Our world is confronting a myriad of pressing and dramatic challenges incurred by the collective impact of humankind, ranging from radical climate change, poverty, and inequality to discrimination and violence. The principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) call on us to contain and address the environmental, social, and economic issues of our times through the transformative power of education. Sustainable development emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that combines economic growth with social inclusion and environmental sustainability. ESD aims to bring about behavioral and societal changes essential to shift course.
In the Asia-Pacific, there is an escalating need for ESD, particularly as sustainability challenges continue to intensify. One recent UNESCO report on the impact of climate change on education reveals that in 2020, the strike of Cyclone Amphan alone triggered nearly 5 million evacuations across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Myanmar, leading to mass school closures and severe disruptions to students’ education. The mitigation and elimination of such impacts requires a holistic and interdisciplinary approach among diverse stakeholders.
But the scope of ESD is not confined to the environment alone; nor is it limited to facts and figures. ESD involves educating societies on sustainable development principles and equipping learners—including teachers and lifelong learners—with knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values necessary to build a more sustainable future for people and planet.
That is why UNESCO, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), and the Malaysian Ministry of Education are proud to host the “ESD for 2030 Regional Meeting on Transforming the Futures of Education: Mainstreaming Education for Sustainable Development in Learning Systems” as part of a continuing conversation about education for sustainable development in the region and around the world. Policymakers, educators, researchers, advocates, and other stakeholders are invited to explore promising ways to integrate ESD into school curricula, pedagogy, and assessments, and operations; and explore localized, practice-based ESD models from across the region.
While we would love for you to join us in-person in Kuala Lumpur, the event will also be livestreamed on the SDSN YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/TDudn090D38
The public event marks the opening of the ESD for 2030 Regional Meeting.