What is ESD?
ESD equips learners with the knowledge, skills, values and competencies needed to actively and responsibly contribute to shaping a sustainable future. At its core lies a shared global vision: a just, liveable and future‑oriented world, as outlined in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. ESD is firmly anchored in the SDGs as Target 4.7 and, through its holistic approach, provides a foundation for achieving all other goals of the 2030 Agenda.
Who is ESD for?
Guided by the principle of lifelong learning, ESD addresses people of all ages across all areas of education and society. This includes early childhood education, schools and higher education institutions, as well as companies, civil society organisations, networks, municipalities and public administrations.
A Whole Institution Approach is essential to embed ESD sustainably. This means integrating ESD as a cross‑cutting principle at all levels of an organisation – from governance and strategy to teaching, learning and everyday practice.
The Role of the German Commission for UNESCO
In Germany, the German Commission for UNESCO plays a key role in promoting, coordinating and advancing ESD in line with UNESCO’s global framework.
Working at the interface of policy, practice and international cooperation, it supports the structural anchoring, visibility and quality development of ESD across education sectors.
Under the lead of the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ), the German Commission for UNESCO accompanies the national implementation of ESD for 2030 in Germany. It also represents Germany’s engagement in international ESD processes and networks, including UNESCO ESD‑NET, the Greening Education Partnership and UNECE activities.
To raise awareness of ESD and strengthen its implementation in Germany, the German Commission for UNESCO focuses on three key instruments:
- maintaining a nationwide ESD-Initiatives-Map,
- recognising exemplary ESD initiatives through national awards and prizes, and
- fostering exchange and mutual learning through ESD community events.
Together, these instruments support visibility, networking and quality development within the German ESD landscape.
Making ESD visible and connected.
ESD-Initiatives-Map
The ESD-Initiatives-Map showcases ESD engagement across Germany, supports networking among initiatives and offers inspiration for those interested in Education for Sustainable Development.
Initiatives that offer and implement ESD activities can register on the map. By creating a stakeholder profile, they can: present their work publicly, list ESD‑related events in the events calendar, and subscribe to the quarterly BNEws newsletter, which provides updates on news, calls for applications and developments in the ESD landscape.
ESD Events Calendar
The events calendar features ESD‑related activities organised by initiatives listed on the Stakeholder Map. These include seminars, panel discussions, lectures and workshops that offer opportunities for exchange, networking and further learning.
National Recognition
National Prize – Education for Sustainable Development
With the National Prize – Education for Sustainable Development, the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ) and the German Commission for UNESCO honour outstanding ESD engagement every two years.
The prize is awarded to nine learning environments, educational landscapes and multipliers that have firmly embedded ESD in their initiatives, as well as to one innovative newcomer.
National Award – Education for Sustainable Development
Together with the BMBFSFJ, the German Commission for UNESCO recognises exemplary ESD engagement several times a year through the National Award – Education for Sustainable Development. Applications can be submitted year‑round.
ESD and the UNESCO
For around two decades, UNESCO has been driving the global implementation of Education for Sustainable Development.
With the framework programme “Education for Sustainable Development: Towards Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (ESD for 2030)”, UNESCO has established a strategic roadmap to strengthen ESD worldwide by 2030. The programme builds on previous global initiatives and aims to embed ESD more firmly within education systems across the globe.
At the heart of ESD for 2030 lies the Roadmap, which outlines priority areas and concrete steps for governments, civil society organisations, education institutions and development partners. It highlights five priority action areas:
• advancing policy,
• transforming learning and training environments (Whole Institution Approach),
• developing capacities of educators and multipliers,
• mobilising and empowering youth, and
• accelerating sustainable solutions at local level.
