KDP and the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Creating Global Impact Together

KDP's Role as a United Nations NGO

Kappa Delta Pi holds a rare and prestigious designation as an official United Nations Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). What does this mean? NGOs are independent organizations formally recognized by the UN for their expertise and ability to advance UN initiatives worldwide. Out of millions of organizations globally, only a select few thousand achieve this status, making KDP part of an exclusive group with direct access to UN resources and platforms. 

This powerful status means: 

  • Your voice as an educator matters on the global stage. 

  • You’re part of something bigger than campus or classroom walls. 

  • Your KDP membership connects you to worldwide movements for change. 

  • You belong to a community that’s helping shape education’s future. 

This NGO recognition reflects our commitment to building a thriving global community where educators lead positive change—directly embodying our values of Community, Leadership, and Belonging. 

 

Meet KDPs UN Representatives

 

 

Lucijan Jovic, MS, ED
KDP UN Representative

The SDGs: Your Blueprint for Creating Real Change 

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 bold, ambitious targets for transforming our world by 2030. Think of them as the ultimate group project for humanity! 

 

 

While all goals connect to education, SDG 4: Quality Education is our special focus—ensuring inclusive, equitable learning opportunities for everyone, everywhere. 

These aren’t just abstract concepts—they’re actionable paths for creating the world we want to live in. 

 

    Explore All 17 SDGs on the UN Website

     

    For Chapters: Make Your Programs Count Globally

    Your chapter activities can create ripples of change that extend far beyond campus. Here’s how to connect your KDP experience to worldwide impact:

    Chapter Activities That Make a Difference:

    • Host an “SDGs Explained” workshop with interactive stations for each goal.
    • Plan Instagram-worthy service projects tied to specific goals (community garden = Zero Hunger + Climate Action).
    • Collaborate with international student groups for cultural celebration events.
    • Create TikTok challenges highlighting teacher actions toward different SDGs.
    • Design SDG-themed celebration events that showcase chapter achievements.

    Quick Start Guide:

    1. Find the SDGs that vibe with your chapter’s passion areas.
    2. Consider how your existing programs already connect (they probably do!).
    3. Dedicate one chapter meeting to SDG exploration.
    4. Document your impact journey for Chapter Program Awards.

    When your chapter engages with SDGs, you’re building community, fostering belonging, developing leadership, and creating moments worth celebrating—all KDP core values in action!

    For Teachers: Bringing Global Goals into Your Classroom Space 

    Make your teaching relevant and meaningful by connecting curriculum to the issues your students already care about.

    Implementation Ideas That Resonate: 

    • Create SDG challenge weeks with student-designed solutions. 

    • Curate a classroom playlist of songs connecting to different global goals. 

    • Design virtual exchanges with classrooms in other countries working on the same SDGs. 

    • Develop student-led social media campaigns to raise awareness. 

    • Connect lessons to students’ lived experiences and communities. 

    Approaches for Different Age Groups: 

    • Elementary: Use storytelling, art, and play to explore basic concepts. 

    • Middle School: Harness students’ growing social awareness for community projects. 

    • High School: Support student activism and solution development for real-world issues. 

    When you integrate SDGs into your teaching, you’re not just covering curriculum—you’re empowering students to see themselves as capable agents of change in a connected world. 

    Shape 

    Together, we’re not just talking about making a difference—we’re actually doing it. Your KDP membership connects you to educators worldwide who share your passion for creating positive change through education. This is how we thrive together!