598
E. Staniškien˙ e and Ž. Stankeviˇ ci¯ ut˙ e
Table 2 Competencies for SD provided by UNESCO (2017)
UNESCO
(2017)
Systems thinking competency
The abilities to recognise and
understand relationships; to analyse
complex systems; to think of how
systems are embedded within different
domains and different scales; and to
deal with uncertainty
Anticipatory competency
The abilities to understand and
evaluate multiple futures—possible,
probable and desirable; to create one’s
own visions for the future; to apply the
precautionary principle; to assess the
consequences of actions; and to deal
with risks and changes
Normative competency
The abilities to understand and reflect
on the norms and values that underlie
one’s actions; and to negotiate the
sustainability values, principles, goals,
and targets, in a context of conflicts of
interests and trade-offs, uncertain
knowledge and contradictions
Strategic competency
The abilities to collectively develop
and implement innovative actions that
further sustainability on the local level
and further afield
Collaboration competency
The abilities to learn from others; to
understand and respect the needs,
perspectives and actions of others
(empathy); to understand, relate to and
be sensitive to others (empathic
leadership); to deal with conflicts in a
group; and to facilitate collaborative
and participatory problem solving
Critical thinking competency
The ability to question norms,
practices and opinions; to reflect on
own one’s values, perceptions and
actions; and to take a position in the
sustainability discourse
Self-awareness competency
The ability to reflect on one’s own role
in the local community and (global)
society; to continually evaluate and
further motivate one’s actions; and to
deal with one’s feelings and desires
Integrated problem-solving
competency
The overarching ability to apply
different problem-solving frameworks
to complex sustainability problems
and develop viable, inclusive and
equitable solution options that promote
sustainable development, integrating
all of the mentioned competencies
E. Staniškien˙ e and Ž. Stankeviˇ ci¯ ut˙ e
Table 2 Competencies for SD provided by UNESCO (2017)
UNESCO
(2017)
Systems thinking competency
The abilities to recognise and
understand relationships; to analyse
complex systems; to think of how
systems are embedded within different
domains and different scales; and to
deal with uncertainty
Anticipatory competency
The abilities to understand and
evaluate multiple futures—possible,
probable and desirable; to create one’s
own visions for the future; to apply the
precautionary principle; to assess the
consequences of actions; and to deal
with risks and changes
Normative competency
The abilities to understand and reflect
on the norms and values that underlie
one’s actions; and to negotiate the
sustainability values, principles, goals,
and targets, in a context of conflicts of
interests and trade-offs, uncertain
knowledge and contradictions
Strategic competency
The abilities to collectively develop
and implement innovative actions that
further sustainability on the local level
and further afield
Collaboration competency
The abilities to learn from others; to
understand and respect the needs,
perspectives and actions of others
(empathy); to understand, relate to and
be sensitive to others (empathic
leadership); to deal with conflicts in a
group; and to facilitate collaborative
and participatory problem solving
Critical thinking competency
The ability to question norms,
practices and opinions; to reflect on
own one’s values, perceptions and
actions; and to take a position in the
sustainability discourse
Self-awareness competency
The ability to reflect on one’s own role
in the local community and (global)
society; to continually evaluate and
further motivate one’s actions; and to
deal with one’s feelings and desires
Integrated problem-solving
competency
The overarching ability to apply
different problem-solving frameworks
to complex sustainability problems
and develop viable, inclusive and
equitable solution options that promote
sustainable development, integrating
all of the mentioned competencies