The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn, TD has launched a public consultation on the development of a National Strategy for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
The development of a National Strategy for ESD is one of the commitments in Our Sustainable Future – A Framework for Sustainable Development in Ireland. This framework, which was published by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in 2012, aims to advance sustainable development and the green economy in Ireland.
It proposes the following objectives for the National Strategy for ESD:
Embedding education for sustainable development at every level of the education system
Promoting public awareness of education for sustainable development
Promoting capacity building in support of education for sustainable development
Promoting high standards of environmental management in education institutions.
Minister Quinn is inviting submissions from all interested parties, including education and training providers at all levels of the formal and non-formal education system, business and professional organisations, agencies and NGOs in the field of equality, development education and environmental protection, media, and social partners.
The closing date for submissions is Friday 27 September 2013.