Decade on Education for Sustainable Development

Background Information

The United Nations has proclaimed January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2014 as The Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD).

The goal of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is to reorient education, in all forms, so that we collectively consider the long-term future of the economy, ecology and equity of all communities in the decisions and actions we make and take. Internationally, it is recognized that education is the primary vehicle to increase the ability of people to proceed along a path of sustainability. In order to take the necessary steps, education, in all its’ make ups, must foster the capacity of an individual to shift their values, behaviour and lifestyles toward one that supports a sustainable future.

The United Nation’s Decade for Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 20, 2002 (resolution 57/254). The resolution was introduced by Japan and co sponsored by 46 countries. The recommendation for the DESD came from the World Summit on Sustainable Development. Historically, the ideology for the DESD started in 1972 with the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, and the concept was further articulated over the next twenty years through different world forums. In 1992 the Earth Summit (UN Conference on Environment and Development) gave education a high priority in Agenda 21. Chapter 36 of Agenda 21, entitled Promoting Public Awareness and Training emphasizes that education is not only critical to improve people’s capacity to address development and environmental issues but is also critical to promote and foster sustainable development.

Resolution 57/254 named the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as the lead United Nations Agency responsible for the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. The World Conservation Union has been designated as the lead Non Governmental Organization for the Decade.

UN DESD Official Launch - letter from UNESCO Office in Geneva

Activities

Dialogue on Canada and the UN Decade on Education for Sustainable Development

• October 7, 2004
• December 14, 2004

Relevant Documents

• DESD Draft International Implementation Scheme (IIS)
• The Education and Engagement Pillar of the CESF
• CESF - The Education and Engagement Pillar Program Brief
• Réponse de la Table Ronde Jeunesse en Environnement 2004-05 sur l’implication canadienne en matière d’environnement pour la décennie de l’éducation de l’UNESCO (in french only)

Relevant Links

• Canada at the WSSD
  A Canadian Perspective On Education For Sustainable Development
• Educational Framework for Environmental Learning and Sustainability in Canada
• Education for Sustainable Development: UNESCO site
• Answer UNESCO’s questionnaire in preparation for the Decade
• National, Provincial & Local Government Processes suggested by UNESCO
• Document on the Meeting for the Preparation of National Launches of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (Paris, 29-30 June 2004)
• Regional Processes
• IUCN: Education for Sustainable Development
• Education for Sustainable Development Toolkit
• Chapter 36 of Agenda 21-Education, Public Awareness and Training
• UN resolution on DESD

Relevant Events

• Farming Systems and Poverty: Making a Difference 18th Symposium and Global Learning Opportunity
  Rome, Italy, 12-16 September 2005
  Information and Call for Practices, Policies and Panels