Welcome to the September 2025 edition of the York University UNESCO Chair Newsletter!
Following a packed High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York in July, the summer flew by. Here we are, ready to start into the Fall! In this September edition of our newsletter, we highlight the breadth of opportunities available for the wider Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) community in the months to come - online and in person. With that, we hope to inspire continued efforts towards a more just and sustainable future, such as described in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through ESD. Please feel free to share this newsletter or invite your colleagues to sign up for future editions.
Charles Hopkins & Katrin Kohl
UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education towards Sustainability, York University
Recap: Global Higher Education Meeting held during HLPF in New York in July 2025
A landmark meeting during the HLPF in New York (USA) convened diverse voices, such as university leaders, youth, business, civil society, and UN agencies engaged in higher education, to reimagine the role of higher education in a turbulent world.
On 18 July 2025, against the backdrop of threats to higher education, a continuing climate crisis, inequalities, and technological disruption, participants at the Global Higher Education Symposium (GHES) explored new pathways to underscore higher education’s value to act as a catalyst for sustainability and social justice.
The dialogue emphasized the opportunity for systemic innovation with higher education being a transformative force for sustainability within our societies.
Charles Hopkins to hold keynote at TLLC 2025 on 11 September 2025
As we navigate the evolving landscape of higher education, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) presents both transformative opportunities and critical challenges. Taylor's International Conference on AI and Education for Sustainable Futures (TTLC 2025), to be held in Subang Jaya (Malaysia) on 11-12 September 2025, aims to serve as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and actionable insights in this space. UNESCO Chair Charles Hopkins will deliver the keynote Teaching for Tomorrow: Advancing Education for Sustainable Development. His address will highlight the role of higher education in preparing responsible leaders to meet the various sustainability challenges today and tomorrow including climate change and AI.
Katrin Kohl to facilitate workshop at Eco-Campus Conference on 18 September 2025
Hosted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), one of the world's largest institutions mandated with ESD, the Eco-Campus International Conference 2025 is a global event that brings together academic leaders, sustainability practitioners, policymakers, and students to advance sustainability across education systems. Participants of this second edition, to be held in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) on 18-20 September 2025, will explore innovations in higher education that bridge disciplines, sectors, or communities, including collaborative initiatives between researchers and practitioners, transdisciplinary methodologies, and community-engaged scholarship. Together with Subarna Sivapalan from the University of Nottingham Malaysia, UNESCO Co-Chair Katrin Kohl will co-host a plenary workshop on the whole-institution approach with insights into new publications, global research, and multi-sector collaborations that drive meaningful progress towards sustainability.
Webinar opportunity: next session in the UNESCO-UNFCCC series on the road to COP30 on 2 September 2025
On 2 September 2025 at 10am CEST, this fourth webinar in the 2025 UNESCO-UNFCCC series on the road to COP30 will examine how change agents - especially youth and indigenous community members - can be supported to advance local climate action through lifelong learning, collaboration, and participatory approaches. It also explores how to overcome challenges like tokenism and resource constraints, while supporting the development of inclusive, locally grounded climate learning strategies.
Webinar opportunity: From chalkboards to chatbots: Educating adults in the AI era on 3 September 2025
As part of UNESCO's Digital Learning Week 2025, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) invites all to join a timely discussion on the role of artificial intelligence in adult learning and education. On 3 September 2025 at 1pm CEST / 7am EDT, this session will explore how AI is reshaping teaching and learning practices, while raising important ethical, social, and pedagogical questions. Experts will highlight inclusive, human-centred approaches to integrating AI responsibly in adult education. A new online course will also be introduced, equipping adult educators worldwide to confidently and effectively use AI in their teaching.
Webinar opportunity: ESD-Net learning on early childhood and care education for sustainability on 16 September 2025
On 16 September 2025 at 1:30pm CEST / 7:30am EDT, this next session in the ESD-Net Learning Series 2025 will spotlight the vital role of early childhood care and education (ECCE) in embedding sustainability from the very start of lifelong learning. The webinar will showcase cutting‑edge research and inspiring case studies from around the world, exploring the competencies, pedagogies, and enabling conditions needed to integrate ESD into early childhood environments. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how we can cultivate lifelong sustainability values from the earliest stages of education and discuss ideas with experts from around the world. Learn more about the session and the speakers.
Webinar opportunity: Book launch on 8 October 2025
On 8 October 2025 at 4pm CEST / 10am EDT, join the online launch of Education for Sustainable Futures: Global Citizenship and the Earth Charter, a thought-provoking new volume featuring voices from around the world. Edited by Doug Bourne, Mirian Vilela, and Namrata Sharma, and endorsed by UNESCO Chair Charles Hopkins, the book explores global citizenship and sustainability in education. Learn more about the event.
Register for the 12th International Youth Conference (IYC12) in New York 24-27 September 2025
Join young changemakers from around the world at the 12th International Youth Conference (IYC12) in New York City during UNGA80 High-Level Week on 24-27 September 2025. Under the theme Youth Solutions for a Changing World, IYC12 will feature global dialogues, innovation labs, and a youth-led outcome declaration.
IAU Conference in Kigali on 21-23 October 2025
Universities have long been trusted institutions, valued for their openness, ethical commitments, and self-correcting systems. Yet today, their ability to demonstrate value is increasingly questioned. To be held in Kigali (Rwanda) on 21-23 October 2025, the International Association of Universities (IAU) 2025 Conference will explore the foundations of trust in higher education in uncertain times. The full programme is available, and registration is open now.
14th Global RCE Conference in Okayama on 21-23 October 2025
The 14th Global Conference of the Regional Centres of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development will be held in Okayama (Japan) on 21–23 October 2025. It will bring together RCE members and key stakeholders to exchange knowledge, celebrate achievements and shape the future of ESD. The conference is organized and hosted by UNU-IAS, RCE Okayama and Okayama City. UNU-IAS serves as the Global Service Centre to the Global RCE Network through its work on innovation and education. Online attendance is open to all interested stakeholders.
AASHE 2025 Conference & Expo in Minneapolis on 22-24 October 2025
On 22-24 October 2025, the AASHE 2025 Conference & Expo will bring together higher education sustainability leaders, researchers, and practitioners to share strategies, research, and best practices in Minneapolis (MN, USA). Topics include climate action, curriculum development, and equity. The conference offers workshops, panels, and networking to support institutions in advancing sustainability across teaching, operations, and community engagement. Join us at the AASHE 2025 Conference when UNESCO Chair Charles Hopkins will receive the AASHE Lifetime Achievement Award! In addition, Co-Chair Katrin Kohl will host a networking event on the whole-institution approach.
2025 Copernicus Higher Education Summit on 19-20 November 2025
To be held on 19-20 November 2025 as an online event, the 2025 Higher Education Summit invites bold contributions to transform education in uncertain times. Climate crisis, conflict, inequality, and misinformation challenge us - but higher education can respond with courage and creativity. Join students, educators, and changemakers to explore transformative learning, inner development, and regenerative leadership. The draft programme is now available and registration is open for online participation.
New publications
Articles published in the JESD special issue on policy perspectives on ESD
The Journal of Education for Sustainable Development (JESD) is a forum for academics and practitioners to share and critique innovations in thinking and practice in the continuously emerging field of ESD. Edited by SDSN and York's UNESCO Chair, articles from a special issue on Policy Perspectives on ESD are now available as OnlineFirst.
IAU Horizons out now
With five years left to 2030, the role of higher education for the SDGs has never been more critical. The IAU Horizon Transforming Our World: Shaping the Path Forward, reflects on the future role of universities in driving transformation, including a contribution from Katrin Kohl and Vinitha Gengatharan.
Status, Trends and Issues of ESD in Highly Competitive Countries
The new publication, titled Status, Trends and Issues of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Highly Competitive Countries, edited by Yi-Fang Lee and Lung-Sheng Lee, brings together voices from leading scholars, showcasing ESD in ten of the world’s most competitive education systems.
23 To Change Report published
Join EDuC invites the global ESD community to explore the 23 To Change Report, the outcome of its inaugural global campaign to deepen understanding of higher education for sustainability. Published in July 2025, the report highlights insights and progress toward embedding sustainability in university programs worldwide.
For our Canadian community: Powering youth environmental literacy through networked learning: Youth deliberation for energy justice in Canada
Cape Breton University and the University of Alberta are launching a national youth initiative on energy justice and climate action. From February to April 2026, 26 high schools across Canada will join four virtual exchanges, working on storytelling, research, and co-authoring a national youth climate policy paper. In May 2026, student delegates and teachers will gather for a National Writing Retreat to present their work and share solutions locally. If you are a teacher in Canada, you can learn more about this unique opportunity and join with your students.
For our Canadian community: Learning for a Sustainable Future under new leadership and recent report on Canadian perspectives on climate change
After 30 years of inspiring leadership, Pam Schwartzberg and Elaine Rubinoff are retiring from Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF) as of 1 September 2025. Their vision and dedication shaped LSF into a vibrant community advancing ESD across Canada. We warmly congratulate Jenn Stevens (President & CEO) and Samantha Gawron (Chief Strategy & Operations Officer) on assuming the LSF leadership roles. With their proven commitment and experience, LSF is well-positioned to continue empowering educators and youth to change Canada for the better.
Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF) also recently shared the 3rd climate change and education survey report: From Awareness to Action: Canadians on Climate Change and Education – 2025 National Report, offering one of the most comprehensive looks yet at what Canadians know, feel, and seek when it comes to climate change and education.
Keep up to date with the UNESCO Transforming Futures Project
The UNESCO Chair team is excited to be part of the Transforming Futures, a UNESCO-led initiative that empowers educators and institutions through action research to strengthen Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) aligned with the 2030 Agenda. The project supports 35 ASPnet schools and four higher education institutions across 10 countries, including Brazil, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Germany, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Romania, and Slovenia, fostering innovative, locally driven ESD practices. Stay tuned for more updates!
ESD to be discussed in 80th UN General Assembly
The UN Secretary-General has transmitted the latest report of the UNESCO Director-General on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in the framework of the 2030 Agenda. The report reviews progress on the ESD for 2030 framework as a key enabler of sustainable development, highlighting updates on initiatives, such as the Greening Education Partnership and country-level actions. It also showcases higher education leadership through LEAP-FAST (Leaders in Higher Education Alliance and Programme – For Accelerating Sustainability Transformations), launched with UNITAR to empower sustainability leaders in universities worldwide.
Last but not least: Join the Smurfs in promoting the SDGs
Ready to raise your voice and take action for fairness, respect, and every child’s right to speak up and be heard? The Smurfs, together with ActNow and UNICEF, are here to help children, parents, caregivers, and communities turn children’s rights into reality and create a better world for all. Act now to help shape a more inclusive world where every child feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.