Purpose
The purpose of the Working Group is to provide a focal point for all interested parties to become involved and work together collaboratively to create a culture of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Manitoba.
Objectives
The United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, and the framework and priorities established by UNESCO (the lead international agency for the Decade), will constitute a foundation for furthering ESD in Manitoba. Consistent with the concept of sustainable development, this foundation will be adapted, enhanced and made relevant to the local Manitoba context.
While the scope of the Working Group will encompass formal, and informal education, an emphasis will initially be placed upon the formal education systems (Kindergarten to Senior 4 and post-secondary education). The objectives of the Manitoba Education for Sustainable Development Working Group (MESDWG) are to:
Support connections and bring together stakeholders from the formal, non-formal and informal education sectors while establishing strategic collaborations in order to increase cohesion and leverage in creating a culture for ESD in Manitoba.
Establish first order principles of sustainability and education for sustainable development.
Ascertain the status of ESD activities in the formal, non-formal and informal education sectors in Manitoba, identifying the gaps, opportunities and priorities for future ESD activities.
Promote and support ESD in the curriculum, policies, research, teacher training, facilities management and procurement of the formal, non-formal and informal education sectors.
Apprise Manitobans of sustainability issues (economic, social and environmental) and what is being done to address these issues.
Monitor and report on the progress of ESD in Manitoba.
Liaise with other relevant Provincial structures (e.g. Round Table on Sustainable Development) and the National/International bodies concerned with ESD.
Coordinate and facilitate the delivery of ESD activities.