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UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development

Snippet: Goals of the UN DESD


The goal of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014, DESD), for which UNESCO is the lead agency, is to integrate the principles, values, and practices of sustainable development into all aspects of education and learning. This educational effort will encourage changes in behaviour that will create a more sustainable future in terms of environmental integrity, economic viability, and a just society for present and future generations.

The mission of DESD, as outlined by UNESCO is:

Sustainable development is seeking to meet the needs of the present without compromising those of future generations. We have to learn our way out of current social and environmental problems and learn to live sustainably.

Education for sustainable development (ESD) aims to help people to develop the attitudes, skills and knowledge to make informed decisions for the benefit of themselves and others, now and in the future, and to act upon these decisions.

The United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD, 2005-2014), for which UNESCO is the lead agency, seeks to integrate the principles, values, and practices of sustainable development into all aspects of education and learning, in order to address the social, economic, cultural and environmental problems we face in the 21st century."


Contributions to this section are welcome! Please send an email to Hari Srinivas at - hsrinivas@gdrc.org

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Contact: Hari Srinivas - hsrinivas@gdrc.org