Session Concept:
Globally there have been continuing advances toward the Sustainable Development Goals of universal primary education. Yet for children in poverty and in areas facing crises, disparity remains and there is now an alarming trend toward more children out of school. For science centres, our touch points go well beyond educating the world’s children and youth to strategies that suggest a broader engagement of STEM professionals, policy makers, adult populations and ultimately affordable access to higher education and vocational training. Science centres are demonstrating unique and varied responses to meet local challenges, communicate research and support the scientific literacy necessary for global sustainability. How can science centres link their efforts as safe platforms for controversial dialogue, models for the development of STEM educators, and visionaries for relevant science communication to support this critical global goal? Speakers in this session will offer strategies, case studies and provocative thoughts toward addressing this goal.