What is the objective?

The primary goal of this initiative is to support education systems in equipping learners with the necessary competences to take individual and collective democratic action in support of a low-carbon transition, sustainability and biodiversity preservation.

This may be achieved by embedding ESD within citizenship education, with a focus on democratic processes and human rights.
 

What do we expect to achieve?

The Council of Europe is developing a guidance document that will explore the connection between the RFCDC and ESD, which is expected to be finalised in 2025.

This document will offer practical advice on how the RFCDC can be integrated with ESD.

While there are several existing conceptual frameworks for teaching ESD, an analysis reveals that the competences they outline are already included within the RFCDC. Therefore, the RFCDC can serve as a comprehensive, unifying framework for teaching ESD.
 

Who benefits from the initiative?

This guidance document will be designed to benefit education policymakers, primary and secondary school educators, as well as non-formal educators.
 

How does it work?

In 2023, a Working Group on RFCDC and ESD was established, consisting of 20 delegates of member States and observer organisations of the Steering Committee for Education. This group meets regularly to take stock of policies, projects and practices related to RFCDC and ESD. It also shares successful and innovative practices from member States and actively contributes to the development of the guidance document.