The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were born in 2015 following an international consultation with all United Nations members states who agreed upon 17 Global Goals to achieve by 2030. The SDGs seek to address various interconnected social, environmental, and economic challenges from food insecurity to marine life and quality education for all. Although the SDGs lack transformative alternatives to today’s extractive economic systems, the breadth of topics that the SDGs cover can serve as an effective conversation-starter with people in different disciplines, occupations, and interests, no matter their familiarity with sustainability.  

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

Action to progress towards a healthier and happier future is long overdue. Relying on conversations won’t get us out of the multiple social and environmental crises we witness around the world. That’s where initiatives like the SDG Teach In campaign and Fairtrade Universities and Colleges Award can play an important role.  

What’s sustainability got to do with Fairtrade?

Every time we eat, wear or use Fairtrade products, we share a link to farmers and workers around the world. Fairtrade ensures that these individuals are paid fairly, work in safe conditions, and can invest in secure and sustainable practices.  

Fairtrade is much more than just a certification – it is a powerful tool for tackling global inequalities; a crucial step towards a more ethical and sustainable world. By ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions and climate and biodiversity-friendly farming practices, Fairtrade supports several of the SDGs. It notably contributes to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Read examples of how all the SDGs relate to Fairtrade.

How does Fairtrade relate to the SDGs?‍

How and why embed sustainability in education?

Research from SOS-UK consistently demonstrates that around 80% of students want their institutions to do more on sustainability and learn more about sustainability. The latest survey in 2023-24 showing that over 80% of students agree their place of study should actively incorporate sustainable development in all courses. Similar findings are also reported by SOS International in their 2020 survey of 7,000 students worldwide.

However, it’s not just what the numbers say. Equipping the current generation with the knowledge and skills to be the change they want to see in the world is vital to ensure the actions of today do not harm the ability for future generations of people and animals to survive and flourish.  

The annual SDG Teach In campaign has consistently upheld this nuance to transformative Education for Sustainability. Since 2018, the campaign has reached almost 500,000 students at different levels of education in over 50 countries around the world.

The SDG Teach In returns this year from 1 to 31 March 2025. A key theme for this year is the emphasis on embracing values of caring, collaborating, and creativity to kick-start or continue people’s lifelong journey with sustainability and environmental justice.

“Incorporating the SDGs into my teaching prompted several significant changes in both my teaching methods and content. This enriched the learning experience, making it more engaging, relevant, and impactful for the students.” - Educator, 2024

“The Teach In supported me to make connection with what I am studying to climate change, equality and building a better future for everyone.” – Student, 2024

The Fairtrade University and Colleges Award programme

Going further, the Fairtrade Universities and College (FTUC) Award recognises institutions that are committed to ethical and sustainable principles and embed them within education, procurement and wider student engagement. By working towards the award, institutions demonstrate leadership in ethical trade and sustainability, ensuring that staff and students are active participants in creating a fairer global economy.

Alongside better sustainability education, students want their place of study to be taking more action on sustainable development.

“Suppliers in the catering facilities should be using Fairtrade wherever possible as a conscious choice.” - Student, 2022

Universities should be “establishing events that are dedicated to Fairtrade with activities that will encourage” the university community “to be more involved.” - Student, 2024

Institutions that achieve the award not only support farmers and workers but also set an example for sustainable, ethical consumption within higher education. Students are also encouraged to explore the impacts of their choices as consumers, making ethical choices the norm. Whether through offering Fairtrade products on campus, running awareness campaigns, or integrating Fairtrade into research and the curriculum, the programme helps shape a more responsible future for both producers and consumers.  

What can you do?

The SDG Teach In 2025 is an excellent way to either get started with embedding the SDGs or to share how you are already embedding sustainability into your educational practice and what you can do to go further.  

• Educators, trainers, or facilitators: Pledge to take part in the SDG Teach In from now until 31 March 2025.

• Students, educators, and all: Promote the Teach In in your networks using our External Communications Pack. This features email templates aimed at different audiences, graphics, and social media copy – saving you loads of time! ‍

How can you go further? ‍

Universities and Colleges:

• Commit to embedding Fairtrade at your institution and register your interest to take part in the 2025-2027 programme. If you have any questions or want to know more about taking part, get in touch.

• Taking part in the SDG Teach In? This will help you to meet several of the criteria required to achieve the FTUC Award so you’re already on your way!

Students:

• Encourage your institution to take part by emailing your Sustainability team

• Advocate for Fairtrade at your university or college and support any existing Fairtrade initiatives happening on your campus.  

• Incorporate Fairtrade principles into your life wherever possible – are there Fairtrade alternatives to the products you buy that are accessible to you? Could you connect Fairtrade with your studies?

By supporting Fairtrade and incorporating sustainability into education, we can all play a part in creating a fairer and happier world.

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Blog post co-authored by Swetha Guruprasad (Project Manager - Engagement) and Oliver Yu Hurst (Project Manager - Education)