The UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development

In 2005, the United Nations (UN) kicked off the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD), which will continue until 2014. The DESD was enacted to educate children and adults across the globe about the pressing environmental issues our generation faces, and what we as consumers and global citizens can do to be more environmentally friendly and promote sustainable development. [Source]

Sustainable development is defined by the World Commission on Environment and Development as development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Thus, while we must continue to provide for ourselves through farming, manufacturing, etc., we must also preserve the environment so that future generations can use it to produce the food and products needed to survive. [Source]

The DESD’s fundamental goal “is to integrate the principles, values and practices of sustainable development into all aspects of education and learning.” Governments are encouraged to include education on issues of sustainable development in all parts of their education system as well as in their national development plans. [Source]

The Decade of Education for Sustainable Development aims to promote:    

• The human rights and dignity entitled to all people throughout the world
  
• The human rights of all future generations
  
• The protection and restoration of the Earth’s ecosystems
  
• A globally accepted culture of tolerance, non-violence and peace
  
• Economic and social justice

[Source]

TAKE ACTION!
The Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) seeks to promote sustainable development through education. If children can not receive an education because they don’t have a school near their village, then they can not be educated about the importance of sustainable development.

Building schools will help educate children worldwide on the important issues going on in the world. Additionally, Free The Children schools teach subjects that are important in local economic activities and will help children grow into adults who are able to earn a sustainable income while being more respectful to the environment.

You can take action on this important issue by participating in the Brick by Brick: Education for All campaign. Visit the Free The Children website for more information on how you can help children in developing countries by building a school. By raising awareness and fundraising, YOU can give the gift of education.

Useful Links
Start educating yourself on sustainable development by checking out the following websites:

UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development
UN Division for Sustainable Development
International Institute for Sustainable Development
GlobalIssues.org