Slovenia strides forward to advance sustainable development in education

Collective human activities have altered the earth's ecosystems to the point that our very survival is in danger, because of critical choices that are more difficult to reverse each day. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is UNESCO's education sector response to the urgent and dramatic challenges the planet faces. ESD aims to promote a holistic understanding of sustainability, which includes economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

The University of Ljubljana, through its Faculty of Education, has taken a major step towards advancing global sustainable education with the launch of the UNESCO Chair on Teacher Education for Sustainable Development, a pivotal initiative aimed at strengthening teacher education frameworks to meet the challenges of today's rapidly evolving educational landscape.

At the official chair ceremony, Magdalena Landry, Director of the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, emphasised the significance of the new UNESCO Chair, describing it as a vital platform for fostering innovation and cross-border collaboration. "This chair is more than a title - it is a commitment to shaping educators who are not only teachers but drivers of change in their communities," Landry reveals.

The UNESCO Chair on Teacher Education for Sustainable Development held by Gregor Torkar, professor of Biology Education at the University of Ljubljana, will integrate research, teacher development and community engagement to create a holistic approach to teacher education. It will leverage international academic networks to foster interdisciplinary research and promote innovative teaching practices, helping educators worldwide address complex issues such as sustainability, social inclusion and technological advancements in the classroom.

Quality education relies profoundly on teacher development. The launch of this UNESCO Chair represents a significant contribution to UNESCO's ongoing efforts to promote the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4, focused on quality education. Landry highlighted that establishing this chair also aligns with UNESCO's broader strategy of building partnerships that bridge research and practice, particularly in the fields of sustainability and education innovation.

"We need educators who are not only responsive but also proactive, guiding their students to be part of the solution to the global challenges we face,"observes Megumi Watanabe, Programme Specialist - Education, UNESCO Regional Bureau.

This new initiative underscores the University of Ljubljana's commitment to sustainable development and teacher education, positioning itself as a key player in the global effort to reform educational systems. Through the collaboration with UNESCO and its global network, the chair will serve as a model for other institutions seeking to integrate sustainable development into their teaching practices.

With Slovenia at the forefront of educational reform in South-East Europe, the launch of this chair not only highlights the nation's leadership but also strengthens the role it is playing in shaping the future of education on a global scale.