This study analyzes global public discourse on Twitter (now X) concerning the role of education within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Education is not only a dedicated goal (SDG 4) but also a critical enabler for achieving the broader 2030 Agenda. By examining 111,966 tweets posted by 82,836 users between 2010 and 2023, we explore how education is framed, promoted, and contested in relation to the SDGs.

Using topic modeling and community detection, we identified 15 major discourse communities. These reflect thematic priorities such as climate education (SDG 13), health awareness (SDG 3), gender equality in education (SDG 5), educational access in the context of poverty and hunger (SDGs 1 & 2), and digital transformation (SDG 9). Other communities emphasized inclusive and equitable education, refugee education, and regional development in Africa and South Asia.

Because education is the foundation for achieving all other SDGs, understanding how it is represented in global conversations is critical. Our results reveal which aspects of sustainable development are most strongly linked to education and where education remains less visible. These insights can guide educators and policymakers in identifying gaps, prioritizing topics, and fostering a more comprehensive integration of the SDGs into educational agendas.

Beyond mapping the discourse, the study highlights how social media discussions can inform teaching and learning about sustainable development. By analyzing how education is positioned in global conversations, educators and learners gain access to authentic materials that illustrate the complexity of linking education with sustainability. These insights can support the development of critical thinking, media literacy, and global citizenship education, and offer practical entry points for integrating the SDGs into curricula.

Our findings provide both a descriptive overview of education within the SDG discourse and pedagogical implications for using social media as a resource in fostering awareness, reflection, and engagement with sustainability challenges.

Keywords: Education for Sustainable Development, Sustainable Development Goals, Global citizenship education, Social media discourse, Twitter, Topic modeling, Media literacy