Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship

Abstract

This article explores education in the 21st century as a transformative process that moves beyond the mere transmission of academic knowledge. It emphasizes the development of global citizens who are conscious of and responsible for the well-being of the planet. Education for sustainable development (ESD) plays a crucial role in cultivating learners' understanding and motivation to address complex social, environmental, and economic issues at both local and global levels. Central to this approach is the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which help learners recognize the challenges and opportunities in building a better future.

Learning extends beyond the classroom through real-life experiences and everyday contexts, promoting the development of systems thinking, holistic problem analysis, and complex problem-solving skills. Additionally, ESD fosters intercultural understanding, acceptance of diverse perspectives, and social responsibility. It aims to instill values, attitudes, and behaviors essential for creating a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. Ultimately this form of education shapes quality global citizens capable of leading meaningful change toward a sustainable future.