The future begins now Education is the key to sustainable development By Dr. Claudia Uribe
Š UNESCO
The leadership of global, multilateral institutions has already yielded some success, with goals being agreed to reduce the emission of CO2 and other gases harmful to the climate. Implementing and maintaining the necessary measures over the long term, however, presents a challenge for many countries.
Dr. Claudia Uribe is Director of the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Education in Latin America and the Caribbean and is also the UNESCO representative for Chile. UNESCO supports member states and their interest groups in their efforts to implement education for sustainable development as part of the Education 2030 Agenda.
The effects of climate change are causing tremendous suffering for millions of people around the world. As the world hurtles towards the point of no return, it is more important than ever that we come together as a global community and commit to targeted, collective action. The scope and intertwining of climate change is so massive and its consequences so far-reaching that no country, group or individual will be able to master the challenges alone. In the search for solutions it will be necessary to collaborate across national boundaries and all social groups.
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If we are to combat climate change, we need sustainable, long-term solutions. Once concluded and signed, agreements need to be enforced. It is becoming increasingly evident that senior leadership will be unable to achieve this alone; instead, it will require a basis of mature and informed citizens to monitor undertakings on climate protection and demand that promises are kept. We will only be successful in our fight against climate change if we realize what is at stake for humanity. We must resolve to raise our voices to call for action. Each and every one of us must fundamentally align our consumer behavior and lifestyle with the principles of sustainable development. Education for sustainable development (ESD) is the key to achieving all of these goals. ESD enables pupils and students to develop the knowledge, attitude, skills and values they need to improve their conditions of life, without robbing future generations of the opportunity to do the same.
