 |
The UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office in Bangkok and in Jakarta organized the ESD-Net 2030 Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting, ‘Transforming Education for a Sustainable Asia-Pacific Region’ on 12-14 June 2023. The event brought together stakeholders from across the region, to share knowledge and evaluate progress towards ESD goals, to advance the implementation of ESD in policies and practice. Join us in fostering future generations capable of making informed decisions for sustainable development. The event is co-hosted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of Indonesia, and supported by the Government of Japan, through the Japanese Fund-in-Trust (JFIT).
The Philippines delegation to the meeting were: Philippine Normal University (PNU) President Bert J. Tuga, PhD., PNU Visayas Center for Environment and Green Technology Director Meah Gonzaga, PhD., and UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM or PH NatCom) Education Programme Officer Michelle Dulay.
During the meeting, UNACOM Programme Officer Dulay provided a presentation on the current status of the Philippines ESD for 2030 Country Initiatives. She emphasized the significance of involving various stakeholders to ensure the comprehensive implementation of ESD. In doing so, member states should establish a working group in which various agencies nominate a representative to serve as a focal point for various discussions regarding the implementation of the ESD for 2030.
PNU President Tuga discussed strategies to empower and equip educators as ESD facilitators to learners. He also emphasized PNU’s collaboration with various actors to bring in new and innovative ideas and enhance ESD teacher training and education in the Philippines.
ASEAN Secretariat Education Advisor Dr. Ethel Agnes Valenzuela shared her insights on designing national policies to create an enabling environment for the successful scaling up of ESD in educational institutions, communities, and other learning settings. She underscored that there is no one-size-fits-all ESD policy; it is determined by the context and condition of a country. She added that frequent monitoring should be carried out.
During the event, PNU Director Gonzaga stressed the necessity of educating and empowering communities to recognize their vital role in ESD for 2030.
The meeting also included site visits to learn about the ESD practices of Bali’s public schools and technical vocational schools.
Member states have proposed several actions to advance the ESD towards 2030. In the next years, until 2025, the Philippines will continue to work with youth and community leaders to promote ESD in their local areas. The meeting results will be cascaded to the National Coordination Working Group to inform and realign the PH’s vision (if needed) to the ESD for 2030 framework.
 |
 |
 |
