UNESCO launches new tools to bring Sustainability into education

UNESCO has launched three new tools to help schools and education systems focus more on sustainability.

The tools aim to help students and teachers support a cleaner, safer and fairer future. They are also part of the work for the 2027 World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development.

The first tool shows schools how to make sustainability part of their daily work. It covers teaching, school leadership, school activities, learning spaces and work with local groups.

The second tool focuses on teaching. It helps teachers build skills such as critical thinking, teamwork and creativity. It also encourages students to learn how they can take action in their homes and communities.

The third tool looks at how schools can check student learning. It goes beyond normal tests. It looks at what students know and what they can do. It also looks at their values and ability to take action.

UNESCO developed the tools from 2024 to 2026. The work included research and advice from education experts.

The tools were tested by 41 education institutions in 10 countries. These included Brazil, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan, Kenya and Malaysia.

Teachers and school leaders tested the tools in their own settings. They shared their ideas and feedback with UNESCO. Their work helped improve the final tools.

UNESCO says the three tools can be used alone or together. They can help schools improve their daily work, teaching and student learning.

The new guidance gives educators and education leaders simple ways to turn sustainability goals into action. It also supports UNESCO's wider work on Education for Sustainable Development through 2030.