ESD-J is a network organization whose members connect and act across fields to build people who can face local challenges. ESD stands for education for sustainable development, meaning education that nurtures people who take action to create a sustainable society. Following on from the UN Decade of ESD (2005-2014), it works to build a framework in which people from many sectors take part in promoting ESD.
It was launched on June 21, 2003 as a promotion council for the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, became a specified nonprofit corporation on December 10, 2004, and took its current name on September 7, 2015. NGOs, NPOs and individuals working on the environment, development, human rights, peace, gender and other issues come together and advance ESD in cooperation with government, local authorities, companies and educational institutions.
In 2021 it drew up its Action Plan toward 2030, setting three pillars: human resource development, policy proposals and international cooperation. For human resource development it runs online training, supports introductory ESD courses, and holds nationwide coordinator training and forums. For international cooperation it shares information with and learns from partners abroad. From 2026 it is reviewing its organization and management, aiming for activities that are easier for members to join.
Key points
- Active for more than 20 years since 2003 as a network promoting ESD
- Three pillars of human resource development, policy proposals and international cooperation, with online training and nationwide training sessions and forums
- ESD Cafés, online seminars and speaker dispatch offer easy ways to learn and take part
Why this organization deserves attention
It connects issues that are often discussed separately, such as the environment, human rights, peace and gender, through the common viewpoint of education. Because it is a network of organizations and individuals from many fields, members can bring diverse practices and learn from one another.
For people working on SDGs and ESD in schools and communities, it offers training, seminars and examples of practice from different places. Besides becoming a member, there are other ways to take part, such as donating or requesting a speaker.
Editor's comment
A sustainable society grows not only from systems and technology but from each person's awareness and action. The phrase "building people" in ESD-J's mission seems to express an attitude of steadily nurturing that foundation.
The official website announces seminars and calls for participants. Why not look for a learning opportunity that interests you?