Skyway Initiative Launched at UNGA 2024: A New Era in Education
Today the Skyway Initiative was introduced by the Learning Economy Foundation in collaboration with the PVBLIC Foundation, LearningFREQUENCY and Diplomatic Courier at a series of high-level events during the week of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City. Supported by the Walton Family Foundation, the Skyway Initiative is designed to create sustainable, technology-driven learning records and pathways, offering an alternative way to recognize, map and evidence the impact of learning and education systems.
Skyway has been developed to address the growing need for a modernized approach to learning, as existing systems struggle to keep up with the demands of an evolving, interconnected global society. By integrating advanced technology, personalized record and curriculum frameworks, and innovative policy solutions, Skyway is offering flexible and adaptable digital learning infrastructure to empower students globally.
The initiative places open source technology at the core of improving learning and educational systems. A comprehensive platform has been created, allowing learners to navigate personalized educational journeys, supported by portable records, real-time data analytics, artificial intelligence, and adaptable curriculum tools. This approach ensures that education is both scalable and secure, providing learners from diverse backgrounds with the flexibility and opportunity needed to succeed in today’s world.
Strategic partnerships have already been established with global leaders in technology and education, focusing on advancing alternative learning methodologies. Through collaboration with firms, youth-focused NGOs and civil society organizations like Sesame Workshop, Roblox, Filament Games, INFERable, Crescendo Studios, World Scouting, and others, the initiative supports all learners with an emphasis on learning through play, neurodivergent students, underserved communities, and those requiring alternative methods and approaches to learning. A key aspect of the initiative is its emphasis on holistic learning environments that allow students to learn in diverse ways, beyond the traditional classroom model.
Skyway’s educational framework highlights that learning takes place in a variety of formal and informal settings, including play-based learning environments, in nature, through community and civic action, digital platforms, and practical, hands-on experiences. The initiative reimagines learning by building a global network of public resources powered by durable and scalable digital infrastructure, giving all learners the freedom to access and apply knowledge in meaningful and engaging ways.
At the intersection of technology, curriculum, and policy, the Skyway Initiative signals a transformative moment in education, offering a new, flexible, technology-driven alternative to outdated systems. By integrating policy, technology, and innovative curriculum design, the initiative is set to attract involvement from a range of stakeholders who understand the critical need to support the future of education. With its emphasis on open, scalable, outcome-driven learning, Skyway represents a bold new paradigm and step toward global education reform.
Skyway UNGA Launch Dinner
At the 2024 UN General Assembly, the Skyway Launch Dinner gathered global leaders in education, innovation, and youth development to celebrate the unveiling of Skyway, a transformative initiative for connected learning pathways.
The event featured inspiring remarks from Ana C. Rold, CEO & Publisher of Diplomatic Courier; John Goodwin, Executive Chairman of the Learning Economy Foundation and former CEO of the LEGO Foundation; Chris Purifoy, Co-Founder & CEO of Learning Economy Foundation; Asheesh Adwani, CEO of JA Worldwide; Simon Sommer, Co-CEO of the Jacobs Foundation; Amanda Slavin, Founder & CEO of LearningFREQUENCY; Sergio Fernandez de Cordova, Executive Chairman of PVBLIC Foundation; Alison Bryant, Chief Research Officer at Sesame Workshop; Michele Leardo, Program Officer at the Walton Family Foundation; and Ahmad Alhendawi, Secretary-General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement.
Esteemed guests included representatives from Cambridge, LEGO Foundation, Sesame Workshop, TED, Aspen Institute, and members of the UN’s Family Offices for Sustainable Development.
The evening concluded with a powerful, heartfelt speech by Skyway’s 13-year-old Youth Ambassador, Zoya Kalinsky, whose words captured the spirit of possibility and the future of global learning.
Summit for the Future at UNGA
Family Offices for Sustainable Development Day at UNGA
At the 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the Family Offices for Sustainable Development (FOSD) hosted the official announcement of the Skyway initiative within the halls of the United Nations. This pivotal moment took place during an engaging panel discussion featuring Skyway directors alongside representatives from the United Nations Education Outreach Section.
The panel, moderated by Jayashri Wyatt, Chief of the UN’s Education Outreach Section, spotlighted the transformative role of Skyway in shaping sustainable futures through education. Key voices included Amanda Slavin, Chief Storytelling Officer of The Skyway and Founder of LearningFREQUENCY; Chris Purifoy, CEO of Learning Economy Foundation and The Skyway; and John Goodwin, Executive Chairman of Learning Economy Foundation and former CEO of the LEGO Foundation. Together, they explored how Skyway is poised to empower the next generation, bridging global education gaps with bold, resilient action toward sustainable development goals.
