Goals and Objectives

The Symposium on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) strives to enhance the understanding and explore the engagement of ESD within general education and beyond. It serves as a platform for the exchange of exemplary practices for ESD specifically in higher education institutes (HEIs), with the larger goal to advance ESD in HEIs both within Hong Kong and internationally.

Aligned with the CUHK Strategic Plan 2021-2025, which underscores the institution's commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development, the Symposium places a strong emphasis on ESD. Drawing upon the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Roadmap, ESD emerges as a response to the imperative for education to address the mounting sustainability challenges faced globally. ESD employs innovative, action-oriented pedagogy to empower learners with the knowledge, awareness, skills and capacity to create transformative changes in society toward economic, social and environmental sustainability.

The Symposium gathers international educators, researchers, and other stakeholders to explore strategies for engaging and empowering youth, and examine the challenges and opportunities in teaching the concept of sustainability within classroom settings as well as in experiential learning activities outside the classroom. It will also foster synergistic collaboration among educators across a broad spectrum of disciplines, demonstrate successful practices from various institutions, and inspire participants to drive the advancement of ESD within their own institutions and broader communities. The Symposium will revolve around the following themes: Significance of ESD in HEIs, Incorporating ESD into Curricula of General Education and Beyond, ESD in Classroom, Experiential and Service Learning and ESD Challenges, Opportunities and New Approaches.