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G. Nicolino and S. R. S. Barros
The UNCSD resulted in the renowned declaration “The future we want” (UN
2012), with clear similarities to the Agenda 2030. Heads of State and Government and
high-level representatives’ signatories recognized that poverty eradication, changing
unsustainable and promoting sustainable patterns of consumption as the most urgent
challenges to be addressed for sustainable development. It is also constantly stressed
throughout the declaration the need for intrinsic balance between economic stability
and growth, the promotion of social equity and the protection of the environment,
namely, a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty
eradication.
A framework for action and follow-up was elaborated, consisting of several thematic areas and issues as poverty eradication, food security, water and sanitation,
energy, oceans and seas, health, employment and many others. One of these areas
specifically addresses Education, concerning the right to quality education at all
levels for all and the capability to:
prepare people to pursue sustainable development, including through enhanced teacher training, the development of sustainability curricula, the development of training programmes
that prepare students for careers in fields related to sustainability, and more effective use
of information and communications technologies to enhance learning outcomes. (UN 2012,
p. 44)
Therefore, it is essential that educational institutions integrate sustainable development into education, by teaching and adopting good practices in sustainability
management. Moreover, Universities and higher education institutions, particularly,
should promote and incentivize research and innovation for sustainable development
in every field, forming professionals able to advance national sustainable development objectives (UN 2012). So, on the occasion of the Rio+20, the Higher Education
Sustainability Initiative (HESI) was established by a group of UN partners, including the Executive Coordinator of Rio+20, UN DESA, UNEP, UNESCO, UN Global
Compact. HESI consisted of the signature of a common declaration for sustainable
development, where institutions agreed to support five basic actions:
– Teach sustainable development concepts, as a part of the core curriculum across
all disciplines, also being encouraged to provide sustainability training to professionals and practitioners.
– Encourage research on sustainable development issues, to improve scientific
understanding and to enhance the development, adaptation, diffusion and transfer
of knowledge and innovative technologies.
– Green the campuses, by working on the institution’s environmental footprint, supply chains and catering services practices, sustainable mobility options for students
and faculty, waste minimization and recycling programs, thus encouraging more
sustainable lifestyles.
– Support sustainability efforts in local communities, for better quality of living,
resource-efficiency, social inclusiveness and smaller environmental footprints.
– Engage with and share results through international frameworks, in order to
exchange knowledge and experiences and to report regularly on progress and
challenges (UNESCO 2012).
G. Nicolino and S. R. S. Barros
The UNCSD resulted in the renowned declaration “The future we want” (UN
2012), with clear similarities to the Agenda 2030. Heads of State and Government and
high-level representatives’ signatories recognized that poverty eradication, changing
unsustainable and promoting sustainable patterns of consumption as the most urgent
challenges to be addressed for sustainable development. It is also constantly stressed
throughout the declaration the need for intrinsic balance between economic stability
and growth, the promotion of social equity and the protection of the environment,
namely, a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty
eradication.
A framework for action and follow-up was elaborated, consisting of several thematic areas and issues as poverty eradication, food security, water and sanitation,
energy, oceans and seas, health, employment and many others. One of these areas
specifically addresses Education, concerning the right to quality education at all
levels for all and the capability to:
prepare people to pursue sustainable development, including through enhanced teacher training, the development of sustainability curricula, the development of training programmes
that prepare students for careers in fields related to sustainability, and more effective use
of information and communications technologies to enhance learning outcomes. (UN 2012,
p. 44)
Therefore, it is essential that educational institutions integrate sustainable development into education, by teaching and adopting good practices in sustainability
management. Moreover, Universities and higher education institutions, particularly,
should promote and incentivize research and innovation for sustainable development
in every field, forming professionals able to advance national sustainable development objectives (UN 2012). So, on the occasion of the Rio+20, the Higher Education
Sustainability Initiative (HESI) was established by a group of UN partners, including the Executive Coordinator of Rio+20, UN DESA, UNEP, UNESCO, UN Global
Compact. HESI consisted of the signature of a common declaration for sustainable
development, where institutions agreed to support five basic actions:
– Teach sustainable development concepts, as a part of the core curriculum across
all disciplines, also being encouraged to provide sustainability training to professionals and practitioners.
– Encourage research on sustainable development issues, to improve scientific
understanding and to enhance the development, adaptation, diffusion and transfer
of knowledge and innovative technologies.
– Green the campuses, by working on the institution’s environmental footprint, supply chains and catering services practices, sustainable mobility options for students
and faculty, waste minimization and recycling programs, thus encouraging more
sustainable lifestyles.
– Support sustainability efforts in local communities, for better quality of living,
resource-efficiency, social inclusiveness and smaller environmental footprints.
– Engage with and share results through international frameworks, in order to
exchange knowledge and experiences and to report regularly on progress and
challenges (UNESCO 2012).