Challenges for the UNDESD

Addressing sustainability requires changing the way we think, live and work. This is a big challenge and the enormity of the task puts many people off the concept. However, the benefits to education and our quality of life can be enormous.

UNESCO has recognised the barriers to change and identified several significant challenges for the Decade:

• Better integration of education for sustainable development into relevant development policies and national action plans. This involves improved coordination among the concerned Ministries.
   
• Development of guidelines on education for sustainable development.
   
• Emphasising education for sustainable development in non-formal as well as formal education.
   
• Strengthening institutional capacity building and professional development processes for improved planning and implementation of education for sustainable development.
   
• Increasing monitoring, evaluation and reporting of sustainable development education initiatives and their outcomes and impacts.
   
• Increasing attention to the sustainability of initiatives so that policies, programs and activities are embedded in long-term education plans and financial arrangements.'

United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (2003, p.6) 'UNESCO and the International Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2015)'Connect  XXVIII(1-2).