UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development 2005-20014
The DESD at a glance
Education for Sustainable Development is everyone's business.
1. WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, AND HOW CAN WE MAKE IT HAPPEN?
What do we mean exactly by sustainable development and how to attain it? Here are some concrete examples: -> Fostering peace
The 1990s saw an increase in conflicts in Africa and South America, as well as in Asia and Europe. War is a state of extreme human rights violations, namely the right to life, and of deep country – wide disorganization, that destroys all social and economic progress. Without peace, no model od development will be possible. Fostering peace is thus also working towards sustainable development! -> Fighting against global warming
Experts from around the world study the causes and effects of greenhouse gas emissions that are the root of planet's global warming. The international community is mobilized to address this problem. Measures are taken to preserve the planet from the negative consequences of global warming caused by air pollution (transportation, factories and power plants) including climate change, therefore, protect the planet in order to pass on sustainable heritage to future generations. -> Reducing North/South inequalities and fighting against poverty
An importer the North organizes a purchase and distribution circuit for coffee produced by farmers in South in a preserved environment. These farmers sell their production at a fair price, which allows them to cover their production costs and to live decently. This is fair trade, and it contributes to poverty reduction. -> Fighting against the marginalization of women and girls
Literate women and girls enrolled in school in the South guarantee the well – being of their families: children are better nourished, cared for, and attend at least primary school from the first to the last year. Mothers can then contribute to the household income through economic activities and fully take part in community life. Providing literacy to adults or schooling to children allows everyone to benefit from her or his right to education! -> Sustainable development means having a different vision of the world
Sustainable development, a constantly evolving concept, is thus the will to improve everyone's quality of life, including that of future generations, by reconciling economic growth, social development and environmental protection. As the above examples illustrate, improving the quality of life takes on a different aspect from one continent to another, from one region to another, and from one country to the next. No single continent, government, institution or individual, however, can attain this alone because the nature of the challenges to overcome requires a global, collective, and individual commitment. Improving the quality of our life implies a change in our learning. As UNESCO's Director – General Koichiro Matsuura stresses: "Education – in all its forms and at all levels – is not only an end itself but is also one of the most powerful instrument we have for bringing about the changes required to achieve sustainable development". Education for Sustainable Development is not an potion but a priority
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