Co-organized by UNESCO, the Romanian National Commission for UNESCO, and the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, the event will bring together approximately 50 in-person participants from ten participating countries. These include authors of the education for sustainable development (ESD) guidance tools, national researchers, ASPnet coordinators, teachers, school leaders and other education stakeholders, alongside UNESCO colleagues.
The Symposium will serve as a key moment for reflection, knowledge exchange and collective learning within the framework of ESD for 2030.
The Symposium will provide a platform for participants to share lessons learned and good practices emerging from the project’s action research processes. Through interactive sessions, participants will exchange feedback on the draft guidance tools, contributing to their refinement ahead of publication. This collaborative approach reflects the core principles of ESD for 2030, emphasizing learning through practice, reflection and collective action.
Discussions will focus on how action research can strengthen the capacity of institutions and individuals to advance ESD in diverse educational contexts. Participants will also explore strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of effective practices, supporting systemic change beyond the project’s lifetime.
Looking ahead: dissemination and capacity-building
A key outcome of the Symposium will be the development of a dissemination strategy for the revised guidance tools, ensuring their accessibility and relevance for a wide range of education stakeholders. The event will also explore opportunities to engage additional learning institutions, including through future capacity-building activities and partnerships.
By fostering dialogue across countries and professional roles, the Symposium aims to contribute to a shared vision for transforming education and empowering learners to address sustainability challenges.
The Global Symposium in Bucharest marks an important milestone in advancing ESD for 2030, reinforcing the role of action research and collaboration in shaping more just, inclusive and sustainable futures.