In May 2005, Toronto was selected as one of seven Regional Centres of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development by the United Nations University. Regional Centres from around the world seek to enhance access and quality of education for sustainable development (ESD). The Regional Centres of Expertise are one way that the United Nations is promoting the International Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014). Toronto's RCE will be known as the Education Alliance for a Sustainable Toronto, and is chaired by Professor Ingrid Stefanovic from the University of Toronto's Centre for Environment.
What is a Regional Centre of Expertise?
Regional Centres of Expertise (RCEs) are regional networks designed to strengthen collaboration on education for sustainable development among regional and local actors. Sustainable development is an ever-evolving concept that integrates environmental stewardship, economic development and social well-being of all people – not just for today but for generations to come. Education has been widely identified as a key and necessary element in moving sustainability forward with three key audiences: students, the public at large, and professionals.
RCEs usually include school teachers at elementary and secondary schools, university professors, researchers, museums, local government officials, grassroots and non-governmental organizations, local businesses, and the media – all of which play an important role in creating a sustainable future.
At the international level, the United Nations University supports linkages and sharing between RCEs from around the world. More information on the international RCE network.
What will the Education Alliance for a Sustainable Toronto do?
The Education Alliance for a Sustainable Toronto (EAST) aims to strengthen communication, coordination and collaboration among ESD stakeholders in the Toronto region. In addition to taking stock of existing ESD initiatives in the Toronto region, EAST will work to identify ESD gaps and opportunities, and will endeavour to address them in an integrated manner. EAST will support networking activities, collaborative projects, and learning opportunities as time and resources permit.
For more information about the Toronto RCE, please contact Radha Rajagopalan at rrajago@toronto.ca.
Recent activities
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