BLIND MEN & ELEPHANTS

Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann

A perspective on Education for Sustainable Development

BLIND MEN & ELEPHANTS

Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann

United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development: 2005–2014

BLIND MEN & ELEPHANTS

Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann

Many attempts to define –Live well without jeopardizing future generationsLive within planetary boundaries

First: what is’Sustainable Development’?

BLIND MEN & ELEPHANTS

Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann

Many attempts to define –Live well without jeopardizing future generationsLive within planetary boundariesTransform human civilization so that it will have a future

First: what is’Sustainable Development’?

BLIND MEN & ELEPHANTS

Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann

The ESD Decade is intended to enable us to do that throughall aspects of learning:• Learning to know • Learning to do• Learning to live together • Learning to be • Learning to transform oneself and society

Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann

BLIND MEN & ELEPHANTS

Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann

1. ESD is FOR, not ABOUT sustainable development.

That means:Not knowledge transfer butskills transfer. Skills to take actionfor sustainable development.

BLIND MEN & ELEPHANTS

Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann

The concept of skills transfer for sustainable development

implies ESD content:• Clarify the direction of sustainable development• Make tools available• Deepen the collective learning process

BLIND MEN & ELEPHANTS

Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann

2. ESD goes beyond goals.It’s a journey, not adestination.

Imagine lessons that transcend goals, stimulate creativity, innovation and risk-taking

BLIND MEN & ELEPHANTS

Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann

Lessons that transcend goals, stimulate creativity and innovation

enable students to• Create images of desired futures• Identify action opportunities• Participate in ongoing dialogue, feedback

and assessment

BLIND MEN & ELEPHANTS

Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann

In other words:Lessons that transcend goals, stimulate creativity and innovation

empower students to• Understand their own contribution• Make conscious lifestyle choices• Support each other

BLIND MEN & ELEPHANTS

Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann

3. ESD respects none of our established boundaries.

That means it is:• Transdisciplinary• Transsectoral• Supportive of local solutions from a global perspective• Inclusive and integrative

BLIND MEN & ELEPHANTS

Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann

Trans-boundary is not easyto integrate in curriculum.

Mainstreaming or special topic?• Mainstreaming is good for Education about SD• E for SD makes unusual demands on teachers• Not all teachers are ready for a pedagogy of empowerment

BLIND MEN & ELEPHANTS

Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann

4. So what IS Educationfor SustainableDevelopment for?

The UN identifies 3 pillars of sustainability:• Social• Environmental• Economic

BLIND MEN & ELEPHANTS

Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann

Specific goals for the Decadeemphasize the social dimension

BiodiversityClimate change Gender equalityCultural diversity Health promotionIndigenous knowledge Sustainable lifestylesDisaster risk reduction Peace and human securityPoverty reduction Water

BLIND MEN & ELEPHANTS

Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann

Missing?The economic pillar

This may be the most important!Global events highlight unsustainabilityof current economic systems.

BLIND MEN & ELEPHANTS

Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann

A key to E for SD:

Empowermentpluscritical thinking!

Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann

BLIND MEN & ELEPHANTS

Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann

ESD 1. Is FOR, not ABOUT2. Goes beyond goals3. Respects no

boundaries4. Rests on 3 pillars5. Is empowerment plus

critical thinking

BLIND MEN & ELEPHANTS

Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann

ESD 1. Is FOR, not ABOUT2. Goes beyond goals3. Respects no

boundaries4. Rests on 3 pillars5. Is empowerment plus 6. …and is

criticial thinkingtransformative

Education for Sustainable Development

holds the promise of a transformed civilization for future generations.Global Action Plan International © 2011 Marilyn Mehlmann