Schools in UPGSL – United People Global

UPG SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP

Schools and Institutions

The UPG Schools and Institutions activity certifies establishments that enable positive citizen leadership on sustainability. Our program distinguishes itself from traditional certifications by offering customized paths that fit your institution's specific strengths and interests. Whether you are interested in raising awareness, proposing innovative solutions or fostering community collaboration, we have a certification path tailored for you.

PATHS TO CERTIFICATION:

PATH A

AWARENESS

PATH B

BELIEF

PATH C

COLLABORATION

About United People Global

United People Global (UPG) is a community that encourages and enables people to participate in making the world a better place. We believe that all people have the power and the responsibility to participate in making the world a better place. The work of this global community is facilitated by United People Global Foundation, an independent not-for-profit organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland. UPG is not a political or religious organisation.

About UPG Sustainability Leadership

UPG Sustainability Leadership is a movement that mobilises individuals and organisations to support positive citizen leadership on sustainability. This is achieved through activities that train leaders, certify schools, institutions and companies. UPG Sustainability Companies certifies businesses that enable positive citizen leadership on sustainability.

Why Participate?

A school or Institution that is certified demonstrates leadership on a defining issue across the globe. Being on the “frontline” and on the correct side of the frontline strengthens your organisation’s profile as an entity that is making the world a better place. Your organisation also creates the possibility that your stakeholders choose positive and constructive action on sustainability. This minimises the risk that your stakeholders choose the confrontational, negative and sometimes destructive options that are available.

To Participate

Each school or institution selects a path to certification. This is approved by UPG and then the activity begins. Upon completion, the required materials are submitted and a review is conducted. Success is confirmed by UPG issuing a certificate to complete the process.
If your school has already completed an activity, simply submit an application for certification.

Certificates available:

UPG Sustainability Leadership – Certified – achieved via path A
UPG Sustainability Leadership – Certified Master – achieved via paths B or C

The UPG Sustainability Leadership program categorizes its certifications into three paths: Awareness, Belief, and Collaboration. The Awareness path qualifies schools for the Certified level by focusing on sustainability actions that the school administration is taking within the school. Both the Belief and Collaboration paths elevate schools to the Certified Master level. Belief focuses on developing strategic solutions to sustainability challenges, whereas Collaboration involves executing projects through active engagement of multiple stakeholders, effectively enhancing environmental impact, and solidifying the schools’ roles as leaders in sustainability.

Get Certified!

PATH A AWARENESS:

A school or institution completes an activity that enables several members of the school or institution to demonstrate awareness of issues related to sustainability. Examples include: an art project that features one or all of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (SDGs); OR hosting a Mini Training session delivered by a UPG Sustainability Leader.

PATH B BELIEF:

Belief activities enable members of the school or institution to strengthen their belief in the power of their agency by proposing a solution to an existing problem or a challenge within the school or institution. For example: leadership can invite teams of students/parents/staff to propose a sustainable solution to an issue that the school is facing. An activity timeline is set that allows teams to design a solution and to present that solution to the leadership. The activity must produce at least ONE concrete solution that can be implemented.

PATH C COLLABORATION:

Collaboration activities require the school or institution to undertake a specific project that addresses a challenge or problem within their community. The project can be defined by the leadership of the school/institution or by students/staff or a UPG Sustainability Leader or a combination of these groups. Collaboration activities can be credibly conducted in partnership with a UPG Sustainability Leader. UPG approves the activity before it begins and confirms the success upon conclusion.