Need for the Conference

ICSE was planned with a view to explore pathways to address current and emerging sustainability challenges through education by empowering learners with new skills, values and attitudes that lead to more sustainable societies. The conference will look into various facets of sustainability education from a broader perspective taking into consideration global issues and challenges as well as regional and national realities. Sustainability education gained importance during the U N Decade of Education for a Sustainable Development (2005-2014) which promoted the integration of principles, values and practices of sustainable development into all aspects of education and teaching from kindergarten up to university and lifelong learning. The decade was followed up by Global Action Programme (GAP 2015-19) to scale-up ESD and accelerate progress towards sustainable development. Agenda 2030 and associated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognized the important role of education by making it as a specific goal (SDG 4.7) and also by including targets on education under several other SDGs. This was also emphasized under UN General Assembly Resolution 72/2227 which recognizes ESD as “an integral element of SDG 4 on education and a key enabler of all the other SDGs”.

While underpinning the importance of global context of ESD, the need for such a conference is particularly important in the South Asian context as the region is facing unprecedented sustainability challenges which urgently require a shift in our lifestyles and a transformation of the way we think and act. The school education system in the region need to respond to these challenges by empowering educators and learners to include sustainability principles in their curriculum and pedagogies in an appropriate manner. The conference besides providing a platform for sharing learnings and experiences from across the spectrum, will come forward with suitable recommendations and action plans for bringing much needed transformation in education for a sustainable future.

7^th ICSE

The 7th International Conference on Sustainability Education (ICSE) 2025 builds upon the momentum of previous ICSE conferences, recognizing the urgent need for transformative action to address the global climate crisis and promote sustainable development.

This year’s theme, “Sustainability Education for Green Jobs”, highlights the crucial connection between education, environmental stewardship, and the emerging green economy. As the world grapples with climate change, shifts towards a circular economy, and the need for a just transition, there is a growing demand for a skilled workforce.

The workforce must be equipped with the necessary knowledge, competences, and values to a sustainable future. The conference underscores the need to align education with emerging employment opportunities in renewable energy, energy efficiency, eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, the circular economy, and other green sectors.