National Award – Education for Sustainable Development
The German Commission for UNESCO, together with the Federal Ministry of Education, honours outstanding commitment to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Germany.
This National Award honours organisations, institutions, companies and initiatives that contribute to a sustainable society with innovative educational programmes and promote the United Nations' global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The National Award is aimed at stakeholders from all areas of education who shape their work, their institution or their community as a place of sustainable development. Awards are given, for example, to daycare centres, schools, universities, companies, associations, networks and communities or individuals who implement Education for Sustainable Development in innovative ways – regardless of whether they are just starting out or have been active for many years.
Why an award?
The National Award is part of UNESCO's ‘ESDfor2030’ programmeExternal link: and raises public awareness of the initiatives' commitment. It honours high-quality educational approaches that support the goals of the Agenda 2030 and highlights how education contributes decisively to the transformation towards a more sustainable future. The award boosts the visibility and impact of the initiatives and honours the winners at public events. It provides easier access to an active network of dedicated players in Germany and around the world.
How does the ESD network in Germany look like? Would you like to learn more about Education for Sustainable Development in Germany or be inspired by good practices? The ESD stakeholder mapExternal link: provides a comprehensive overview of the commitment in Germany – including all award-winning initiatives and prize winners. The map invites you to browse and provides insight into a variety of approaches to how education can promote a sustainable future.
How does the award work?
Throughout the year, interested parties from across Germany can apply for the ESD Award. Applicants begin by creating a profile on the ESD stakeholder map. These are then reviewed by a panel of external experts.
Evaluation criteria include, for example:
Are high-quality educational programmes in the field of ESD being implemented and do they address diverse target groups?
Is a holistic ESD approach in the sense of a Whole Institution Approach being pursued and promoted?
Is a transformative educational approach being strengthened and are learners being supported in the development of their creative skills?
Is ESD work guided by Agenda 2030 and the 17 SDGs? Are existing conflicts of interest and challenges between the SDGs integrated into the learning and teaching programmes?
Are learners involved in educational processes in a participatory manner and is youth participation promoted?
Are there collaborations with other initiatives?
Are challenges and opportunities arising from technological change integrated into the learning and teaching programmes?
Is there evidence of innovation being promoted in the educational programmes?
In addition to the National Award, the German Commission for UNESCO and the Federal Ministry of EducationExternal link: also present the National Prize for Education for Sustainable Development. Every two years the ESD Prize honours particularly outstanding and innovative projects that serve as beacons for Education for Sustainable Development in Germany and have a supra-regional impact. While the National Award honours a broad spectrum of actors and also encourages initiatives at the beginning of their engagement, the ESD Prize is aimed at particularly effective pioneers with exemplary character. The ten winners get a Prize money of 10.000€ each.
