Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in higher education equips learners with the knowledge, competencies and values to tackle interconnected global challenges, encompassing economic, social and environmental sustainability.
It enables learners to make informed decisions and take both individual and collective actions to transform society and protect the planet. It enriches the cognitive, socio-emotional and behavioural aspects of learning, covering not only the learning content and outcomes but also the teaching methods and the learning environment itself.
The framework is designed to be of value to a broad audience and can be particularly beneficial in:
- supporting course teams to understand ESD and adopt a consistent approach to integrating it across programmes, including supporting co-curricular and interdisciplinary opportunities
- helping students identify the necessary competencies for sustainable citizenship and fostering agency for a sustainable future
- supporting institutions to develop comprehensive approaches that encompass policy frameworks, interdisciplinary learning, engagement with community groups and stakeholders
- aligning strategy to create a sustainable learning environment.
Request the framework
The framework is part of the Essential Frameworks for Enhancing Student Success series.

Has your institution identified education for sustainable development as a priority?
Our expertise and globally recognised standards and frameworks help higher education organisations transform teaching by developing and recognising teaching excellence. We work with you – understanding your context – to enhance education for sustainable development by sharing insight and evidenced-based practice to deliver student success.

