Asia-Pacific UN Interagency Steering Committee for DESD
Some of the challenges faced by international agencies in implementing the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) include a wide array of uncoordinated activities, both within countries and between sector specific programmes and agencies; duplication of efforts; and a lack of funds to implement ESD at the regional level.
In keeping with the partnership approach advocated in implementing the DESD, the Asia-Pacific UN Interagency Steering Committee will increase cooperation on ESD at the regional level. The enhanced coordination resulting from this initiative will serve as a catalyst for a productive ESD regional network. A similar committee is being coordinated by UNESCO Headquarters to enhance cooperation at the international level.
Specifically, the Steering Committee is mandated to:
- Be responsible for the coordination of efforts for ESD amongst UN agencies in the Asia-Pacific region through fostering advocacy among UN agencies and preparing generic advocacy materials for other stakeholders (such as Ministers of Education, Environment and other relevant portfolios).
- Liaise with donor organizations to encourage appropriate funding of ESD initiatives in the region.
- Liaise with the Asia-Pacific Regional Consultative Group for DESD.
- Provide transparency and governance for the DESD programme in the region.
- Develop a communications plan to engage other UN agencies.
- Identify projects/initiatives that agencies can contribute to.
- Play a crucial role in the generation of intellectual ideas/views for the Decade.
The Steering Committee consists of regional representatives from various UN organizations and associated agencies. The Committee will meet three to four times a year to hear reports of progress towards ESD from each representative and to discuss strategic overarching plans for the Decade. Annual meetings will be convened between the Committee and the Asia-Pacific Regional Consultative Group for the Decade.