UNAA NSW School Program
Join UNAA (NSW) in inspiring young people to be kind, perseverant and motivated global citizens.
UNAA NSW School Program promotes the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 in schools, which sets out the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the blueprint to achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.
Sustainable Development Goals
The UNAA NSW School Program ‘PEACE PEOPLE PLANET’ is, in particular, committed to
SDG 4: Quality education for all.
It is modelled on the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet) program and specifically works towards achieving Target 4.7 Global Citizenship.
Target 4.7 Global Citizenship
“By 2030 ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.”
United Nations Day
24th October
United Nations Day is commemorated on 24 October as an annual celebration of the UN mission in NSW schools and the work schools are doing as part of their curriculum towards achieving the UN SDGs.
The UNAA NSW School Program themed ’PEACE PEOPLE PLANET’ invites all NSW schools and school going children to join the UN mission by contributing to the sustainable development goals through various learning initiatives as a lead up to and on UN Day.
Schools can register to become UNAA NSW Education partners. Partner schools are invited to special events celebrating key UN Days, teacher webinars and competitions throughout the year.
Program Aims
The Program aims to inspire students to become responsible global citizens.
The UNAA NSW School Program is a free program that supports schools in aligning and showcasing the work they are doing in promoting environmental, social and human rights education for students.
The key objectives of the Program are to:
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Inform teachers and their students of the important work of the UN and how we can do our part at the grassroots level.
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Inspire schools to consider the key UN themes and to incorporate the UN SDGs into their curriculum.
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Invite schools to participate in challenges to showcase the work they are doing to build sustainability education and global citizenship skills in students.
Benefits For Schools
Become a UNAA NSW Education Partner with invitations to exclusive partner events.
The chance to be showcased on the UNAA (NSW) website, social media channels, and Annual Report.
Receive free teacher resources that are aligned to the NSW curriculum.
Certificate of Participation for the school and participating students.
Support from the UN Day School Program in organising SDG themed learning activities and challenges.
How To Get Involved
Step 1: Complete the UNAA NSW School Registration Form.
Step 2: Upon registration, your school will receive a complimentary Resource Pack with key information and ideas to participate in the program and will be added to the mailing list to receive regular updates.
Step 3: Use the resources in the pack to align your teaching and learning projects with one or more of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Step 4: Submit your project for the SDG Showcase by 30th September 2026.
Selected schools will be invited to present their projects to a global audience on World Children's Day in November.
Contact us at nswschoolsprogram@unaa.org.au for any queries or additional information.
Schools can also choose to participate in the annual UNAA NSW School SDG Challenge to compete for the SDG School Champion awards. This challenge invites students to design a collaborative SDG project with a design thinking problem solving approach.
Winning schools will be conferred the prestigious UNAA NSW School Award at the Awards Ceremony.
See details below.
UNAA NSW School SDG Challenge
The UNAA NSW School SDG Challenge has brought together primary and secondary students from across New South Wales to explore the powerful theme of Peace, People and Planet.
Students are invited to imagine what the worldcould look like by 2030 and to share their ideas through creative, solutions-focused projects inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Over the years, schools have submitted thoughtful and innovative entries demonstrating problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity and collaboration.
A panel of experts reviews each submission, recognising outstanding student work that reflects both a deep understanding of global issues and a genuine commitment to positive change.
Selected schools have been honoured at prestigious UNAA NSW events, where their contributions are celebrated as part of a growing movement of young changemakers helping to shape a more sustainable and peaceful future.
Past Winning Schools:
● Living School Lismore
● St.Euphemia College, Bankstown
● Northside Montessori School
● Belltrees Public School - Primary School Category
● Mercy Catholic College
Partner Organisations
We are grateful for the support provided by NSW Department of Multicultural Education in promoting the UNAA NSW School Program.
We welcome new partnerships from the community.
Please contact nswschoolsprogram@unaa.org.au for more information.
