Education for Sustainable Development

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Education for Sustainable Development (in German: Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung, in French: L’Éducation au développement durable) is a broad and complex concept.

Nonetheless, the concept has gained traction in the education and political discourse in recent years.

What exactly is Education for Sustainable Development? What are its objectives? What is it based on? How does it transform the culture of teaching and learning?

SCRIPT has produced a series of videos on Education for Sustainable Development to provide information on its missions, content and teaching methods.

Watch the first clip here BNE - Bildung fir nohalteg Entwécklung: Verstoen, Verantwortung iwwerhuelen, Zukunft gestalten.

What is Education for Sustainable Development?

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is not limited to the transmission of knowledge: it is a transformation lever to build a fairer, more equitable and sustainable world. It aims to raise awareness, develop skills and encourage action.

Target 4.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda embodies this ambition: by 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills they need to promote sustainable development, in particular through :

• sustainable living
• human rights
• gender equality
• a culture of peace and non-violence
• global citizenship
• promoting cultural diversity and the contribution of culture to sustainable development.

360° Education for All

ESD applies to all forms of learning:

• Formal education: in primary and secondary schools
• Non-formal education: in day-care centres (Maisons Relais), youth centers, associations, training courses, workshops.
• Informal education: in everyday life, through awareness-raising and commitment on the part of all players in society.

The aims of ESD

ESD aims to:

• understand the complexity of the world in its ecological, social and economic dimensions
• acquire knowledge, skills and values to act responsibly
• promote democratic participation and engagement

ESD represents lifelong learning.

It is based on three dynamics:

• Discerning & Understanding: developing systemic, interdisciplinary and interdependent thinking develop interdisciplinary, interdependent and systemic thinking
• Reflecting: structuring information, exercising value-based critical thinking, taking a stand and communicating
• Acting: stimulating creativity, cooperation, self-confidence and the ability to transform ideas into concrete actions

An Interdisciplinary and Complementary Approach

ESD draws on a variety of disciplines and themes to help learners understand and respond to major global challenges. It can be integrated into all areas of schooling and everyday life.

Complementary approaches include:

• Global citizenship education
• Environmental and climate education
• Nature and peace education
• Human rights and democracy education
• Intercultural and equality education
• Circular economy education

Learning Objectives of Education for Sustainable Development

ESD is not limited to imparting knowledge: it aims to strengthen the ability to act in a complex, uncertain and constantly changing world.

It mobilizes :

• des interdisciplinary approaches
• des changes in perspective
• critical reflection on values
• the development ofempathy and solidarity
• cooperation and conflict resolution skills

The aim is to train citizens capable of understanding global issues, of systemic thinking and acting responsibly and with commitment.