The National Union of Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences SAMOK is running the project Global Education for UAS Students. The aim of global education is a just and sustainable future. When the news feed paints a bleak picture of the future, it is easy to sink into despair.

But what is the future? The first thought is that the future is a linear continuation of the present. In reality the future does not yet exist, nor is it predetermined: it takes shape on the basis of the actions – or inaction – of the present moment. Through our actions and choices we can therefore influence what the future will be like. It all begins with examining our own values: what kind of future do I want to help build?

Are we able to think of different, possible futures, or are we locked into thinking that everything will continue for ever just as it is now? To solve the global challenges of our time, we must first learn to imagine other kinds of futures. Imagination and envisioning alternative futures are like a muscle that can be trained and developed. Every time the world has been changed, someone first had to imagine what a better system, and the better world that comes with it, would look like. After the vision, we can start taking concrete action to reach a better future.

When we build a sustainable future, we also take coming generations into account. The focus shifts from short-sighted decision-making to making sure that our children and grandchildren also have a liveable planet. Building a sustainable future requires questioning current social, economic and political power relations. In pursuing a sustainable and just future, we must also take into account the Global South and the most vulnerable people.

One of the most essential future skills for a student is the ability to act as an active global citizen who understands the effects of their actions on their surroundings, both in time and geographically. A student with futures literacy is able and dares to dream of different desirable futures. They understand that the problems of today's world cannot be solved by the same means that created them.

In summary: what can you do for a sustainable future?

1. Train your imagination muscles: Don't only think about what you are against, but about what you want to move towards. What is the world like in 2050 when things are going well?
2. Take part and network: Worrying alone is exhausting, but doing things together is empowering. Take part in student movements or in the work of civil society organisations.
3. Small and large actions side by side: Everyday choices are important, but we also need structural change.

The author is Marjo Yli-Koski, coordinator of the global education project at the National Union of Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences SAMOK, and the blog post was first published on 15 September 2026 in the Slice.fi newsletter. You can read more about the project here.

This publication is co-funded by the European Union. SAMOK is solely responsible for its content, and the content does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.