History of education for sustainable development

ESD at international level

A long tradition of sustainable forest management

The idea of sustainable management of natural resources goes back to the XVIIIᵉ century, with forest engineering. Hans-Carl von Carlowitz formulated the principle as early as 1713:
«Schlage nur so viel Holz, wie der Wald verkraften kann, so viel Holz wie nachwachsen kann.»
(Only cut as much wood as the forest can support, as much as can grow back).

The emergence of eco-citizenship

In the 1970s, a new educational approach broadened the concept of sustainability to encompass the entire environment and natural resources. This led to the birth of’eco-citizenship In the 1980s, citizens became involved in protecting the environment, and eco-citizen initiatives were launched.

Globales Lernen: understanding global interdependencies

In 1976, the concept of Globales Lernen appears. Its aim is to raise awareness of the interdependence between countries in the North and South, starting with development issues and then moving on to those linked to the exploitation of resources. Inclusive pedagogies, focusing on peace and nature, are developed.

The Brundtland Report and the definition of sustainable development

In 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development chaired by Gro Harlem Brundtland, publishes the report «Our Common Future», which officially defines sustainable development as :
«Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.»

This report serves as the basis for the Rio Conference in 1992, bringing together political leaders, scientists and NGOs from 179 countries to reconcile human development and environmental protection.

Worldwide convergence of educational efforts

Since then, educational initiatives in favor of sustainable development have been consolidated. The global action program for’Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) UNESCO's Decade of ESD (2005-2014), aims to strengthen global mobilization and accelerate progress towards a sustainable future.

Visit UNESCO world conference on ESD in Berlin in 2021 underlines the need to pooling initiatives and working together, particularly between ministries. Since then, a number of international initiatives have been strengthened:

• UNECE-ESD
• UNESCO-ESD-Countrynet Education for sustainable development | UNESCO
• Initiatives at’European Union and Benelux

The evolution of ESD in Luxembourg

Creation of the PEEDD national platform

Visit National Nature Conservation Plan 2007-2011 formalizes the creation of national platform for environmental education and sustainable development (PEEDD). This platform is associated with the BNE.lu in 2016, and becomes an integrated component of the BNE platform's national network in 2025.

Interministerial Committee for ESD (CIEDD)

Created in 2008, the CIEDD coordinates national ESD initiatives, promotes synergies and facilitates exchanges. In 2012, it published the national strategy for education for sustainable development, who:

• proposes the creation of a «Development Education" information network
  which led to the creation of the BNE.lu (point 2.1)
• proposes the creation of a common base, criteria for
  for out-of-school and in-school training institutions.
  these basic criteria in the form of charter (see chapter 2.3)
• cites the missions of the PEEDD platform's network of players and structures the network of players around ESD (cf. chapter 6.4)

In 2016, the CIEDD was expanded to include the challenges of the’Agenda 2030, which brings together representatives from a dozen ministries. It is co-chaired by Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity (MECB) and the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth (MENJE), and liaises with the Benelux and Greater Region.

ESD and the circular economy at TIRLUX

As part of the Third Industrial Revolution (TIRLUX), the CIEDD is mandated to integrate ESD and the’circular economy in school curricula. In 2017, under the lead of the MENJE, a multi-year plan is launched, including :

• integrating ESD and the circular economy into education; ;
• the creation of a sustainable school ;
• a teaching unit dedicated ;
• updating the list of charter signatories ;
• updating the site www.bne.lu.

In 2018, CIEDD publishes «Tipps für ein nachhaltiges Leben in Luxemburg» (Tips for a sustainable life in Luxemburg)», in collaboration with members of the PEEDD platform. These thematic sheets cover 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with regular updates provided by MECB.

Towards a new dynamic

In 2024, the Ministers of Education and the Environment decided to renovate the BNE.lu website, with technical and financial support from MECDD.

Visit new bne.lu website and network  will be launched in September 2025.

Visit CIEDD is currently redesign (2025), with broader and more precise missions.