Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a key part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4 and Target 4.7. Target 4.7 aims to ensure that by 2030, all learners gain the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including human rights, gender equality, peace, global citizenship, and cultural diversity.
ESD is a transformative approach to learning that empowers learners of all ages to take an active role in shaping a more sustainable, just, and peaceful world. It equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to tackle global challenges like climate change, inequality, and social injustice. ESD inspires people to think critically, act responsibly, and work individually as well as collectively together for the well-being of both people and the planet, fostering a sense of global citizenship and a commitment to creating a better future for all.
Examples of ESD activities
Here you can find some examples of ESD activities implemented by the participating organizations of the Sustainability Coaches project.
Our Voices Our Planet
Global Learning and Global Dialogue and Learning for Democracy and Sustainability
OUR VOICES OUR PLANET explores the connection between democracy and sustainability through global dialogue and learning. It highlights how democratic participation drives sustainability and how sustainability strengthens democracy, showcasing inspiring movements and activists worldwide. Educational actors from the Global South and North collaborate to create innovative formats and events that empower teachers, educators, and learners to discover this vital link and take action. The project motivates people of all ages to engage in shaping a democratic, sustainable future.
Development of Sustainability Guidelines
Guidelines for a Sustainable Adult Education Organization
The VNB has committed itself to the “whole institution approach”. This involves not only addressing sustainability in educational contexts but also setting a strong example through its own practices. Sustainability is integrated into all aspects of the learning environment, from organizational processes to daily operations. To put this into action, the VNB developed “Guidelines for a Sustainable VNB,” which are applied in areas such as procurement and event management. By implementing these principles, the VNB demonstrates how sustainability can become a guiding principle for education and organizational practices.
globo:log
Network for Global Learning and Education for Sustainable Development
The VNB coordinates the Network for Global Learning within the framework of Education for Sustainable Development. Around 40 governmental and non-governmental member organizations collaborate to develop educational projects, contribute to shaping educational policy, and strengthen civil society engagement in the field of o ESD. The current project, “über:morgen – Utopias for a Just Future,” explores essential questions such as: “What could a just and livable future for everyone look like? What steps can we take to make it a reality? And how can we remain empowered to act despite the global crises and challenges we face today?”
SWEET
Students at work in European enterprises through training
The SWEET project offers mobility grants to school students, allowing them to gain work experience in European companies. This initiative promotes Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) by providing students with practical skills and direct exposure to sustainable practices in the European work environment. Through these experiences, students develop an international perspective on environmental challenges and the solutions adopted in different sectors. This enhances their awareness and commitment to sustainability.
OP4C
OpenPass4Climate
The project enhances Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) by recognizing climate-related skills through open badges. Students are encouraged to actively participate in climate justice initiatives, fostering awareness and responsibility. This approach supports transformative learning, strengthening the link between education and real-world action. Universities are urged to integrate sustainability into their curricula, making it a core aspect of education. Open Pass for Climate contributes to the creation of a more environmentally conscious and engaged generation.
EDUGREENER
EduGreener
EduGreener promotes ESD by providing educational tools to integrate sustainability into school curricula. Through practical activities and educational materials, students develop skills in environmental topics such as renewable energy and circular economy. The project encourages critical thinking and active participation to address ecological challenges. EduGreener aims to shape responsible citizens capable of adopting sustainable behaviors. The initiative reinforces the role of schools in environmental education, driving positive societal change.
UP2NEB
Youth-Centred Upskilling path leveraging on the New European Bauhaus toward peripheral communities
This project aims to provide upskilling programs for youth workers in EU peripheral areas, focusing on sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusivity. The project develops interdisciplinary educational materials inspired by the New European Bauhaus initiative and offers training programs for youth workers on sustainability and environmental advocacy. Hands-on sustainability workshops and fieldwork further enhance the learning experience. This initiative empowers youth workers to implement sustainability education and engage young people in eco-friendly initiatives.
DIFERAL
Differentiated Instruction for Environmental Education
This project promotes inclusive and adaptive teaching methods for environmental education. The initiative includes the development of customized instructional materials tailored to diverse learning needs, teacher training programs to enhance sustainability education approaches, and the implementation of hands-on environmental projects in schools. This project enhances accessibility to environmental education, ensuring that students with different learning abilities can fully participate and benefit.
Greenlead
Training Green Leaders
This project focuses on defining and developing the role of “Green Leaders” within organizations to drive sustainability efforts. It involves creating a job profile outlining key competences for Green Leaders, providing training programs and leadership workshops on sustainability management, and supporting organizations in embedding sustainability within their core policies. By strengthening sustainability leadership across businesses, schools, and community organizations, Greenlead ensures a structured approach to long-term environmental impact.
Green Generations
SYNTHESIS is a key partner in the Green Generations project, bringing its expertise in social innovation, education, and sustainable development to support the initiative’s mission. Green Generations aims to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to take meaningful action towards environmental sustainability. By combining experiential learning, community-driven activities, and digital resources, the project fosters a deeper understanding of ecological responsibility and green entrepreneurship. SYNTHESIS contributes by designing impactful educational materials, facilitating training sessions, and ensuring the project’s inclusivity and accessibility. Through its involvement, SYNTHESIS strengthens the project’s outreach, empowering individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices and drive positive environmental change.
GreenVET
SYNTHESIS is an active partner in the GreenVET project, contributing its expertise in education, social innovation, and sustainability to promote green skills in vocational education and training (VET). GreenVET aims to integrate environmental awareness and sustainable practices into VET curricula, ensuring that future professionals are equipped with the necessary knowledge and competencies to support the transition to a greener economy. SYNTHESIS plays a vital role in developing innovative learning resources, facilitating capacity-building activities, and promoting inclusive and accessible education. Through its involvement, SYNTHESIS helps strengthen the project’s impact by empowering educators, students, and stakeholders to embrace sustainability and environmental responsibility in their professional fields.
GLOW
Growing and Learning in an Outdoor Wonderland
SYNTHESIS is a key partner in the GLOW (Growing and Learning in an Outdoor Wonderland) project, which promotes outdoor education as a powerful tool for fostering children’s well-being, creativity, and environmental awareness. GLOW aims to equip educators with innovative methodologies and resources to integrate nature-based learning into early childhood and primary education. SYNTHESIS contributes by developing educational materials, facilitating teacher training sessions, and ensuring the project’s inclusivity and accessibility. Through its involvement, SYNTHESIS helps expand the impact of outdoor learning, empowering educators to create enriching, nature-connected experiences that enhance children’s development and environmental consciousness.