How gen Z can improve community literacy about the 17 SDGs? A realistic approach to construct a futuristic change-maker paradigm

Abstract

Many fields and different approaches have undergone a crucial merging of implications and have been co-involved in the developing and/or implementation of the 17-SDGs concepts. However, little has been done on the role of the generation Z who is transforming the workplaces and societies by creating and interpreting trends.The objectives of this research are to provide perspectives from the world about the generation Z participatory role and supporting contribution among their communities to reaching SDGs, and to illustrate their active role in a Futuristic Change-Maker Paradigm.A general review was conducted to explore the existing data on governance mechanisms for SDGs implementation regarding the multi-dimensional layers (social, economic, environmental, health, policies, communication, and technology) of the sustainable development structure that need to be considered in a systemic-sensitive approach.Various channels of youth participation can be associated with different levels of social and communities’ commitment. In this sense, this article; 1) confirms that generation Z could play an active role in utilizing state-of-the-art opportunities to address the established current UN-SDGs agenda, and 2) suggests how communication and science journalism can be conceptualized as a development intervention to go beyond the 2030 SDGs agenda. This study recommends several innovative areas for the integration of generation Z insights and activities as a basis for exploring the potential of this generation to improve communities’ literacy and behaviors about the 17-SDGs.This study ends with a practical and theoretical consideration to build a Futuristic Change-Maker Paradigm that can be extrapolated to other countries in their advance towards sustainability and SMART environmental management.

Generation Z as a critical question mark for sustainable tourism – An exploratory study in Portugal

“…They seem to be conscious of all sustainable goals ranging from climate change to mental and physical health to all types of equality. This finding is in line with those of other studies (Yamane and Kaneko, 2021;Hamadeh, 2022). On the other hand, we did not find direct involvement of respondents with environmental protection.…”

“…The findings do not corroborate the established idea that members of generation Z will be the next saviours of the environment highlighting the difference between theoretical ideas and practical behavioural realizations. Unfortunately, based on our findings, we think it will be difficult to promote Portuguese community literacy about SDGs with the help of members of Generation Z as has been advocated (Hamadeh, 2022).…”

The role of lifestyles in the commitment to the Unites Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3. An exploratory study

“…, 2016), passing from generation to generation as socially accepted. Furthermore, according to some studies (Dabija, 2018; Hamadeh, 2022; WEF, 2022), we expected that members of Gen Z, more concerned with sustainability issues, would be more aware of each individual's role in health and more moralising about others unhealthy behaviours. However, we did not find evidence of that among younger participants.…”

Impact of Community Engagement on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The Global Goals to Local Implementation

“…Besides, there is a growing body of evidence which suggests that the younger generation is a driving force towards achieving the SDGs. According to Yamane and Kaneko (2021) and Hamadeh (2022), generation Z or young generation play a key role in improving community literacy about the SDGs for social change, economic growth and technological innovation. The generation is a diverse group of people with different interests and concerns that contribute to the development of the community.…”