On February 7, 2025, Utah Valley University students enrolled in the POLS3410 Globalization and Sustainable Development class took part in a game centered on educating students on the United Nations and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It was hosted by the Utah branch of the United Nations Association Vice-President, Victoria Baird. The 2030 SDGs Game helped students to understand what must be done to achieve economic, social and environmental dimensions of the SDGs. We study this through theories taught in our class but this game helped us to better understand in a practical way by having fun.
This card-based game helped our students to have also context while going into the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women in March 10-13, 2025. Many of the students are members of the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), a coalition of student clubs at UVU. Since 2011, UIMF has advocated for the sustainable mountain development in the State of Utah and at the United Nations.
Victoria Baird introduces game rules at the beginning of the event
The game taught us several lessons, needed for anyone aspiring to be a diplomat or involved with the implementation of SDGs. Each student worked towards completing the most goal-oriented projects possible. It was fast apparent that those focused on economic projects had a much easier time working towards their goals. What complicated things even more is that many of the economic projects completed were achieved at the expense of the social and environmental projects. This taught us the fine balance required to promote growth but not lose sight of our own health and the health of the world around us.
Victoria Baird provides cards to students before the game
I was excited to see the enthusiasm of the students when it came to exchanging materials for our projects. The students, once assigned their goals, were dedicated and interested in their projects, many of which were real-life examples such as constructing a railway, implementing an educational project for women and limiting fishermen’s catches to preserve the ocean ecosystem. I hope to see my classmates, down the line, working just as fervently on real projects promoting health and prosperity.
Group photo of all participants after the game
Thank you very much to Victoria Baird and we hope she can visit our school again to practice this exercise and to also educate us on diplomatic work. I thank also Dr. Baktybek Abdrisaev for proposing us to get acquainted with this game through his class and Dr. DeSart, Chair of the UVU History and Political Science and Tanicca Armstrong, HPOLS Admin for providing us with this wonderful tool for SDGs study. I encourage all students to take part in the many activities our school offers to build your professional skills and connect with our students.
Alexander Woltjen, Utah Valley University student
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STUDENT REFLECTIVE ESSAYS
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25-02-16-Ana Caballero Ferreyro Empowering Change Through the SDGs Game
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25-02-16-Savannah-UN Game Service-Learning Reflection
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25-02-24-McKay Jones UIMF Students Simulate the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
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