Publications
The publications below are recommended resources on Education for Sustainable Development:
Publications released by UNESCO Bangkok:
ESD Currents: Changing Perspectives from the Asia-Pacific
This publication provides a snapshot of activities in the Asia-Pacific to stimulate discussion for all players in the ever increasing circle of stakeholders in Education for Sustainable Development. The importance of consistently creating network associations for a sustainable future is further reiterated, as we look at the diversified landscape of initiatives that fall under the widening ESD umbrella.
ESD on the Move: National and Subregional ESD Initiatives in the Asia-Pacific Region
This publication examines how thirteen UNESCO Member States and two subregions in Asia and the Pacific region have begun developing initiatives for the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development during the first years of implementation, including challenges, gaps in implementation and factors for success. This publication was compiled through the generous contributions of the Japanese Funds in Trust for ESD in partnership with UNESCO National Commissions in the Asia-Pacific. It is hoped that the experiences highlighted in this publication will serve as a guide for countries as they take steps towards implementing the Decade in their own national and subregional contexts.
Bridging the Gap between the Rights and Needs of Indigenous Communities and the Management of Protected Areas: Case Studies from Thailand
This report presents and analyses data collected between 2004 and 2005 in the Surin Islands and Tarutao national marine parks. The report concludes with recommendations for enhanced protected area management and methods to promote natural and cultural conservation
Education for Sustainable Development: Linking Learning and Happiness
This pamphlet provides a brief overview of the development concept of Gross National Happiness and its linkages with Education for Sustainable Development as a means for promoting 'Happiness' through quality learning
Asia-Pacific Guidelines for the Development of National ESD Indicators
The Asia-Pacific Guidelines for the Development of National ESD Indicators is the product of an international collaborative effort generously funded by the Japanese Funds-In-Trust and lead by UNESCO Bangkok and Macquarie University with assistance from the IUCN CEC to learn about and advance knowledge on the processes for developing national ESD indicators, data collection and reporting mechanisms. The document provides a foundation to assist UNESCO Member States in the Asia-Pacific with the development of their national ESD monitoring systems to assess progress during the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. (pdf, 3mb)
Monitoring and Assessing Progress during the UNDESD in the Asia-Pacific Region: A Quick Guide to Developing National ESD Indicators
A resource designed to assist UNESCO Member States in the Asia-Pacific with developing national ESD indicators and monitoring systems for assessing progress during the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. The Quick Guide provides an overview of the key messages and tools identified in the Asia-Pacific Guidelines for the Development of National ESD Indicators and acts as a map for finding relevant information in the Guidelines document. (1.8mb)
Natural Disaster Preparedness and Education for Sustainable Development
This publication provides details of the development of culturally appropriate and locally relevant educational materials for natural disaster preparedness that target key stakeholder groups and integrate Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) principles and strategies.
A Situational Analysis of Education for Sustainable Development in the Asia-Pacific Region (2005)
The Situational Analysis provides a snapshot view of the extent to which ESD has been integrated across various educational settings. Moving from Environmental Education to ESD will be a key challenge for the Decade. Youth, rural and indigenous communities, civil society, media and the private sector all important stakeholders in meeting this challenge.
Working Paper: Asia-Pacific Regional Strategy for Education for Sustainable Development (2005)
The Strategy serves to help guide the implementation of ESD throughout the Asia-Pacific region. It is an open document that is adaptable for revision according to the changing needs of stakeholders and emerging issues throughout the Decade of ESD.
The Working Paper is available in English, Chinese and Japanese language.
Publications released by other UNESCO offices:
UNESCO Associated Schools Good Practices in Education for Sustainable Development 2009.
This second collection of ASPnet good practices for quality education takes stock of some of the contributions being made by UNESCO Associated Schools in support of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD).
EFA-ESD dialogue: Educating for a sustainable world
This paper explores both the tensions and the common ground between Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Education for All (EFA) and identifies the potential synergies between them. While acknowledging the different agendas and unique strengths and perspectives of EFA and ESD, this paper proposes a strategy for moving towards increased synergy and collaboration. Finally, this paper suggests ways forward for bringing together ESD and EFA within shared mechanisms and processes.
Young Consumers' Guide to Eco-Friendly Living
The 2008 Training Kit on Sustainable Consumption, produced by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is now in its second edition. YouthXchange is a train the trainer tool that aims to promote sustainable consumption patterns among young consumers worldwide. Among other novelties, this updated guide includes a chapter on how to find a balance between youths' consumer aspirations of dressing cool and fashionable while at the same time being aware of the impact of their consumption on, for example, climate change.
Framework for a DESD Communication Strategy in Support of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development
Provides guidelines for different stakeholders to come together and work on a joint harmonious communication strategy, dedicated to furthering the exchange of information on ESD
The framework is available in English and French language (pdf, 460kb)
Guidelines and Recommendations for Reorienting Teacher Education to Address Sustainability (2005)
Educating for a more sustainable future includes improving quality basic education, reorienting education to address sustainability, improving public awareness, and providing training to many sectors of society. This document focuses on one aspect of education - teacher education - especially the role of institutions of teacher education in reorienting their curricula to address sustainability. It offers concrete suggestions on how to reorient teacher education to address sustainable development.
Links between the Global Initiatives in Education (2005)
Since 2000, the United Nations has launched four global initiatives, all of which focus on education: Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Education for All (EFA), the United Nations Literacy Decade and the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. UNESCO is the coordinating agency for three of the four goals. This new publication explains the common values and ideals of these initiatives.
"Teaching and Learning for a Sustainable Future" - A Multimedia Teacher Education Programme (2002)
"Teaching and Learning for a Sustainable Future" is a multimedia professional development programme for educators prepared by the UNESCO programme on educating for a sustainable future. It contains 100 hours (divided into 25 modules) of professional development for use in pre-service teacher courses as well as the in-service education of teachers, curriculum developers, education policy makers, and authors of educational materials.
If you have any problems downloading or have questions, comments or concerns in general, please email esd [at] unescobkk.org.