environmentally sound development in Atlanta and globally.
Contents
Status: 
Ongoing
Rationale: 
We, the students, staff, faculty, and alumni of Atlanta-region colleges and universities, have crafted the Atlanta Declaration on SDG Education and Research. We call upon colleagues from all Atlanta-area schools to join us in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By signing this petition, we aim to elevate awareness of the SDGs and catalyze collective action towards achieving them.
Objectives: 
Students, staff, faculty, and alumni of Atlanta-region colleges and universities prepared this Atlanta Declaration on SDG Education and Research to seek the support of colleagues from all Atlanta-area schools in order to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
Activities and/or practices employed: 
Students, staff, faculty, and alumni of Atlanta-region colleges and universities prepared this Atlanta Declaration on SDG Education and Research and seek the support of colleagues from all Atlanta-area schools to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
Size of academic audience: 
232
Results: 
We are dedicated to pioneering multidisciplinary solutions and fostering cross-sector partnerships to tackle the intricate challenges of our era, ensuring that our endeavors contribute positively to the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. We call upon our peers, colleagues, and the broader community to unite with us in this pivotal mission. Let us together commit, both as institutions and individuals, to steward our planet, advocate for justice, and champion the Sustainable Development Goals. By integrating sustainability into our daily lives and institutional practices, we can collaboratively forge a future that upholds the dignity of all people and safeguards the Earth for future generations.
Lessons learned: 
Coordination with upper administration is crucial for institutional buy-in
Key messages: 
Atlanta’s diverse set of higher education institutions need a shared platform and set of principles in order to strengthen collective efforts to reorient higher education towards meeting the SDGs.
Relationship to other RCE activities: 
Higher Education Learning Community
Funding: 
N/A
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
(https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs) and other themes of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
SDG 4 - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all 
Direct
Theme
Curriculum Development 
Direct
ESD for 2030-Priority Action Areas
Priority Action Area 4 - Mobilizing youth 
state: 
Direct
Update: 
No
I acknowledge the above: 
Yes