UNESCO Releases New Tools to Put Sustainability Across Education Systems

UNESCO has released three guidance tools intended to help schools, universities and education authorities make sustainability a stronger part of teaching, institutional management and student assessment.

The publications address a whole-institution approach, teaching methods and competencies, and ways to assess learning in education for sustainable development. They are designed to be used separately or together by educators, school leaders, teacher trainers, researchers and policy-makers.

The tools were developed between 2024 and 2026 through research, expert consultation and testing in 41 institutions across 10 countries. Participating institutions adapted activities to local settings and provided evidence used to refine the guidance.

The approach extends beyond adding sustainability topics to individual lessons. It encourages institutions to connect curriculum, leadership, operations, learning environments and community partnerships, while assessing knowledge, values, practical skills and the capacity to act.

The guidance will also feed into preparations for the World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development, scheduled for Nairobi from 13 to 15 January 2027.