Abstract: Purpose
This strategy outlines the Australian Government's approach to the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD). It sets out a Vision, Goal and Strategies to foster sustainable development through education and learning over the years 2005?2014. Background
At its 57th session in December 2002, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the years from 2005 to 2014 the Decade of Education for ustainable Development. Governments around the world have been invited to strengthen their contribution to sustainability through a focus on education and learning.
The need to act comes in response to growing international concern about the social, economic and environmental challenges facing the world and the need for improved quality of life, ecological protection, social justice and economic equity.
Education for sustainable development recognises the relationship between issues such as poverty, health, education, security, human rights, economic development, and environmental concerns such as climate change, natural resource management and water and energy consumption.
Australia has a role to play in meeting these challenges, both domestically to serve its own interests, and internationally as a member of the global community.
The International Implementation Scheme for the Decade, developed by UNESCO, emphasises improving the basic standard of education, reorienting existing education policies and programmes, developing public understanding and awareness, and providing training, with a particular emphasis on responding to the culture and national needs of individual countries in relation to sustainable development. The International Implementation Scheme is closely aligned with other international initiatives such as the Millennium Development Goals and Education for All.
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