By implementing the project we wanted to achieve 1) an inclusive digital learning program: we aimed to develop the GCE approach into a more inclusive model through a digital learning program that considers the diverse realities and needs of young people in Europe, 2) experience-led learning for teachers: we intended to enable teachers to utilize experience-led learning methods in GCE that emphasize social and emotional learning for a more holistic educational experience, 3) citizenship competencies: our goal was to foster citizenship competencies to stimulate youth participation for a sustainable future, including critical thinking, social engagement and active participation, 4) a cross-curricular implementation: we aimed to contribute to a cross-curricular implementation of the GCE approach within European school systems to create more cohesive and interdisciplinary learning environments, 5) skills for educators and scientists: we wanted to provide skills for educators and scientists who are addressing the grand challenges of a sustainable global future to use the interdisciplinary GCE approach in teacher training and science outreach activities.
For the Green Deal and the UN Agenda 2030 to succeed, involvement and engagement of the public is of utmost importance. Schools contribute significantly to engage pupils, parents and the wider community in a successful sustainable transition. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are increasingly being integrated into European school curricula, yet often this integration lacks pedagogical embeddings and is experienced as a top-down approach. To address pupils in ways they find meaningful and in ways that strengthen their citizenship competencies and their understanding of the complex and interconnected challenges in Europe and the world and how those are linked to their daily life and decision-making, there is a need for social inclusive, learner-centered and interdisciplinary digital learning resources. This need is equally expressed by pupils, teachers, future educators, stakeholders and experts in Global Citizenship Education (GCE). With the aim to provide these target groups with high-quality digital learning resources, the project consortium designed and implemented an open-access simulation-based learning program for cross-curricular education on sustainable development and citizenship engagement.