UNESCO convenes ESD-Arab NET regional workshop towards mainstreaming Education for Sustainable Development

Beirut: In a collective effort to advance sustainable development through education, education leaders and key stakeholders from across the Arab State...

Beirut: In a collective effort to advance sustainable development through education, education leaders and key stakeholders from across the Arab States have convened in Beirut on 14 and 15 October 2025 for the ESD-NET Arab Region 2025 Regional Workshop. This high-level strategic meeting aims to accelerate the integration of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into national education systems and strengthen regional collaboration to drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Hosted by the UNESCO Regional Office in Beirut, in partnership with the UNESCO Regional Office in Doha, the workshop serves as a key milestone in supporting Arab Member States to operationalize the ESD-NET Global Network framework. It focuses on confirming the ESD-NET Terms of Reference, finalizing the 2026–2027 Regional Roadmap, and aligning collective efforts to mainstream sustainability within education systems in the region.

"This workshop is not just a meeting, but a new beginning towards a green and sustainable Arab education. UNESCO, through its offices in Beirut, Doha, and its headquarters in Paris, is fully committed to supporting countries in this journey—strengthening education systems, empowering teachers, developing curricula, and building strong partnerships with communities and the private sector." Said Maysoun Chehab, Officer in Charge of the UNESCO Regional Office in Beirut.

ESD is a critical enabler for achieving sustainable and inclusive development. It equips learners with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes needed to respond to complex global challenges, including climate change, social inequality and health crises, while fostering the systemic transformation required to build just and resilient societies. By bringing together decision-makers, practitioners and youth representatives, this regional workshop creates a platform to align national priorities with collective regional action.