Page 14 - UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and
the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 4: Quality Education

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities
for all

Virtual worlds offer an opportunity to unlock innovative education and
learning experiences on an unprecedented scale, ensuring that quality
education becomes available to all. To achieve this vision will require a
concerted effort to overcome the digital divide and address the unique
risks of immersive learning technologies.
One of the key challenges of education in virtual worlds is bridging the
digital divide and ensuring equal access to educational opportunities
[b-ITU9]. While virtual worlds such as the metaverse have the potential to revolutionize
education, it is essential to address disparities and provide equitable access to educational
resources and technologies. Efforts should be made to bridge the digital divide, particularly
in underserved areas and marginalized communities, by expanding access to reliable Internet
connectivity, affordable devices, and necessary training and support.

Ethical considerations and potential risks associated with immersive learning technologies also
need to be addressed. As students engage in immersive experiences within virtual worlds, it is
crucial to ensure their safety, privacy and well-being. Safeguards should be in place to protect
students from inappropriate content, cyberbullying and potential addiction. Ethical frameworks
and guidelines should be established to govern the use of immersive technologies and protect
the rights and dignity of learners.

However, once these challenges are overcome, the metaverse and other virtual worlds promise
interactive and engaging educational experiences that will improve learning and student
engagement [b-Brookings]. Through the metaverse, students can engage in immersive learning
simulations that enhance their understanding and retention of knowledge while fostering
creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Promoting digital literacy and skills development is another significant opportunity for virtual
worlds [b-UNICEF]. Should the metaverse become an integral part of the educational landscape,
it will be crucial to equip students with the necessary digital literacy skills to navigate and create
content in the digital realm and participate actively in the creative economy.

Case study: Training simulations in the metaverse

Novartis partnered with the Gronstedt Group to create a state-of-the-art Virtual Reality (VR)
simulation for training hundreds of employees on best practice production and aseptic
procedures for a new leukaemia treatment. This simulation allows learners to step into a hyper-
realistic virtual manufacturing facility to practice life-saving procedures such as welding tubes
and sanitising hands, in a to-scale virtual space. The immersive training experience is designed
to build muscle memory and reinforce core knowledge, enabling employees to rehearse
techniques repeatedly before entering the real production facility. The simulation also visualizes
the invisible, like airflow in a Biological Safety Cabinet, enhancing understanding and precision
[b-Novartis].

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