Driving change: Let’s empower the next generation to take on the world’s most critical environmental issues. – 123rf.com
As we confront an array of global challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss to social inequality, it has become increasingly clear that addressing these issues starts with education.
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), which promotes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving and participatory skills, is emerging as a cornerstone in nurturing a generation that is not only aware of these challenges but also equipped and motivated to find solutions to problems.
This, however, is not as simple as it sounds as it involves more than merely imparting knowledge. As we move forward, our education system must evolve, and our teachers must be trained to empower their students through the normalisation of empathy and compassion so that they can take ownership of their learning and actions.
Here are some ways of integrating ESD into our education system, which can help develop holistic individuals who will not just be workers but also global citizens capable of creating positive change, thereby fostering a more sustainable future.
> Heart of the curricula
ESD lies at the core of the global sustainability agenda and should not be treated merely as an “add-on” to the curricula. It is an integral component of quality education that also supports lifelong learning. By embedding ESD principles into curricula, educational systems can transform how students perceive and address environmental and social issues.
> Green schools
The movement towards greener education involves more than just introducing new subjects; it is a holistic approach that includes personalised and active learning, interdisciplinary approaches, social and emotional learning, and community engagement to enhance student understanding and their ability to take informed action.
To achieve this, we need green schools that integrate environmental considerations into their operations and educational practices through the implementation of sustainable practices within the school environment and student engagements in environmental projects to foster a culture of sustainability within the school community.
> Engaging the community
Effectively teaching our young to care for the planet requires the involvement of everyone, including students, teachers, parents, the private sector and civil society. Schools can serve as a learning hub for environmental action where students are encouraged to address local and global environmental issues but a collaborative approach via community collaboration is needed if we are to amplify the impact of ESD.
> Sustainability education
In Malaysia, the Asia Headquarters of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) has developed and implemented the ESD professional development programme for in-service teachers in Malaysian schools. The pilot programme involves teachers from seven schools and will be extended to teachers from an additional 30 schools but we still have a lot of catching up to do.
In Japan, ESD is deeply ingrained in their education curriculum. The country, which has more than 1,000 ESD schools, emphasises transformative learning, to help students develop awareness and empathy, empowered to drive sustainability.
Meanwhile, Indonesia is making strides in embedding sustainability into its educational system with 47 universities hosting SDG centres and over 5,600 green schools. Currently, the integration of climate change education into the curriculum is being phased in for the 2024/2025 academic year.
> Concerted effort
Mainstreaming ESD requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses vision, curriculum, teaching, assessment and reporting. It is not solely about imparting knowledge but more about fostering project-based learning and a whole-school approach. This involves policy implementation and the active participation of all stakeholders.
> Mission 4.7
Despite significant efforts, only 16% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are on track. Issues such as inequality, climate crisis and biodiversity loss highlight the urgent need to enhance ESD. This is where Mission 4.7 comes in to bring together leaders from all sectors of government, academia, civil society and businesses to develop educational resources, encourage nations to invest in transformative education, and find effective methods for training and supporting educators globally. We can start by integrating ESD into our educational curriculum from kindergarten right up to universities.
Integrating ESD into global education systems is a powerful way to address the pressing challenges of our time and to better equip young people with the skills and mindset needed for a sustainable future.
Together, we have the power to drive meaningful change and ensure that the next generation is prepared to take on the world’s most critical environmental and social issues.
Prof Datuk Dr Elizabeth Lee is the group chief executive officer at Sunway Education. A veteran in the field of private higher education, Prof Lee is also an advocate for women in leadership. She has been recognised both locally and internationally for her contributions to the field of education.
The views expressed here are the writer’s own.
