Challenges and opportunities in steam education in the early years against the global move toward a sustainable future

This chapter explores the potential of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education in fostering an equitable and sustainable future by aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4. It emphasizes the importance of providing quality education, lifelong learning opportunities, and promoting gender equality (SDG5) for children from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. The chapter also highlights the role of teachers, early childhood professionals, leaders, and parents in creating inclusive STEAM educational opportunities. It highlights the challenges of overcoming gender stereotypes and calls for critical analysis and future debates on the interdependent nature of STEAM education and sustainable development. Copyright © 2024 selection and editorial matter, Weipeng Yang, Sarika Kewalramani and Jyoti Senthil; individual chapters, the contributors.