Future Problem Solving’s mission is to develop the ability of young people globally to design and achieve positive futures through problem solving using critical and creative thinking. In working towards this mission, students are asked to consider real-world problems, to develop action plans to solve real and imagined problems, and to creatively consider a better future for all. The United Nations, in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, outlines a vision of peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At the core of this vision are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Student Work towards the SDGs
The SDGs are a call to action for all to make the world a better place, directly aligning with our mission. The most clear connections between the SDGs and Future Problem Solving show in the community projects selected by students.
No Poverty
In 2021 Operation H.O.P.E students from Kentucky worked to combat poverty in their local community.
Zero Hunger
In 2023, students of Project Unforgettable Vegetables endeavored to increase the accessibility of healthy food to people in a local food desert in North Carolina.
Good Health And Well-Being
In 2023, students from New Zealand started project Rest Home Revival, supporting the mental health of elderly residents of rest homes through socialization with their community.
Quality Education
In 2022, a student in Florida started The Full Experience project, with the goal of better inclusion for students with disabilities in sports, clubs, and non-academic elective courses.
Gender Equality
In 2022, students from New Jersey started project #PeriodPositive in response to the issues of period poverty affecting their community.
Clean Water and Sanitation
In 2022, students in Texas started Project Eutrophication Evasion to address the issues of water quality in their community.
Affordable and Clean Energy
In 2021, students in China started the project Conserve More, Live Better to inform their local community about energy conservation.
Decent Work and Economic Growth
In 2023, a student in Florida started project Help Wanted, connecting ready-to-work students with local employers.
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
In 2023, students in Illinois started project Speed Busters, directly addressing the issues of poor infrastructure around dangerous roadways near their school.
Reduced Inequalities
In 2022, students in Turkey addressed issues of inequalities in education through project Gender Equality Education in schools.
Sustainable Cities and Communities
In 2023, students in Australia started Project SAFE to address an issue that was making their community unsafe for residents and visitors: surf and ocean safety
Responsible Consumption and Production
In 2020, students in Thailand started project P.T. Manager, in response to the issues of plastic waste in their school.
Climate Action
In 2021, students in Maryland started project Greener Clarksburg, focused on constructing a clean and healthy environment in their community.
Life Below Water
In 2020, students in Texas started Project Oasis, addressing issues related to local waterways.
Life on Land
In 2021, students in Missouri started Boone County Plants and Pollinators project to address decreasing biodiversity in their community.
Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
In 2023, students in Australia started the Democratising Democracy project to increase diversity and Aboriginal representation in elections for local government offices.
Partnerships for the Goals
All students involved in community projects partner with their schools, coaches, and communities to create solutions.
Program connections
Future Problem Solving aligns with the UN’s goal of quality education, working towards a future of inclusive and equitable education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. Students learn the skills needed to make the world a better place in our programs.
Global Issues
Our selection of global issues topics empower students to research real-world issues that align to the SDGs. In the coming year, students are addressing issues like rising sea levels, food security, agriculture, and more.
Community Projects
Students research, analyze, and create action plans to address local issues, often clearly addressing and making progress towards the SDGs.
Creative Writing and Storytelling
Students write and publish creative narratives, inspired by real-world issues, imagining the better world the UN strives to achieve.
