Saint Louis University’s (SLU) Head of the Languages and International Studies Unit (LISU), Geraldine Wakat, PhD, delivered a lecture on Environmental Sustainability in Language Teaching during the 3rd International Conference on Language and Language Teaching (InCoLLT) held on 22-23 June 2024.
Aligning with the conference theme, “Navigating Innovation: Striving for Sustainable ELT,” Dr. Wakat emphasized the importance of cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioral learning objectives as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #13 (Climate Action). She discussed content-based instruction and project-based language learning as key approaches to integrating environmental sustainability into language education. Dr. Wakat also highlighted SLU’s Benguet Coffee Project, which included the development of a Solar Coffee Dryer prototype, and the creation of a Coffee Mapping App in partnership with the School of Accountancy, Computing, and Information Studies Department (SAMCIS).
SLU’s ongoing involvement in cross-sectoral dialogues on environmental sustainability reinforces its commitment not only to United Nations SDG #13 (Climate Action) but also to SDG #17 (Partnerships for the Goals). These initiatives reflect the University’s dedication to driving both educational innovation and sustainable development, solidifying its role as a key contributor to global sustainability through education, collaboration, and meaningful action.