Resources
Explore a wide range of valuable resources on GCED to deepen your understanding and enhance your research, advocacy, teaching, and learning.
164 Results found
Pockets of Hope: Biosphere Reserves in India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives Year of publication: 2022 Corporate author: UNESCO New Delhi Biosphere Reserves contribute to the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration by enlarging the total area for nature conservation via restoration projects, scientific research, monitoring and education, and by raising the awareness of the general public. Biosphere Reserves are places to apply, test and demonstrate best practices for human living in harmony with nature. They aim to enhance nature conservation, reduce the environmental footprint and keep the ecological carrying capacity of our natural ecosystems intact. It is not easy to have a site listed as a Biosphere Reserve. All sites are externally examined and checked before they are approved. Globally, there are 727 properties, 168 in Asia and the Pacific, 12 in India, 4 in Sri Lanka and 3 in the Maldives. The success with which India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives are actively participating in the World Network is based on the countries’ dedication and hard work. UNESCO invites scientists, biologists, botanists, zoologists, climatologists, environmental engineers and sciencetechnology specialists to support Biosphere Reserves. Universities should use them as outdoor laboratories to improve air quality, apply clean energies, reduce pollution, enhance water availability, redress biodiversity loss and test methods for climate resilience. UNESCO encourages governments, foundations, the private sector and philanthropists to support the establishment of new additions to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. 
Recommendation on Education for Peace and Human Rights, International Understanding, Cooperation, Fundamental Freedoms, Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development Year of publication: 2023 Corporate author: UNESCO Building more peaceful, just, and sustainable societies starts with education. It influences all aspects of our daily lives and our overall prospects while being impacted by our health and environment. In the global landscape of worsening climate change, democratic backsliding, persistent inequalities, rising discrimination, hate speech, violence and conflict, it can be a tool to address and prevent these problems in the future. And it can also be a long-term investment with increasing returns if shaped and deployed effectively. The new UNESCO Recommendation on Education for Peace and Human Rights, International Understanding, Cooperation, Fundamental Freedoms, Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development, which is commonly referred to as the Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable Development is a landmark guidance document that defines what needs to evolve in and through education to accomplish these goals. 
Climate Change and Sustainability in Science and Social Science Secondary School Curricula Year of publication: 2024 Author: Marcia McKenzie | Aaron Benavot Corporate author: UNESCO There is an urgent need to transform the way climate change and sustainability are taught in classrooms and at schools. Learners must grasp the environmental impacts of climate change, how climate change relates to their own context and what actions can be undertaken and contribute to making societies more sustainable, equitable, just and climate-resilient. The findings presented in this publication indicate that accelerated efforts are needed. In a study of over 530 Grade 9 science and social science curricula from 85 countries worldwide, we found that 69 per cent of curricula contained no references to climate change, while 66 per cent had no references to sustainability. Furthermore, while 69 per cent of surveyed teachers from eight of the countries studied reported that environment, sustainability and climate change topics were included in the science and social science curricula in their schools only 50 per cent included them in their teaching. While there is a notable inclusion of environment, sustainability and climate change in science and social science curricula across countries, the depth of focus of this inclusion varies widely. Cognitive learning prevails over social and emotional or action-oriented learning. Climate change and sustainability in school practices must be strengthened, with teachers playing a key role in enhancing integration through teaching methods and materials. 
Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Instruments for the Sustainable Development Goals: A Global Outlook Year of publication: 2024 Author: Galindo Moreno | Manuel Ricardo Corporate author: UNESCO This publication explores the design, implementation and impact of science, technology and innovation (STI) policy instruments across regions, revealing diverse policy priorities and support strategies. Data from the UNESCO Global Observatory of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Instruments (GO-SPIN) platform shows that STI policy instruments are closely linked to the SDGs, particularly with SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) and SDG 4 (quality education). Over three-quarters of these policy instruments target these goals. This publication advocates for the use of evidence in designing policies and policy instruments and underscores the importance of continuous monitoring of their implementation. Additionally, it recommends diversifying funding sources, enhancing program management, fostering communication with stakeholders, and applying policy instruments to promote transformative learning. 
Guardians of the Pacific: A Teacher’s Guide to Celebrating, Preserving, and Promoting World Heritage Year of publication: 2024 Author: Karena Menzie-Ballantyne | Nanise J. Young Okotai | Adi Meretui Tuvou Ratunabuabua Corporate author: APCEIU Guardians of the Pacific: A Teacher’s Guide to Celebrating, Preserving, and Promoting World Heritage is an APCEIU initiative dedicated to advancing Global Citizenship Education (GCED) worldwide. Anchored in the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UNESCO World Heritage, the guide places a special emphasis on the rich and diverse heritage of the Pacific region. This Guide reflects GCED’s integrative approach, which encompasses three interconnected dimensions of learning: cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioral. It encourages critical thinking about heritage and sustainability, fosters empathy by deepening understanding of the Pacific's unique cultural and natural environments, and inspires meaningful actions to protect and preserve local heritage. Tailored for educators working with students in upper primary (grades 4–6) and lower secondary (grades 7–9), the Guide provides step-by-step instructions and practical resources for incorporating Pacific World Heritage into classroom lessons and extracurricular activities. It is a valuable tool for nurturing awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of the Pacific region’s irreplaceable heritage in schools worldwide. <Table of Contents>ForewordHow to Use This GuideSection 1. Learning Framework Rationale Section 2. What Makes a Place Special?Section 3. The 2030 Agenda, Five Pillars and SDGsSection 4. Protecting People: Levuka Historical Port Town (Cultural Site)Section 5. Preserving the Planet: Phoenix Islands Protected Area (Natural Site)Section 6. Ensuring Prosperity: Rock Islands Southern Lagoon (Mixed Site)Section 7. Promoting Peace: Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site (Cultural Site)Section 8. Partnerships to Protect the Environment: East Rennell (Natural Site)Section 9. Taking Action to Promote and Protect a Special PlaceReferences WorksheetsPhoto Cards 
Ecocentrism and GCED : Beyond Human Rights to Nature’s Rights (SangSaeng; No.63, 2024) Year of publication: 2024 Corporate author: APCEIU In the context of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, global citizenship and sustainability are spotlighted through SDG Target 4.7, which underscores the importance of harmonising cultural and biological diversity.To address the urgent need for harmony between humanity and the nature, ecocentrism needs to be explored as a guiding principle for fostering ethical and sustainable coexistence.In this light, Issue 63 of SangSaeng delves into Ecocentrism—a perspective advocating for the ethical treatment of all beings and recognising their intrinsic value—alongside Global Citizenship Education (GCED). Contents 03 Editor's Note 04 Special Column- Creating Respectful, Valued Society — Strengthening Global Citizenship Education (GCED) to Combat Hate, Racism, and Discrimination Worldwide / Peter K. Ngure 08 FOCUS Ecocentrism and GCED: Beyond Human Rights to Nature’s Rights- Getting Over Ourselves — Ecocentrism: The Importance of Earth Jurisprudence, Compassionate Conservation, and Personal Rewilding / Marc Bekoff- Combating Decline of Nature’s Diversity — Global Citizenship Education for Geodiversity, Biodiversity Conservation / Eunhee Lee- Ecocentrism and Global Citizenship Education — Fostering Coexistence with Critically Endangered Primates through Citizen Science / Andie Ang- Dolphins Dream of Peace: Beyond Human Rights to Nature’s Rights / Interview with Seungmok Oh 23 Special Report- Small Actions, Global Ripples — How GCED is Revitalizing Peace / Micha Aime 26 Best Practices- What’s Good for the Community — GCED in Action Fosters Culture of Bulungi Bwansi in Uganda / Barbara Nakijoba- Sharing Emotional Sensibility in Education — Practicing Arts Opens up the Spirit of Global Citizenship / Seoyoung Bae - Teaching GCED through Liberation History — Working to Eradicate Entrenched Racism, Intolerance, Xenophobia / Charles Chikunda 36 GCED YOUTH NETWORK- How Youth Leaders Redefine Advocacy, Leading Global Change to Shape our Future — Deep Dive into South Asian Youth Declaration on GCED, Facilitation Techniques for Empowered Youth / Noora Elkenawi 39 Peace in My Memory- Pathway to Inner Peace — Journey is Interconnected with Relationships and Environment / Itseng Kwelagobe 42 Story Time- From Drops to Waves — Power of Poetry-telling in Times of Crisis / Kalpani Dambagolla & Alessia Marzano 45 Understanding the Asia Pacific Region- Central Asian Heart of Culture — Legacy of Horsemanship from Tradition to Modernity / Gulzhan Kabysheva 48 Letter- Raising a Global Citizen / Nelly Aluanga Omino 50 APCEIU in Action 
Analysis of Determinants of a Measure of Sustainability Literacy Year of publication: 2017 Author: Aurélien Decamps Corporate author: UNESCO This paper highlights the contribution of the Sulitest to analyse the determinants of sustainability literacy in higher education. Sulitest is an open online training and assessment tool designed to assess and improve sustainability literacy. It is a multi-stakeholder initiative supported by several UN agencies and academic networks. Based on collaboration through the volunteer contribution of an international community, this tool aims to be internationally recognized and locally relevant by addressing global as well as local issues. With a growing community of more than 500 higher education institutions and other organizations from more than 50 countries, Sulitest begins to be recognized as a standard to assess and improve sustainability literacy. As the use of the tool is expanding, the data collected provides tangible indicators to map the current level of sustainability literacy and to monitor progress over time. 
Sustainable Development and Responsible Citizenship Year of publication: 2021 Corporate author: Argentina. Ministry of Education Social inequalities, epidemics and ecological disasters seem to be at an all-time high. Therefore, it is necessary for governments to recognize the freedoms and obligations to exercise responsible citizenship. This resource was developed within the framework of the Seguimos Educando Program, which during 2020 and 2021 allowed, through different means, students to remain in contact with school. The proposed activities and content are guided by the Priority Learning Cores common to the entire country. 
I International Congress: Good Training Practices for the Professional Development of Teachers 2023 Year of publication: 2023 Corporate author: Chile. Ministry of Education | Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI) This book is the result of the First International Congress of Good Training Practices for the Professional Development of Teachers, held on December 5 and 6, 2023 at the Center for Improvement, Experimentation and Pedagogical Research (CPEIP) of the Ministry of Education of Chile (Mineduc), in conjunction with the Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI). It includes practices for training with a focus on rights and for sustainable development. 
Podcast: Learning for the Future; Education for Sustainability Year of publication: 2024 Author: Alicia Santi | Maximiliano Molina Corporate author: Chile Foundation | Educarchile In this edition of the podcast: Learning for the Future, we develop, together with CEDEUS, the topic of "Education for Sustainability" and the multidimensional view of this phenomenon in educational establishments.