On 22 October 2026, UNESCO published three new policy papers as part of its Transforming Futures project, complementing the guidance tools launched in September. Drawing on international research and action research involving 41 institutions across ten countries, the papers offer recommendations for strengthening Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) through policy and institutional practice. The three publications address: The […]
Welcome to the November 2026 edition of the York UNESCO Chair Newsletter! November brings several important conversations about the future of education. From climate action at COP31 in Türkiye to discussions on peace and global citizenship education in Austria, and the role of universities in an increasingly AI-shaped world, the question of how education can […]
Following the launch of three UNESCO guidance tools in September 2026, UNESCO has published a new policy paper, Whole-institution approaches towards sustainability, as part of its Transforming Futures: Enhancing practice for ESD for 2030 through action research project. The policy paper builds on the work undertaken to strengthen Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) across education institutions and systems. […]
🌍 What role should higher education play in shaping climate action and democratic futures beyond 2030? The UNESCO Greening Education Partnership launches its Higher Education Dialogue Series with a discussion on democratic values, trust and responsibility. As the global community begins shaping the post-2030 agenda, this conversation explores how universities can strengthen democratic engagement, advance climate action […]
As the world approaches 2030, important questions are emerging about the future of education and its contribution to sustainable development. What should be carried forward? What needs to change? And how can education help people and societies shape more sustainable, peaceful and just futures? Where will the current elements of SDG 4 go in a […]
Find all the news and events to stay up to date in the field of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), a crucial education concept to transform societies and recognized as an integral element of quality education as well as a key enabler for achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Check out the October 2026 […]
Welcome to the October 2026 edition of the York UNESCO Chair Newsletter! October brings two opportunities to reflect on the people and learning processes at the heart of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). World Teachers’ Day on 5 October reminds us of the essential role educators play in shaping learning, institutions and societies. World Environmental Education Day on […]
A new NORRAG blog by Katrin Kohl, Co-Chairholder of the UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education towards Sustainability, and Julia Heiss, Chief of UNESCO’s Section for Education for Sustainable Development, explores what ESD should retain, rethink and newly embrace beyond 2030. Drawing on the recent foresight process and Global Expert Symposium in Munich, the authors reflect on the […]
On 17 September 2026, UNESCO launched three new guidance tools designed to strengthen the implementation of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) across educational settings. The UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education towards Sustainability contributed to the development of Driving sustainability in education through a whole-institution approach, co-authored by UNESCO Co-Chairs Charles Hopkins and Katrin Kohl, together with Isabel Toman and […]
On 17 September 2026, UNESCO will launch three new guidance tools developed through the Transforming futures: Enhancing practice for ESD for 2030 through action research project. The UNESCO Chair team contributed to Driving sustainability in education through a whole-institution approach, co-authored by Charles Hopkins, Katrin Kohl, Isabel Toman and Hilligje van’t Land. The guidance draws on action research with 41 institutions […]