Themes

Sustainable Development

Call for evidence on Lifelong learning and sustainable development
Closing date for evidence was 31 July 2008.

Sustainable Development: a summary of discussions at the expert seminar and Commissioners’ meeting
This note summarises the key points and issues for further consideration by the Inquiry that were raised during the Sustainable Development Expert Seminar on 31 July 2008

Papers presented at Thematic Seminar

Global Perspectives and Education for Sustainable Development for Lifelong Learning
This paper aims to summarise the importance of including the recognition of globalisation and the global dimension within the debates on education for sustainable development in the context of adult learning. It builds on research the author has completed on global skills, global and sustainability issues with the engineering profession and engagement with the Decade on Education for Sustainable Development and the Earth Charter. Central to the message of this paper is the need to see education for sustainable development in the context of globalisation and global perspectives and as an opportunity to promote learning that encourages making connections to quality of life and social and political engagement in society.

Lifelong learning for ecological sustainability and environmental justice
This paper locates discussion for lifelong learning and sustainable development within the context of the global environmental justice movement. It argues that the dominant discourse of lifelong learning as skills development for business competitiveness, and of sustainable development as an adjunct to this economic agenda, means that the demands of social and environmental justice are being ignored. Lifelong learning needs to be able to respond to the learning needs of groups engaged in struggle, as well as generate dialogues with these groups, expert knowledges and wider societal learning.