ESU's Statement on Education for Sustainable Development

Sustainability is fundamental to education’s public mission, and higher education institutions (HEIs) have a crucial responsibility to equip students with the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary to build a more sustainable society. Recognizing students as powerful changemakers, this statement advocates for their meaningful involvement in shaping education for sustainable development (ESD).

Building on the broader sustainability framework outlined in ESU’s Statement on Sustainability in Higher Education, the document emphasizes that sustainable development must meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It calls for a holistic approach where HEIs, higher education systems, media, businesses, and policymakers collaborate to drive transformative change.

The statement aims to clarify the concept of climate education and ESD, articulate ESU’s position on education’s role in sustainability, and provide National Unions of Students (NUSes) with principles and recommendations to advocate for the comprehensive integration of ESD in higher education.

Click here to read the full statement.