Our observation is that many key actors including governments, CSOs, education coalitions and educationalists in the Asia-Pacific region are conscious about the importance of sustainable development and would acknowledge the need for ESD. However this consciousness often doesn’t lead to action for a number of reasons including:

• Many organizations are engrossed in their current work agendas and haven’t taken the time to consider how to incorporate the ESD agenda into their own agendas.


• ESD reveals that significant change is needed in many facets of life and policy and some organizations become overwhelmed by what is required.


• There is insufficient political will within some governments to take more concerted action because it requires a whole of government and whole of society effort and the allocation of significant resources. So they opt for shorter term, more expedient policy choices.


• there appears to be little knowledge of the existence of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) and the tools and programs it has available to support various key actors.

ASPBAE’s COE ESD Project attempts to respond to these constraints by

• Increasing the level of recognition of ESD and DESD in 11 national education coalitions in the Region and our thematic networks.


• Providing an opportunity for the coalitions to consider how to incorporate the ESD agenda into their own agendas and to realize that small practical steps are achievable.


• Challenging government cynicism and inertia on sustainable development by advocating for effective policy changes and support for small practical efforts led by CSOs. ASPBAE’s focus will be on areas where the ESD, MDG and EFA agendas intersect. Activities will focus on strengthening national civil society education coalitions and their capacities to build networks, work with other stakeholders and contribute research, analysis and education policy proposals.


• ASPBAE will assemble a presentation that will form part of a dedicated session at a national workshop in each of the countries where ASPBAE works with education coalitions. These countries include: India, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. The session will address the main dimensions of Education for Sustainable Development, as articulated in the UNDESD IIS.