Education for Sustainable Development: An Investment in a Just and Responsible Future
At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, a comprehensive report reaffirmed the role of education as a transformative force, not merely a means of transmitting knowledge. The report emphasizes that education for sustainable development is a fundamental pillar for achieving the 2030 Agenda, not only by ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all, but also by serving as a driver of social, economic and environmental change, and as a force capable of building a more just and sustainable future for humanity.
Prepared by the Director-General of UNESCO at the request of the General Assembly, the report underscores that education cannot remain confined to classrooms; it must extend into daily life and become part of community activities. This approach promotes sustainable consumption and production practices, strengthens environmentally responsible behavior and integrates sustainability principles into curricula. In doing so, younger generations can acquire the knowledge, skills and values needed to confront major challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, resource scarcity, as well as health and economic crises affecting the world.
The report also highlights the vital role of education in raising environmental awareness, enhancing community resilience to climate shifts and reducing disaster risks. Education is portrayed as an empowering tool that creates real opportunities for youth, women and local communities to lead change, rather than remain passive recipients. This vision is supported by education systems designed to develop life skills, creativity, participation in decision-making and to encourage communities to generate innovative solutions that entrench the principles of justice and equality.
Since challenges transcend borders, the report calls for strengthening international partnerships and integrating the efforts of governments, UN agencies, civil society, the private sector and academia. This includes ensuring adequate funding for the development of educational programs, teacher training and the establishment of global platforms to monitor progress in embedding sustainability in education.
In conclusion, the UNESCO Director-General stresses that education for sustainable development is neither a luxury nor a secondary option, but rather a long-term investment in human capital and in the values of solidarity and shared responsibility. It is the cornerstone for building societies that are more resilient to crises and better prepared to lead the transformation toward a world that is more inclusive, equitable and responsible towards people and the planet, a world shaped with fairness and built by generations who know how to safeguard their future.