A new Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Strategy for Ireland is currently being jointly developed by the Department of Education and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, which will influence the future direction of education.
On World Earth Day, 22nd April, 2021, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD and Minister for Education Norma Foley TD jointly launched a public consultation on the development of the 2nd National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development to 2030, by their two Departments. For more information see: Joint Public Consultation on a National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) to 2030
Sustainable Development is “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. There are four dimensions to sustainable development – socio-economic, environmental, political and cultural – which are intertwined, not separate. Sustainability is a paradigm for thinking about the future in which these four dimensions are balanced in the pursuit of an improved quality of life.
The general public and other key stakeholders are invited to complete an online survey and/or make a more detailed written, setting out your views. A stakeholder consultation paper has been developed to provide background information on ESD and guidance on the format for submissions.
Submissions should be no longer than 2000 words and should be submitted by email to: ESD@dfheris.gov.ie or esd@education.gov.ie by close of business on Wednesday, 30 June 2021.