The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially opened the Call for Proposals for Parallel Sessions for the UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) 2027, inviting organizations and institutions from around the world to contribute to one of the most significant global gatherings focused on sustainable education. Scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 13–15 January 2027, the conference will bring together ministers, policymakers, educators, youth leaders, researchers, civil society organizations, United Nations agencies, private sector representatives, and other stakeholders to accelerate global action on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).

As the international community enters the final implementation phase of the ESD for 2030 Framework, the conference will serve as a strategic platform for shaping the future of education, strengthening international collaboration, and generating innovative ideas that empower learners to address today’s most pressing global challenges. Organizations with expertise in sustainability, education, climate action, youth development, public policy, innovation, social inclusion, or related fields are encouraged to submit proposals to co-organize thematic parallel sessions that contribute to the conference’s objectives.

About the UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

The UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development is a landmark international event designed to strengthen the global role of education in achieving sustainable development.

Hosted jointly by UNESCO and the Government of Kenya, the conference aims to create renewed momentum for the implementation of the ESD for 2030 Framework while providing strategic direction beyond 2030.

The conference recognizes that education is one of the most powerful tools for addressing complex global issues such as:

• Climate change
• Biodiversity loss
• Environmental degradation
• Social inequality
• Poverty
• Conflict and peacebuilding
• Sustainable economic development
• Technological transformation
• Inclusive societies

Participants will explore how education systems can better prepare learners of all ages with the knowledge, competencies, values, and attitudes needed to build a more sustainable future.

Conference Overview

Purpose of the Call for Proposals

UNESCO is inviting organizations from across the Education for Sustainable Development community to co-create high-quality thematic parallel sessions that will enrich the conference programme.

These sessions are expected to:

• Share innovative ideas.
• Showcase successful ESD initiatives.
• Promote international collaboration.
• Present practical solutions to sustainability challenges.
• Encourage dialogue among diverse stakeholders.
• Strengthen global implementation of Education for Sustainable Development.

Rather than being passive conference participants, selected organizations will become active partners in shaping discussions that influence the future of sustainable education worldwide.

Why Education for Sustainable Development Matters

Education for Sustainable Development equips people with the skills necessary to make informed decisions that benefit society, the economy, and the environment.

It enables learners to:

• Think critically.
• Solve complex problems.
• Promote social justice.
• Protect biodiversity.
• Address climate change.
• Foster peace and inclusion.
• Encourage responsible citizenship.
• Build resilient communities.

The conference will explore how these objectives can be advanced through innovative educational approaches across different regions and contexts.

Key Themes of the Conference

The conference will examine several emerging priorities within Education for Sustainable Development, including:

Green Skills

Discussions will focus on preparing learners for sustainable economies by developing skills needed for green jobs, environmental stewardship, and climate resilience.

Technological Innovation

Participants will explore how rapid technological advancements can support sustainable education while addressing digital inclusion and equity.

Social and Emotional Learning

The conference will examine how social-emotional competencies contribute to sustainability by promoting empathy, collaboration, resilience, and responsible decision-making.

Inclusive and Equitable Education

Sessions will emphasize ensuring that education reaches learners from all backgrounds and promotes equal opportunities.

Global Partnerships

The event will encourage stronger collaboration among governments, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

Who Can Submit Proposals?

UNESCO welcomes proposals from a broad range of Education for Sustainable Development stakeholders.

Eligible organizations include:

• United Nations agencies
• Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
• Academic institutions
• Universities and research centers
• Private sector organizations
• Government institutions
• UNESCO Member States
• International organizations
• Regional organizations
• Educational institutions
• NGOs
• Multi-stakeholder partnerships

Organizations from every region of the world are encouraged to participate.

About the Parallel Sessions

Selected organizations will co-organize thematic parallel sessions lasting up to 90 minutes.

These sessions should:

• Encourage dialogue.
• Promote knowledge exchange.
• Share innovative practices.
• Present research findings.
• Highlight practical experiences.
• Foster collaboration among stakeholders.

The sessions are intended to complement the conference’s plenary discussions and contribute directly to the implementation of Education for Sustainable Development worldwide.

Proposal Submission Process

Organizations interested in participating should follow these steps:

1. Develop a proposal for a thematic parallel session.
2. Ensure the session does not exceed 90 minutes.
3. Complete the official proposal questionnaire.
4. Follow all instructions provided in the questionnaire.
5. Submit the proposal before the application deadline.

Each organization may submit only one proposal. Organizations may suggest multiple speakers for their session, even if those individuals are included in proposals submitted by other organizations.

To Apply and learn more click HERE

Selection Process

After the submission deadline, UNESCO and the Advisory Group will jointly review all proposals.

Proposals will be assessed based on:

• Compliance with eligibility requirements.
• Relevance to Education for Sustainable Development.
• Quality and originality.
• Contribution to conference objectives.
• Diversity of perspectives.
• Practical value.
• Potential for international collaboration.

Successful applicants will proceed to a collaborative development phase with UNESCO.

Responsibilities of Selected Co-organizers

Organizations selected to co-organize a session will work closely with UNESCO throughout the planning process.

Responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with UNESCO.
• Working with partner organizations.
• Refining the session concept.
• Identifying speakers and panelists.
• Developing the session agenda.
• Coordinating presentations.
• Facilitating the session during the conference in Nairobi.

Although organizations may nominate speakers, UNESCO cannot guarantee that all suggested speakers will appear in the final programme.

Advisory Group

The conference programme is guided by an international Advisory Group.

The Advisory Group is:

• Co-chaired by UNESCO and the Government of Kenya.
• Composed of UNESCO Member States.
• Supported by Education for Sustainable Development experts from around the world.

Its role is to ensure that the conference reflects global priorities and includes diverse perspectives.

Importance of Diversity

UNESCO strongly encourages proposals that reflect:

• Diverse viewpoints.
• Inclusive participation.
• Gender balance.
• Geographic diversity.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Lived experiences.
• Cross-sector partnerships.

This commitment helps ensure that discussions represent the broad global Education for Sustainable Development community.

Benefits of Participating

Organizations selected as session co-organizers will have the opportunity to:

International Visibility

• Showcase their work before a global audience.
• Increase organizational recognition.
• Share successful ESD initiatives.

Global Networking

Participants will connect with:

• Government representatives.
• UNESCO officials.
• Researchers.
• Educators.
• Youth leaders.
• Civil society organizations.
• International development partners.

Strategic Collaboration

Organizations will:

• Collaborate directly with UNESCO.
• Build international partnerships.
• Exchange knowledge with global experts.

Policy Influence

Selected organizations can contribute to shaping future global discussions and strategies on Education for Sustainable Development through their participation.

Why Your Organization Should Apply

This call provides an exceptional opportunity for organizations working in sustainability, education, youth development, climate action, innovation, or social inclusion to contribute to one of UNESCO’s flagship international conferences. Rather than simply attending the event, selected organizations will help design and deliver discussions that influence global education policies and practices through 2030 and beyond. Organizations with innovative experiences, research findings, practical solutions, or successful Education for Sustainable Development initiatives are encouraged to seize this opportunity to showcase their work on the international stage.

Conclusion

The UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development 2027 Call for Proposals offers organizations worldwide a unique opportunity to become active contributors to one of the most influential global events focused on sustainable education. By co-organizing a thematic parallel session, selected organizations will collaborate directly with UNESCO, engage with leading experts, policymakers, educators, and youth leaders, and help shape international dialogue on education for sustainable development. As the world approaches the final years of the ESD for 2030 Framework, this conference will play a critical role in defining future priorities for sustainable education. Organizations with innovative ideas, practical experiences, and a commitment to advancing Education for Sustainable Development should prepare their proposals and submit them before the 31 August 2026 deadline to become part of this important global initiative.

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