Education as a tool for change: “forming ecological citizens for the future”

Abstract

The paper analyzes the strategic role of sustainability education in contemporary school systems, integrating the perspectives offered by the New 2025 Guidelines for kindergarten and first cycle school. The focus is on the impact of soft skills inspired by the principles of the 2030 Agenda on the integral education of students, with particular reference to critical thinking, complex problem solving, global citizenship, social responsibility and environmental awareness. The theoretical framework is based on interdisciplinary and transformative pedagogical approaches, enhancing the concept of school as an educating community and a laboratory of culture. The methodology used combines case studies and desk analysis, including the draft of the National Guidelines for the 2025 Curriculum. The results highlight how the integration of these skills promotes not only cognitive learning, but also the development of sustainability-oriented values, attitudes and behaviors. The work proposes operational perspectives for a school capable of promoting active citizenship, inclusion, ecological awareness and educational innovation, in dialogue with families and the territory.