Spain – Don Bosco Network Gathers in Madrid to Advance Global Citizenship Education – ANS – Agenzia iNfo Salesiana

Report on the Don Bosco Network Meeting for Global Citizenship Education and Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Strategic Focus on Sustainable Development

A meeting of the Don Bosco Network (DBN) Working Group on Education for Development was convened in Madrid from November 19-21. The session brought together representatives from five member organizations to advance the network’s strategy on Education for Global Citizenship (EGC). The proceedings were centered on aligning DBN initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning education, climate, justice, and partnerships.

2.0 Key Thematic Areas and SDG Alignment

Discussions focused on key programmatic areas and their direct contribution to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Major initiatives reviewed include:

• Climate Justice: Projects and advocacy efforts designed to address climate change and its impacts, directly supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• Access to Education: Initiatives aimed at ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education, a core objective of SDG 4 (Quality Education).
• Human Rights Promotion: Programs focused on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, contributing to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
• Youth Participation: Efforts to ensure responsive, inclusive, and representative decision-making by empowering young people, in line with SDG 16.7.

3.0 Programmatic Activities and Institutional Engagement

The meeting was structured to foster collaboration and strategic planning in support of the SDGs. Key activities included:

1. Knowledge Exchange: A study visit hosted by the Madrid Mission Office (Misiones Salesianas and Jóvenes y Desarrollo) provided an in-depth presentation of its EGC programs, offering a model for SDG implementation at the local level.
2. Advocacy and Partnerships: A dedicated session on advocacy featured contributions from the Youth Ministry Sector and Don Bosco International. Discussions focused on enhancing coordination and leveraging partnerships with European institutions to advance SDG-related policy, reflecting the principles of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
3. Collaborative Project Design: A workshop was held to collaboratively design transnational projects eligible for Erasmus+ funding. This activity aimed to strengthen international cooperation and build capacity across the network to achieve shared development objectives.

4.0 Outcomes and Future Commitments

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to collective action for sustainable development. Key outcomes include:

• A comprehensive review of the “Hands on Development” project, which demonstrated strong results in achieving its objectives related to global justice and education.
• A reaffirmed commitment from all participating organizations to work collaboratively towards building a more just and participatory global society, addressing SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16.
• The development of frameworks for new transnational projects that will further integrate the Sustainable Development Goals into the network’s educational and advocacy work.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article explicitly mentions the “Don Bosco Network Working Group on Education for Development” and its focus on “Education for Global Citizenship (EGC)” and “access to education.” This directly aligns with the goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The meeting discussed key initiatives and projects on “climate justice,” which is a central theme of SDG 13, urging action to combat climate change and its impacts.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article highlights themes of “human rights promotion,” “youth participation,” and the commitment to “building a more just and participatory global society.” These elements are fundamental to promoting peaceful, inclusive societies and building effective, accountable institutions.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The entire article describes a partnership in action. The meeting brought together “representatives from five member organisations,” involved collaboration with the “Youth Ministry Sector” and “Don Bosco International,” and focused on designing “transnational projects.” This embodies the spirit of strengthening global partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 4 (Quality Education):
   • Target 4.7: “By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and global citizenship…” The article’s central theme of “Education for Global Citizenship (EGC)” and “human rights promotion” directly corresponds to this target.
2. Under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):
   • Target 16.7: “Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.” The focus on “youth participation” in the article’s initiatives aligns with this target.
   • Target 16.10: “Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.” The mention of “human rights promotion” connects to this target’s aim of protecting fundamental freedoms.
3. Under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):
   • Target 17.16: “Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships…” The meeting of the “Don Bosco Network Working Group,” bringing together multiple organizations, is a direct example of this target.
   • Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships…” The collaborative session to design “transnational projects eligible for Erasmus+ Program funding” is a practical application of building effective partnerships.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Implied Indicators for Target 4.7:
   • The existence and number of “Education for Global Citizenship (EGC)” programmes and initiatives being implemented by the member organisations. The article mentions the presentation of these programmes by the Madrid Mission Office.
2. Implied Indicators for SDG 13:
   • The number and scope of projects focused on “climate justice” that are developed and shared among the network members.
3. Implied Indicators for Target 16.7:
   • The level and mechanisms of “youth participation” within the projects and advocacy initiatives discussed. The contribution of the Youth Ministry Sector suggests this is a measurable area of focus.
4. Implied Indicators for Target 17.17:
   • The number of “transnational projects” designed and submitted for funding (e.g., Erasmus+).
   • The number of collaborative meetings and joint initiatives undertaken by the Don Bosco Network (DBN) organisations, such as the three-day meeting in Madrid itself.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: infoans.org