● Words of Encouragement
A message from the Director of UNESCO Bangkok Office The UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education
February 2007
From the initial planning phase of the ACCU-UNESCO Asia-Pacific COE Programme for ESD and the ACCU-UNESCO Asia-Pacific Innovation Programme for ESD, UNESCO Bangkok has been closely associated with the strategic orientation and practical implementation of the programme in support of the International Implementation Scheme for the Decade. As UNESCO Headquarters and Bangkok continue the coordination of ESD in the Asia Pacific region through research, interagency collaboration, support to national ESD advocacy strategies, sensitization of the media and strengthening engagement with youth and the private sector we look forward to strengthening our close working relationship with ACCU and new implementing partners under the COE and IP.
Sheldon Shaeffer
Director
UNESCO Bangkok
A message from the Chair of the Selection Committee on the threshold of the Programme
"Towards a more just, sustainable and peaceful world"
December 2006
Congratulations on your selection as the implementing partners of the first phase of the Centre of Excellence (COE) Programme as well as the Innovation Programme for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) under the "ACCU-UNESCO Asia-Pacific ESD Programme". On this threshold, you must be proud that your organization has been newly appointed as a flagship organization to advance the ESD goals in the Asia-Pacific region.
In my view, the ultimate goals of ESD lie in bringing tolerance, non-violence and peace to our planet Earth, thereby contributing to the realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). I would also like to place a premium on the Earth Charter as an educational tool for working towards a more just, sustainable and peaceful world. From a different standpoint, ESD can be described as a learning process to find a breakthrough in tackling global difficulties by applying the wisdom of various actors; thus partnerships and networking among stakeholders must be an essential thrust to promote ESD.
To accomplish these missions, it is vital that each of you demonstrates high-quality performance in the course of your ESD-related project. South-South cooperation should certainly be encouraged in order to exchange ideas and good practices. It must also be remembered that systemic thinking, critical thinking and participation in decision making are key skills touched in the International Implementation Scheme (IIS) for the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.
Lastly, I would like to send all of the selected implementing partners my hearty wishes. Your innovative and creative efforts to promote ESD will serve as an exemplary model not only in your local community, but also in the wider context. It is my hope and belief that your tireless effort and passion for ESD will be appreciated among all the people of the present and future generations in the Asia-Pacific region.
NAKAYAMA, Shuuichi
Chairperson of the Selection Committee
ACCU-UNESCO Asia-Pacific ESD Programme