Publications

Contents

• Introduction - Education for Sustainability unites us in a common goal
• 1. Where we are now: National Action Plan - Achievements to date
• 2. DESD and its Aims
• 3. Implementation: Australian Government approach to DESD
• 4. Implementation Strategy

Introduction - Education for Sustainability unites us in a common goal

The beginning of the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) in January this year marks an exciting and promising time for all of us involved in trying to create a sustainable future.

To attain a sustainable future and achieve our economic, social and environmental goals we need to multiply the number of people who support sustainability and are making changes to their way of thinking, living and working. Education plays a critical role by giving people opportunities to reflect, rethink, learn and build their capacity in order to bring about meaningful change.

Education for sustainable development addresses the complexity and interconnectedness of problems such as poverty, wasteful consumption, environmental degradation, urban decay, population growth, health, conflict and the violation of human rights.

The task at hand is enormous, but vital if we are to ensure the creation of truly sustainable societies.