Activists, interest groups, politicians, or companies – each makes a contribution or has the potential to contribute to societal development. Sustainable Development is a vision, which is promoted through individuals. Education for Sustainable Development is empowerment for sustainable change. Learning and education builds a bridge between the content of sustainability and the initiative of the people.
The most popular and most widely accepted definition of Sustainable Development from the World Commission on Environment and Development is: “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” But what does this mean in your society?
When a society wants to make essential changes to its way of being and functioning fundamentally in every of its parts, it needs actors who can think in a new way and carry out concrete actions. Education on sustainable development starts at this interface between citizens and sustainability.
Practical ideas for planning your workshops in a globally responsible way
Examples taken from all day life, explored in groups: In example mobile phone, jeans, coffee, steak. Participants learn that sustainable development has something to do with their everyday life.
Examples taken from all day life, explored in groups: In example mobile phone, jeans, coffee, steak. Participants learn that sustainable development has something to do with their everyday life.
Which rules and incentives can we establish to act sustainably during our meetings? Ask participants to brainstorm ideas for your Code of Conduct.
Fairness and economy are illustrated with the example of the way a pair of jeans begins with cotton grown in Africa, then is manufactured before it is sent to a shop in your country.
City rallies help everyone become more familiar with the place where the meeting is held, help you and your participants get to know one another, and provide information on sustainable development.
In contrast to most trainings and seminars you might set vegetarian food as "normal" and ask those, who eat meat, to announce that to the organizers, so they could order meat for them. Often teams do it the other way round, where vegetarians have to announce it particularly, that they don't want to eat meat.
Good Practice on how to connect Education for Sustainable Development with civil engagement.
This is an example of a short simulation game which helps the participants understand the concept of sustainable development.
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"Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy, and sustainable human development.”
Kofi Annan
Handbook:
E. Keen, J. Pinkeviciute, A. Hayes, A. Berecz, B. Akyüz
Sustainability and youth work
CoE/EUC 2018: Download
Handbook:
A. Galfayan, S. Wehrsig,
N. Zimmermann
Environment and Civil Involvement
How Can We Connect Education for Sustainable Development and Active Citizenship Empowerment?
MitOst editions 2013: Download
