SDGs Book Club – Greek Chapter
Wise Greece, one of seven initiatives globally recognized and awarded by the United Nations and the World Bank for their contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is bringing the SDGs Book Club to Greece.
In collaboration with organizations, publishing houses, educators, and other entities from across Greece, we harness the power of books to help children learn about the most significant challenges of our time, discuss, reflect, and discover how they can personally contribute to a better world.
The recommended book lists serve as a starting point for experiential workshops and creative activities for children, the citizens of tomorrow!
What are the Sustainable Development Goals?
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted in 2015 by all United Nations Member States and serve as a shared global action plan for a fairer, more peaceful, and sustainable world by 2030.
The Goals address critical issues that impact all our lives: the eradication of poverty and hunger, health and quality education, gender equality, the reduction of inequalities, environmental and climate protection, peace, justice, and partnerships.
Although these challenges are global, change begins with awareness, education, and the choices we make every single day, regardless of our age.
What is the SDGs Book Club?
The SDGs Book Club is an international United Nations initiative created in collaboration with book organizations and the publishing community. Its objective is to use books and storytelling as tools to introduce children aged 6–12 to the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals in a simple, creative, and age-appropriate manner.
Through stories, characters, and diverse perspectives, children can approach complex issues, express their thoughts, cultivate empathy and critical thinking, and realize that they too have the power to contribute to positive change.
The SDGs Book Club is not simply a list of recommended books. It is a gathering space centered around reading, learning, dialogue, and action.
The SDGs Book Club in Greece
The official SDGs Book Club – Greek Chapter was established in Greece through an initiative by Wise Greece and in cooperation with institutions, experts, educators, and book professionals.
Every year, a committee of experts evaluates and selects children’s books in Greek and English that address themes connected to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Illustrative topics include planet protection, climate change, peace and justice, gender equality, racism, diversity, inclusion, the reduction of inequalities, quality education, responsible consumption, and social contribution.
The annual recommended reading lists will be available online for children, parents, educators, schools, libraries, organizations, and local communities throughout Greece to utilize.
This initiative is a natural continuation of the SDGs Library, hosted at the Wise House, which features more than 1.000 Greek and English books for children and adults, organized according to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which visitors can discover and borrow.
From reading to participation
Books represent the starting point, not the final destination.
Based on the selected books, educational materials will gradually be created featuring activities, discussion questions, creative exercises, and ideas that educators, schools, libraries, and organizations can download and use.
At the same time, the SDGs Book Club will provide the impetus for:
- Reading circles and discussions
- Educational workshops and experiential activities
- Book presentations and meetings with authors
- School and community programs
- Creative expression and collaboration initiatives
- Initiatives connecting reading with small, meaningful acts of social and environmental change
Our goal is for every book to transform into an opportunity for knowledge, dialogue, creation, and, above all, action.
How can I participate?
The SDGs Book Club is an open invitation for collaboration.
Whether you are an educator, school, library, publishing house, author, illustrator, cultural or social organization, municipality, parent, or citizen group, you can become part of this initiative.
You can contact us to create your own reading circle, organize a workshop or educational activity, utilize the available educational resources, recommend books, or share ideas for activities and content development.
Let’s read. Let’s discuss. Let’s take action.
A book can spark a question. A question can start a conversation. And a conversation can become the starting point of real change.
Become a supporter of the SDGs Book Club – Greek Chapter and help us bring children closer to the Sustainable Development Goals.
One story at a time.
