We promote sustainable development by integrating sustainability into all subjects and throughout the whole school.
Network on Sustainable Development
Education as the Foundation for Sustainability
Sustainable development is about ensuring future generations’ opportunities through a responsible approach to our present actions. In UNESCO’s Sustainable Development (BU) Network, we foster awareness and collaboration for a more sustainable future. Sustainable development is an integral part of UNESCO’s mission and vision, supported by the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Strengthening collaboration on sustainable development at both local and global levels.
- Promoting idea exchange through theme days and school visits.
- Developing teaching materials across subjects and educational levels.
About the BU Network
The Sustainable Development Network (BU Network) is a sub-network of the Danish UNESCO ASP School network. The network is coordinated by national GC-coordinator Jon Urskov Pedersen and supported by Jacob Fogemann from Ungdomsbyen, who develops inspirational materials and presentations for the network.
Its purpose is to inspire UNESCO ASP Schools to make sustainable development an integrated part of the entire school.
The BU Network works to raise awareness and empower children and young people to take action on sustainable development through national meetings, theme days, and school collaborations, where students and teachers exchange ideas and experiences.
Sustainable development is a shared responsibility, and all subjects and school staff can contribute. We provide ideas for teaching, school organization, and operations, addressing the complex challenges of the SDGs through a combination of theoretical and practical approaches rooted in natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
Sustainable development is not only about climate—it also encompasses social and economic balance. Therefore, the BU Network works on sustainable solutions that: Protect nature, Ensure fair working conditions, develop sustainable business ideas, and Strengthen human relationships—both locally and globally.
1. Seminars and Collaboration in the BU Network
The BU Network’s seminars—both in-person and virtual—bring together students and teachers from across Denmark and the international UNESCO ASP network. These events create dialogue, presentations, and idea exchange to enhance schools’ work on sustainability.
We base our work on UNESCO-developed materials and concepts, adapting them to the Danish school context. Examples include: The Whole School Approach, UNESCO’s recommendations on artificial intelligence, and how art and culture can contribute to sustainability education.
2. A Culture of Sustainability in Schools
A core value in UNESCO is that sustainability is the responsibility of the entire school. This principle is described in UNESCO’s concept of The Whole School Approach, which integrates sustainability into all aspects of school life, including:
- Teaching
- School management
- Facilities
- Community engagement
This approach aims to make schools role models for sustainable practices, where students, teachers, and staff actively participate in advancing sustainable development.
Read more about The Whole School Approach here.
3. Projects in the BU Network
The BU Network is currently focused on:
Integrating sustainable development into school subjects, ensuring that issues and dilemmas related to the SDG’s are a natural part of academic learning rather than just an “add-on”.
The Baltic Sea Project (BSP Network), which is running the Cold Matters project on climate change in cold regions.
Read more about Cold Matters and the BSP Network here.
What is Sustainable Development?
UNESCO’s work on sustainability is based on the three dimensions of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Environmental Dimension
Sustainability is about protecting and preserving the environment by minimizing the negative impact of human activity on nature. In education, this means equipping students with a deep understanding of environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource management.
At the same time, they must develop the skills to address these challenges through innovative solutions and sustainable actions.
Social Dimension
Sustainability also involves social justice and respect for human rights. The education system plays a key role in ensuring that students not only understand the importance of social equality and access to basic needs such as education, healthcare, and employment, but also learn how to act in ways that promote social sustainability.
This includes: Developing empathy, Fostering global citizenship, Committing to equality and inclusion.
Economic Dimension
Sustainability requires long-term economic planning and development that prevents resource depletion and environmental degradation. In an educational context, this means that students gain knowledge about economic models such as the circular economy, where resources are reused and consumption patterns support sustainability.
At the same time, they must learn to think critically and make economic decisions that are both responsible and future-proof.
