The main objective of this website is to serve as a portal to all ESD related activities and resources for young people:

• Check out youth Networks involved in ESD
• Learn more about ESD for young people by using our Resources Section

ESD and Youth
ESD calls for a lifestyle that contributes to a sustainable society and that considers taking into account all aspects of sustainability (economic, environmental, social and cultural) a key component of decision making. Youth are recognized as key participants in creating a sustainable future. Young people have the energy and enthusiasm as well as the capacity to capture sustainable development values, ideals and goals and act on them to shape our collective future.

Who are Youth?
The United Nations defines youth as persons between the ages of 15 and 24. UNESCO understands that young people are a heterogeneous group in constant evolution and that the experience of "being young" varies enormously across regions and within countries.

Why do we want to engage Youth?

• Youth are a major force in bringing about change;
• Young people around the world continue to inspire others with their vibrancy, motivation, foresight and unique interpretation of the world we live in;
• Young people play an important role in creating a sustainable future;
• Because they are the leaders of tomorrow--to help them to take into their own hands the future they will be leading;
• To raise awareness about issues that will impact all of our lives and environment;
• Youth often want to learn more about issues and take action but often do not know where to begin;
• They can provide innovative and creative ways of tackling issues.

How is UNESCO involving Youth?
Youth are important partners in UNESCO's approach to ESD as seen through their role as a key stakeholder group in both UNESCO's International implementation Scheme (IIS) for the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) and in the Regional Strategy for the Decade in Asia-Pacific.

UNESCO organizes various projects targeting the Youth. Check out The United Nations Youth Agenda for a broader understanding of youth development and the United Nations. 


Get Involved - What can you do?

• You can discuss topics related to sustainable development, both formally and informally, at school or with family and friends.
• You can be actively involved in youth organizations.
• You can join regional or national networks.
• You can raise awareness through your own projects and activities and promote them to the media.
• You can encourage sustainable development concerns to be incorporated in government programmes and policies for youth.

Think you don't have time to become involved?
All you need to do is consider the impact of the actions in your daily life to make a difference.

For example:

• What is the impact of buying a piece of clothing?
• Where was it made?
• Who made it?
• What type of processes are we supporting by purchasing this item?
• What is the impact of buying bottled water on a regular basis and continuously throwing away each bottle?

Participatory Involvement
What projects do you think would be beneficial?