Overview

IFUW is urging NFAs  to implement the overall aim of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development during the 2007-2010 Triennium through the Programme for Action. The goal of the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) is to integrate the principles, values, and practices of sustainable development into all aspects of education and learning. This educational effort will encourage changes in behaviour that will create a more sustainable future in terms of environmental integrity, economic viability, and a just society for present and future generations. Visit the UNESCO website for more information on the DESD.

IFUW believes that education is the key to implementing sustainable development not only in all its forms but also in every place in the world. It also believes that sustainable development can only be globally and equitably achieved when both girls and boys have access to all levels of education. Education of girls and women in all its forms, from universal primary education to access to higher education, is crucial to overcoming gender-based disparities that impede sustainable forms of development. Visit the Millennium Development Goals for more information on education (Goal 2) and promoting gender equality and empowering women (Goal 3).

Together with NGO partners as well as with the United Nations and its Specialized Agencies, IFUW continues to work for education of women and girls. In a complex, multicultural and wired world the interconnected issues of development are global and local at the same time.  No one is isolated in his or her life and actions. Therefore sustainable development of human and natural resources can only be accomplished when girls and women are included: as the proverb says, “Women hold up half the sky”.

"We direct our findings to those with the power and resources to make a difference. Indifference is not an option."

Elisabeth Rehn , Former U.N. Under-Secretary General & Former Defence Minister, Finland
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia
Women War Peace 2002 – UNIFEM Report, Source

Education & Sustainable Development

To understand education as a lifelong learning process is to understand its potential to affect current and future decision makers. However, our 21st century world is full of problems that have contributed to an unsustainable and untenable situation. 

To learn how to influence local, regional and international circumstances, IFUW members can access the material available at the UN Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS). Their programme goal for Education for Sustainable Development (EfSD) involves capacity building and takes a two-step approach:

1. To improve the quality of education through the integration of state-of-the-art-knowledge on sustainability in all areas of science and technology into educational curricula and practices in all levels and all sectors; and
2. To raise awareness within the public at large and decision makers in particular to such an extent that the state-of-the-art-knowledge on sustainability will be fully reflected in national development planning and implementation.

The EfSD programme aspires to facilitate actions leading to the integration of sustainable development into educational systems. The programme also has research activities to support these actions.

Critical thinking and an interdisciplinary approach have been key instruments for members and NFAs wanting to solve problems nationally and locally.  The objective ought to be to promote the important role of education at all levels in sustainable development of human and natural resources.

Education & Technology

Competence in contemporary means of communication must now be added to our repertoire. The transition into the 21st century has brought new means of instant, global and real-time communication tools. The technology is there but access and affordability has given rise to a “digital divide”.  Women’s traditional ways of communication have profoundly and irreversibly changed.   It is critical that women are enabled to participate fully in all communication if education for sustainable development is to proceed.

Education & Cultural Diversity

IFUW sees cultural diversity as a strength and asset and therefore urges NFAs to study the tools described in the DESD key action themes:

• Recognising diversity; the rich tapestry of human experience in the many physical and socio-cultural contexts of the world;
• Growing in respect and tolerance of difference – where contact with otherness becomes enriching, challenging and stimulating;
• Acknowledging values in open debate and with a commitment to keep the dialogue going;
• Modelling values of respect and dignity which underpin sustainable development, in personal and institutional life;
• Building human capacity in all aspects of sustainable development;
• Using local indigenous knowledge of flora and fauna and sustainable agricultural practices, water use, etc.;
• Fostering support of practices and traditions which build sustainability – including aspects such as preventing excessive rural exodus;
• Recognising and working with culturally specific views of nature, society and the world, rather than ignoring them or destroying them, consciously or inadvertently, in the name of development

Visit the UNESCO website for more information on cultural diversity.

Education & Science and Technology

The following statement by UNESCO points up the need for IFUW to be aware of the need for on-going research and work in natural and human sciences if sustainable futures are to be developed.  Providing encouragement and support for work in these sciences is a further opportunity for IFUW members to be agents for change:

Promoting the goals of a transition to sustainability is a major challenge for science and  technology. Housing natural and social and human sciences under one roof, UNESCO promotes multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to the wise use of natural resources and to the improved understanding of human-environment relationships.

Visit the UNESCO website for more information on science and technology within the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development

It is very clear that breaking the cycle of discrimination and violence requires the  empowerment of girls. ... Increasing girls’ access to education and ensuring the gender-sensitivity of educational settings, methods, content, materials and teachers and administrators is critical for their empowerment. Encouraging girls to pursue disciplines traditionally dominated by boys, such as science, engineering and technology, is another important element in girls’ empowerment.

Opening remarks by Ms Carolyn Hannan, Director, United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women at the Second International Helvi Sipilä Seminar 2007, GIRLS SHAPING OUR FUTURE,  UN, New York, 1 March 2007