The 2021 UNESCO report titled "Teachers have their say: motivation, skills and opportunities to teach education for sustainable development and global citizenship" reveals that a remarkable 95% of teachers recognize the importance of education for sustainable development (ESD) and global citizenship education (GCED). However, the report also highlights that less than 40% of teachers surveyed feel ready to teach these subjects.

This data underscores the critical significance and urgency of scaling up GCED amd ESD professional development opportunities for educators. We cannot achieve SDG 4 without scaling up efforts on target 4C, which specifically addresses the skills and professional development opportunities of teachers. It is in response to this pressing need, that empowerED trainings were developed. EmpowerED will offer both synchronous and asynchronous sessions, as well as rely on a dedicated platform where resources can be shared and community be built among participants. This inclusive approach will ensure that educators in both formal and non-formal settings receive the essential support required to enhance their confidence and competence in delivering ESD and GCED activities.

A core feature of empowerED trainings is the focus on teacher collaboration and access to free and open source technologies which is also highlighted in the UNESCO report Education in a Post-COVID World: Nine Ideas for Public Action, where the International Commission on the Futures of Education identified nine concrete actions we should take today to advance education tomorrow.

EmpowerED emerged from the dynamic Learners to Leaders: Nurturing Change Makers through Global Citizenship Education Program. This program, led by the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens, envisions uplifting champions of Global Citizenship Education (GCED) across formal (researchers, scholars, teachers, and trainee educators) and informal educational spheres (training experts, program coordinators, community leaders, volunteers, etc.) in Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Within this endeavor, a group of 15 dedicated educators were handpicked. Notably, among them is Sara Ciabattoni, the driving force behind empowerED, who seized this opportunity to inaugurate this transformative undertaking.

Through virtual roundtables and workshops, the GCED practitioners gained knowledge on GCED research from experts, skills in project management and implementation, and exchange with peers in a cross-national network.

Our empowerED training program is meticulously crafted, drawing inspiration from the well-established principles of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Center on Education for International Understanding. This comprehensive curriculum encompasses both conceptual and theoretical viewpoints concerning the role of education in society, spanning formal, non-formal, and informal domains. Through diverse sociological frameworks, we explore education's societal impact, each offering distinct insights and implications that shape our curriculum development.

Central to our approach is a steadfast focus on methodologies fostering conflict transformation, transformative learning, critical pedagogy, and the cultivation of a holistic culture of peace. We recognize the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic, prompting us to reimagine pedagogy fit for the digital age, particularly emphasizing collaborative online and blended learning strategies.

EmpowerED trainings are driven by the following objectives:

• Comprehensive ESD and GCED Knowledge: participants will gain a deep understanding of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Global Citizenship Education (GCED).

• Effective Integration: we aim to boost participants' confidence in seamlessly integrating ESD and GCED principles into their teaching practices.

• Practical Expertise: through hands-on experience, participants will master the art of crafting collaborative lesson plans intricately linked to ESD and GCED concepts.

Our passionate volunteers are the driving force behind empowerED. We are proud to count on the expertise of TeachSDG Ambassador, Sara Ciabattoni as the faciliator of our training programs. With a solid academic foundation in adult learning, foreign languages, and international relations, backed by nearly a decade of hands-on experience in teaching, educational management, and research, Sara brings a blend of expertise that truly sets her apart.

Sara's commitment to education is unwavering, and her goal is clear: to empower both institutions and individuals by reshaping the way we approach learning.

Sara has gained international recognition for her innovative work. Notably, she's been acknowledged as a Teach SDGs Ambassador, a testament to her exceptional ability to seamlessly integrate the Sustainable Development Goals into language education. Additionally, her expertise in curriculum development earned her a spotlight on the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network guide Accelerating Education for the SDGs in Universities, a recognition of her effective approach to infusing sustainable development principles into higher education.

Sara's impact isn't confined to accolades; she's been a prominent voice at renowned events like the International Conference on Sustainable Development in 2021 and 2022 and the World Sustainable Development Teach-in Day.

With empowerED, Sara seeks to share her expertise, connect educators and their learners, and reshape the landscape of learning, transcending boundaries and inspiring change.