The best way to leverage the power of technology is by implementing it for the social good. But how do we figure out what society really needs? We all face problems in our daily life, but it’s time to think of the bigger picture - “How can we make better use of technology to solve the world’s major problems?”
The UN agreed upon 17 global goals termed as the Sustainable Development Goals which if tackled together hold the power to shape a better future for all. Out of these 17 globally recognized challenges, I connect the most with SDG 4 - Quality Education.
What exactly is SDG 4 ?
SDG 4 focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education opportunities for all. In words of UN authorities The UN explains: "Obtaining a quality education underpins a range of fundamental development drivers. Major progress has been made towards increasing access to education at all levels, particularly for women and girls.
Basic literacy skills across the world have improved tremendously, yet bolder efforts are needed to achieve universal education goals for all. For example, the world has achieved equality in primary education between girls and boys, but few countries have achieved that target at all levels of education."
What actions can we take to achieve SDG 4?
The UN provides ten targets to take action to achieve the quality education goal. Target 4 focuses on increasing the number of people with relevant skills for financial success. We all (yes all!) hold the potential to take action in the direction of this target. How? By sharing our skills forward! Living in a rural area in India, and having lacked educational guidance/resources I do realize the important role Quality Education can play in shaping one's life. I was fortunate enough to receive the guidance at the right time to pursue a career with wonderful opportunities along with the potential to help me get financially stable. If not for that, I wouldn’t have been able to ever figure out the fruitful opportunities present in the world.
Technology has globally connected the world more than ever! Perhaps, we now interact with people more online than we do in actual life. But how does that matter? It definitely does because that’s exactly where we can take a stronger action! We all are good at something & we all have something positive to share through our experiences. One piece of advice can help someone kick start their career & have a financially stable life. If we all start to help others in our network & beyond with guidance & by sharing resources that helped us get to the point we are at, it’ll definitely get easier to tackle SDG 4! In the end, all it takes is one step in the right direction to create a better future!