Reflecting on the UN-DESD ― Issues and Perspectives Based on Literature Studies, Comparisons with the International Environmental Education Programme (IEEP), and Implications of ESD in the Context of the Post-2015 Agenda

Abstract

  In this paper, the author reflects the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD; 2005-2014), and discusses the implications and perspectives of ESD in the context of post-2015 agenda. As for reflecting on DESD, it was based on: (1) a literature review of DESD main documents; (2) bibliometrics of ESD-related documents in the ERIC database; and (3) a comparative analysis using the UNESCO-UNEP International Environmental Education Programme (IEEP, 1975-1995). On the implication of ESD in the context of the post-2015 agenda, it was based on (1) the UN Global Education First Initiative (GEFI); (2) Discussion on Education in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals; (3) Thematic Consultation on Education in the Post-2015 Development Agenda; and (4) Educational for All (EFA). Discussion of issues and perspectives regarding ESD in the context of the post-2015 agenda includes degree of contribution by environmental education in the DESD and the issues, limitations and issues of the ESD Global Action Programme (GAP).