Goal 4: Quality Education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
The international community has reaffirmed the importance of education and good-quality training in improving the living conditions of individuals, communities and entire societies. Goal 4 aims to ensure that all children, adolescents and adults – especially those most marginalised and vulnerable – have access to education and training appropriate to their needs and the context in which they live. This makes education a contributing factor in making the world more secure, sustainable and interdependent.
Source: www.eda.admin.ch/agenda2030 (edited)
Contributions of ETH Zurich (examples)
Within the framework of its core areas of research, education, campus and dialog with society, ETH Zurich contributes to Goal 4, for example, by the following activities:
Students step up on carbon removal
external pageCircular Horizon is a student-led initiative dedicated to advancing carbon removal technology. This dynamic team is working towards a world where all can act meaningfully against climate change. They emphasize the power of education, fostering research, and building communities to amplify their impact. Their efforts revolve around enhancing scalable solutions for carbon extraction, raising awareness, and encouraging sustainable daily practices. With the alarming consequences of climate change being evident, Circular Horizon's innovative research in carbon removal stands as a beacon of hope, aiming for a balanced ecosystem and a sustainable future for all. Read more here.
Driven to build high-tech transport
external pageSwissloop is a student initiative advancing Hyperloop technology. This modern transport concept envisions rapid transit using low-air pressure tubes, potentially reaching speeds of up to 1,200 km/h. Swissloop's recent "Bertrand Piccard" Pod highlights cutting-edge engineering, boasting electromagnetic suspension and impressive energy efficiency. By merging the strengths of rail and air travel, the Hyperloop promises quieter, more autonomous, and sustainable long-distance journeys. Swissloop's continuous efforts recently earned them multiple awards at the European Hyperloop Week 2023, cementing their commitment to a greener transport future. Read more here.
A space to innovate
ETH Zurich's Student Project House offers a dynamic space for students to transform theoretical ideas into real-world solutions. This unique platform caters to all levels of ETH Zurich students, guiding them on an innovation journey from idea conception to tangible projects. It emphasizes experiential learning where students get hands-on with prototyping, testing, and refining their concepts based on real-world feedback. With over 300 active projects, a significant 70% address sustainability in its multifaceted forms. The environment encourages risk-taking, emphasizing the value of learning from setbacks and nurturing a mindset for proactive change. It's more than just a workspace; it's a hub that molds future innovators equipped to tackle the rapidly evolving global challenges. Read more here.
Learning how to code with a smartphone
There is a groundbreaking approach to address the limited access to computers in Africa: teaching coding using smartphones. In a continent where nearly 60% of its vast population is under 25, but youth unemployment remains high, this initiative harnesses the widespread use of smartphones. The 'SuaCode' online programme, launched following a successful pilot, aims to impart coding skills to millions of African students directly on their phones. By capitalizing on the smartphone boom, this method holds the potential to empower a young workforce, ensuring brighter economic futures. Read more here.
Learning for a better future
ETH Zurich plays a pivotal role in shaping the future by educating a robust workforce of over 5,000 graduates annually. These students, trained to be independent and innovative thinkers, are equipped to navigate complex challenges and devise impactful solutions. With a commitment to fostering cross-disciplinary and holistic thinking, ETH Zurich encourages its students to adopt a responsible and ethical mindset. By highlighting courses aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ETH Zurich underscores its commitment to sustainability. Emphasizing self-directed learning, the university integrates cutting-edge methodologies and the latest scientific insights into its educational approach. Read more here.
Problems solved through collective intelligence
At ETH Zurich's Transdisciplinary Lab (TdLab), innovative courses are paving the way for sustainable solutions. The "Environmental Problem Solving" course immerses Bachelor’s degree students in hands-on, project-based learning, addressing real-world environmental challenges. One highlight includes the focus on Zurich's net zero climate goal, guiding students from initial analysis to practical implementation. Believing in the power of collective intelligence, the course emphasizes a holistic view, integrating diverse perspectives and expertise. With an option for further pilot projects, ETH Zurich fosters an ecosystem that nurtures solution-oriented learning, directly addressing today's sustainability challenges. Read more here.
Competence for Development
ETH for Development (ETH4D) aims to educate the future leaders in sustainable development who are able to develop, implement and scale world-changing innovations with a global perspective.
Lifelong Learning
The School for Continuing Education (SCE) offers a wide range of continuing education courses, which include MAS, MBA, DAS, CAS as well as e-learning programmes.
KITE Award
The KITE Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the development of innovative teaching and teaching concepts at ETH Zurich. A team led by Dr. Christian Pohl received the KITE Award 2020 for the course “Tackling Environmental Problems.” The course allows Bachelor’s students at the Department of Environmental Systems Science to begin acquiring skills to deal with complex sustainability issues in their first year of studies.
In Conversation
Treffpunkt Science City is an education programme for everyone: Free events allow to discover the world of research and conversations about pressing issues of our times.
ETH Week
Every year, ETH Week educates up to 200 change agents for sustainability. Open to all students at ETH Zurich, it combines methods from research, design thinking and team building. Since the first ETH Week in 2015, students have been working on solutions to our major social challenges.
Lived Sustainability on Campus
Promoting Talent
ETH Zurich offers various scholarships to contribute towards study and living costs, excellence scholarships as well as Swiss Government Scholarships.
Equal Opportunities
ETH Zurich is unique in the world: As one of the top 10 universities, unconditional admission to Bachelor’s degree programmes is granted to all high-school graduates. Tuition fees are affordable for all since the university is largely funded by taxpayers’ money. At the same time, it offers an excellent learning environment for its students. 94 percent of all graduates find employment within one year of their studies (ETH Zurich Sustainability Report 2017/2018, page 32). The Executive Board of ETH Zurich is dedicated to enabling this success also in the future.