12 October 2022
A group of experts from Kazakhstan, with support from UNESCO Almaty Cluster Office and the Embassy of Finland in Kazakhstan, developed guidelines on integrating Education for sustainable development (ESD) into state educational standards and curriculum at primary and secondary education levels.
The document, entitled “Analytical review of the integration of the ESD component in the content of the state educational standard and curricula for secondary schools (grades 1-11)” can help policymakers and research institutes around the world integrate ESD into formal education systems. It will also be useful for educational organizations and individuals working in the field of education.The Russian version of the document can be downloaded here. English and Kazakh versions will be available soon.
Prior to the development of the guidelines, UNESCO supported a comprehensive analysis of the curriculums in primary and secondary education in Kazakhstan that looked into the state of affairs regarding the integration of ESD, as well as competencies, skills, knowledge and values necessary for sustainable development. The analysis was conducted in collaboration with the National Academy of Education under the Ministry of Enlightenment and Brendan Duprey, PhD, from the Sustainable Kazakhstan Research Institute, Narxoz University.
Despite the fact that the countries in Central Asia have made progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, there are still challenges in achieving all of the targets. To do that the population needs to have the knowledge, practical skills, values and behavioral habits that will enable them to act as direct participants in the process of sustainable development. In this regard, education will play a decisive role in achieving the goals of sustainable development.
From the Analytical Review on the integration of the ESD component in the content of the State Educational Standard, Model Curricula for Secondary Schools (Grades 1-11)
ESD is UNESCO’s education sector response to the urgent and dramatic challenges the planet faces. It is aimed at instilling in learners competencies, skills, values and attitudes necessary for sustainable development.
The collective activities of human beings have altered the earth’s ecosystems so that our very survival seems in danger because of changes more difficult to reverse every day. To contain global warming before it reaches catastrophic levels means addressing environmental, social and economic issues in a holistic way. UNESCO’s ESD for 2030 education programme aims to bring about the personal and societal transformation that is necessary to change course.
Permanent link: http://en.unesco.kz/unesco-project-publishes-guidelines-on-integrating-education-for-sustainable-development