UNESCO - Education for sustainable development -Some interesting facts-
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is UNESCO's response to the urgent challenges facing our planet. Human activities have so changed the Earth's ecosystems that our survival is threatened. These changes are becoming increasingly difficult to reverse.
To prevent global warming from reaching catastrophic levels, UNESCO invites us to act urgently.
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) equips people with the knowledge, skills, values, attitudes and behaviors necessary to live in respectful interaction with the environment, economy and society. ESD encourages people to make wise and responsible choices that help create a better future for all.
UNESCO's ESD 2030 program produces and shares knowledge, provides policy guidance and technical support to countries, and implements field projects. It also fosters peer learning and innovation through information, networks and partnerships.
Within this framework, UNESCO hosts the Alliance for Green Education, which aims to strengthen the capacity of countries to deliver quality climate change education and to "green" all aspects of learning.
Its sections include: "Impact", "Publications", "Watch and Listen", "Data Center".
Summary of selected articles (to view the article in its original site, click on the title).
The UNESCO article focuses on the importance of integrating education for sustainable development in schools. The Greening Education Partnership initiative seeks to prepare all students to face climate change and promote sustainable development. It highlights four key pillars for transformative education: 1) School governance: ensuring that schools adopt sustainable policies and practices. 2) Facilities and operations: creating learning environments that are climate-smart and sustainable. 3) Teaching and learning: integrating sustainability and climate change into the curriculum and teaching practices. 4) Community engagement: involving the school community in the promotion of sustainability.
The publication focuses on the integration of education for sustainable development (ESD) in school curricula. The initiative seeks to prepare students to face the challenges of climate change and promote sustainable development through education. It highlights the importance of: 1) Reorienting the curriculum: adapting educational content to include sustainability and climate change issues. 2) Teaching and learning: integrating sustainability into teaching practices and the school curriculum. 3) Teacher training: training teachers to deliver greener and more sustainable education. 4) Community engagement: involving the school community in promoting sustainability.
Greening the training of teaching staff and the capacities of education systems.
Training for teaching staff is important for integrating climate change and sustainability into education. The Greening Education Partnership initiative seeks to prepare teachers and education staff to deliver a greener and more sustainable education. The publication highlights the importance of: 1) Initial and continuing training: providing training at all levels of education, from early childhood to higher education, including topics such as the environment, energy and agriculture. 2) Training for principals and policy makers: ensure that school principals and policy makers are trained to integrate climate change and sustainability into teaching and learning. 3) Policy advocacy and planning: develop the capacity of the education system to promote greener policies, planning, financing and management. 4) Support for ministries of education: improve cross-sectoral coordination with ministries responsible for climate and environmental policy and action. // UNESCO stresses the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure that teachers and education personnel are well prepared to face the challenges of climate change and promote sustainability in schools.
The article focuses on the importance of involving the whole community in education for sustainable development (ESD). The Greening Education Partnership initiative seeks to strengthen community resilience by integrating climate change education into lifelong learning. It highlights the need to: 1) Empower and mobilize young people: involve young people in concrete actions on climate change. 2) Community centers and learning cities: use these spaces to promote education on climate change and sustainability. 3) Concrete actions: encourage activities that enable communities to take effective action against climate change. // UNESCO stresses the importance of comprehensive education that prepares all members of the community to face the challenges of climate change and promote sustainable development.
UNESCO and Yalitza call for the everyday use of indigenous languages to achieve social justice.
The importance of promoting the daily use of indigenous languages to combat discrimination, racism and violence against indigenous communities is emphasized. Yalitza Aparicio, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, participated in a talk during the International Book Fair (FIL) in Guadalajara, Mexico, where she underlined the need to encourage curiosity and the learning of indigenous languages from childhood. The article mentions that 16 indigenous languages in Mexico are in a critical situation of disappearance, with speakers mainly from older generations. UNESCO and Yalitza propose improving the conditions of teachers and translators of indigenous languages through greater funding and adequate training, as well as the creation of teaching materials to support the learning of these languages.
UNESCO sites as learning centers for sustainability.
The document offers a comprehensive guide for implementing education for sustainable development (ESD) at a global level. UNESCO, as the United Nations specialized agency for education, leads and coordinates the 2030 Agenda for education, which is part of a global movement to eradicate poverty through the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The text highlights the importance of education as a fundamental human right and the basis for building peace and promoting sustainable development. It also emphasizes the need for inclusive and equitable quality education, promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
UNESCO launches the Global Alliance against Racism and Discrimination following the 4th edition of the World Forum. Information is provided about the launch of the Global Alliance against Racism and Discrimination following the fourth edition of the Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination. This forum brought together government representatives, activists, artists, youth leaders and other key actors to discuss effective strategies to combat racism and discrimination. The Global Alliance aims to coordinate international efforts to address these issues and promote equality and social justice. It is hoped that this collaboration will strengthen actions and policies to create a more inclusive and resilient society.
UNESCO launches the Global Alliance against Racism and Discrimination after the 4th edition of the World Forum.
UNESCO strengthens post-disaster recovery in Mexico through culture.
The article highlights how UNESCO's Heritage Emergency Fund has contributed to the cultural and artistic recovery of the coastal region of Guerrero, Mexico, after hurricanes Otis and John. These hurricanes caused significant damage in Acapulco and Coyuca de Benítez in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The fund has supported the reactivation of the Fuerte de San Diego Historical Museum, the rehabilitation of independent cultural spaces and the financing of free cultural workshops for children, teenagers and the community in general. In addition, 23 artists and cultural managers have received assistance to offer artistic and cultural workshops, strengthening the psychosocial resilience and economic revitalization of the region. Carlos Tejada, UNESCO National Culture Officer in Mexico, mentioned that Acapulco's cultural diversity and heritage can be vehicles for well-being and equity when integrated into public policies for emergency prevention, response and recovery.
What you need to know about social and emotional learning.
The importance of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in education is emphasized. SEL refers to the process of acquiring skills to recognize and manage emotions, develop empathy and concern for others, establish positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and handle challenging situations effectively. The article emphasizes that SEL not only improves the emotional and mental well-being of individuals, but also strengthens social connections and contributes to peace and sustainable development. In addition, SEL can help reduce bullying, interpersonal violence and social exclusion, and improve academic performance and employability².
Welcome to the world of tomorrow.
The publication presents the mission of the Museum of Discovery (MOD) in Adelaide, Australia, to prepare new generations for the challenges of the future. The MOD seeks not only to attract young people as visitors, but also to involve them as protagonists in its programming. The museum uses digital and immersive technologies to capture the interest of young people and addresses current issues such as the climate, demographic and environmental crises. The MOD organizes immersive exhibitions and forums on future issues, where teenagers, teachers, professors and businessmen participate to reflect on the future.