This month marks a decisive step in both academic and professional development within the field of Digital Humanities. As the practical phase of the Master’s program comes to an end, the writing of the dissertation begins, titled: “Agile Management, Inclusion, and Digital Autonomy: A Study Applied to the Preservation of Historical and Cultural Heritage.”
The project combines historical preservation with social inclusion, promoting access to cultural information, the development of digital autonomy, and the dissemination of knowledge. Moreover, it seeks to empower historically marginalized communities and to use technology as a tool for social transformation.
But what are the Global Goals?
The Global Goals, officially known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are a global agenda established in 2015 by the United Nations (UN) as a plan to tackle humanity’s greatest challenges. These 17 goals address issues such as eradicating poverty, achieving gender equality, ensuring universal access to education, and protecting the environment.
The vision is to build a fairer, more equitable, and more sustainable world by 2030, through a collective effort involving governments, businesses, academic institutions, and civil society. Each goal is interconnected, reflecting the complexity of global challenges and offering a roadmap for generating meaningful impact.
Why is it important to align this project with the Global Goals?
Aligning this project with the Global Goals ensures its contribution to social and cultural transformation through technology. This includes promoting the inclusion of minorities, empowering communities through digital autonomy, giving visibility to the historical contributions of women and marginalized groups, and democratizing access to cultural heritage. Integrating these principles not only broadens the project’s impact but also positions it as a model of innovation in service of sustainable development and social justice.
How can you tell if a project is aligned with a Global Goal?
Evaluating whether a project aligns with a Global Goal is a simple process that involves reflecting on its purpose and outcomes. Key steps include:
- Identify the project’s objective: What problem does it aim to solve? What kind of impact does it seek to generate?
- Review the list of Global Goals and their specific targets: Compare your project’s purpose with the priority areas of the SDGs, such as equality, sustainability, education, or access to resources.
- Evaluate the impact on people and the environment: Determine whether the project promotes social, economic, or environmental benefits aligned with the SDG principles.
- Reflect on inclusion and sustainability: A project that helps reduce inequalities, improve quality of life, and respect the planet’s resources is likely aligned with one or more Global Goals.
Which Global Goals are aligned with this project?
Both the practices and the dissertation are aligned with the Global Goals that promote:
- Inclusive and equitable education (SDG 4)
- Gender equality (SDG 5)
- Reduced inequalities (SDG 10)
- Access to innovative technologies to preserve and share cultural heritage (SDG 9)
These goals are essential for ensuring that history and culture are accessible, inclusive, and sustainable.
What types of projects can emerge from this foundation?
The principles guiding this work can inspire a wide variety of initiatives, such as:
- Inclusive digital platforms: Interactive apps that share cultural heritage with diverse audiences
- Tech empowerment for marginalized communities: Digital literacy workshops aimed at empowering women, minorities, and people with disabilities
- Digital reconstruction of historical spaces: Using technologies like virtual and augmented reality to preserve and explore heritage sites
- Research and cultural dissemination: Studies that recover and highlight forgotten historical contributions, especially those of women and Indigenous communities
These projects not only promote cultural preservation but also empower communities and foster a fairer, more sustainable development model.
I strongly encourage you to analyze which Global Goals your projects are aligned with. You might be surprised by your own ability to contribute to sustainable development and global transformation.
Every initiative has the potential to make a difference — and recognizing its impact is the first step toward expanding its reach.
Dare to explore your role in building a better future!
