Currently, on May 29-31, the 19th meeting of the UNECE Steering Committee on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is taking place in Geneva, Switzerland.
The agenda of this year's meeting includes:
- Сapacity building workshop on national reporting on the implementation of ESD;
- Working meeting of the UNECE ESD Youth Platform;
- Progress in implementing the Strategy: update on the most recent developments (policies, actions, programmes, initiatives) at the national level;
- Results of the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development 2024;
- Launch of the next cycle of mandatory country reporting (2021-2025);
- Discussion of the arrangements for commemorating the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Strategy for Education for Sustainable Development in 2025;
- Education for sustainable development and youth: discussion of activities and action plan for the next period;
- Development of an action plan to strengthen synergy with other organizations and processes at the regional level and other issues.
On May 30, Valentyna Kyrychenko, Youth Focal Point and member of the UNECE ESD Youth Platform, presented Ukraine's achievements in the implementation of education for sustainable development in 2023-2024. During the presentation, national priorities for ESD were presented. Ms. Kyrychenko noted that the Russian aggression and full-scale war against Ukraine have significantly impacted national priorities in the education sector, and the country continues to adapt educational processes under the war conditions. Information was provided on the current situation in the education sector and the urgent needs and tasks required to ensure the educational process.
Ms. Kyrychenko highlighted the importance and impact of international technical assistance programs and projects aimed at implementing ESD and other related areas. A number of best practices were presented in the following areas:
- Sustainable recovery, safety and ESD;
- Non-formal education, youth leadership and ESD;
- WASH and ESD;
- Mental health and ESD.
Among the best practices, several initiatives implemented with the support of the GEF SGP in Ukraine were highlighted, specifically the projects: "Early Green Recovery of Educational Institutions" and "Support for the Youth Educational Platform for Sustainable Development." We thank everyone who contributed to the implementation of ESD in Ukraine and makes every effort to ensure and stabilize the educational process for sustainable development.
The English version of the presentation can be viewed at the link.