In 2002 the Swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson offered at the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg that Sweden would arrange an international conference on learning for sustainable development. The conference was held in Gothenburg on May 4-7, 2004, and was entitled ‘Learning to Change Our World – the Gothenburg Consultation for Sustainable Development’. Some 350 delegates from more than 70 countries took part.
I played an important part in this international conference as one of 15 internationally selected experts who facilitated workshops for all invitees over the 3 days in Gothenborg. I also played a part in in the subsequent international workshop by offering an analysis of current developments in UK Universities on Higher Education in 2005 in Gothenburg hosted by Chalmers University.
The “Learning to Change Our World?” international consultation aimed to address the role of education in promoting sustainable development globally.
- The consultation emphasized how educational practices can foster sustainable development.
- It aimed to explore innovative educational strategies that contribute to environmental sustainability.
- The event attracted participants from various countries, highlighting a collaborative approach to education and sustainability.
- Discussions included sharing best practices and experiences in integrating sustainability into educational frameworks.
Significance
This consultation was part of a larger initiative to understand and enhance the impact of education on sustainable practices worldwide. It served as a platform for educators, policymakers, and researchers to collaborate on solutions for global sustainability challenges. The key outcomes of the Learning to Change Our World consultation in Gothenburg included a focus on enhancing global learning for sustainable development and addressing major global challenges like climate change and poverty. The consultation aimed to strengthen collaboration and improve educational practices related to sustainability
The outcome of the conference was two different reports, one that was a final report for the conference participants and one SOU (Swedish Official Investigations) to the Ministry of Education, made by a working group with participants from the 2 universities, ministry of education, ministry of foreign affairs and NGOs.
The SOU also contained a suggestion to the Swedish parliament to include a paragraph about sustainable development in the Higher Education Act. In 2006 this sentence was adopted as a paragraph in the Higher Education Act: “In their activities, higher education institutions shall promote sustainable development that ensures present and future generations a healthy and good environment, economic and social welfare and justice.”
Learning to Change Our World is a report published in 2004 by the Swedish Ministry of Education and Science, focusing on education for sustainable development. It emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainability into educational practices to foster a more sustainable future.
Overview of “Learning to Change Our World”
Learning to Change Our World is a significant report published in 2004 by the Swedish Ministry of Education and Science. This report focuses on the integration of sustainable development into educational practices.
Key Themes
- Education for Sustainable Development: The report emphasizes the necessity of incorporating sustainability into education to prepare future generations for environmental challenges.
- Integration of Sustainability: It advocates for educational systems to adopt practices that promote sustainability, ensuring that students understand their role in fostering a sustainable future.
Importance of the Report
- Policy Influence: The findings and recommendations from this report have influenced educational policies in Sweden and beyond, promoting a shift towards sustainability in education.
- Framework for Educators: It serves as a framework for educators to develop curricula that address sustainability, encouraging critical thinking and responsible citizenship among students.
This report is a cornerstone in the discourse on sustainable education, highlighting the role of education in achieving a sustainable future.
Martin, S. Dawe, G and Jucker, R (2006). Embedding Education for Sustainable Development in Higher Education in the UK. In Drivers and Barriers for Implementing Sustainable Development in Higher Education. Ed. J. Holmberg & B.E. Samuelsson, UNESCO Technical Paper No. 3.
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