August 21, 2012

UNESCO and the Government of Japan have decided on the objectives and date of the UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD (refer to *1)) to be held in Japan in 2014 on the occasion of the end of the UN Decade of ESD.

(1) The High-Level segment and plenary will be held in Aichi-Nagoya on 10-12 November, 2014. About one-thousand participants, including high-level officials from Japan and overseas are expected to attend. Upon reviewing the implementation of the UN Decade of ESD at the Conference, attendees will also discuss ESD activities beyond 2014. Based on the next set of goals set forth at the Conference, a follow-up meeting gathering relevant domestic parties will be held on 13 November, 2014.

(2) The Conference will be preceded by the following Stakeholder Meetings (refer to *2) in Okayama.

1. World Conference on Associated Schools
   200 high school students and teachers from Japan and overseas will be invited to debate on ESD (refer to *1)
   Date: 6-8 November, 2014
   
2. Youth Forum
   Youths from Japan and overseas will be invited to debate on ESD (refer to *1)
   Date: 7 November, 2014
   
3. Conference on the centers for ESD
   Date: 4-7 November, 2014
   

The above meetings will be held in cooperation with UNESCO. Upon reviewing the implementation of the Decade at the meetings, discussions for ESD activities beyond 2014 will be held. These results will be reflected at the High-Level segment and plenary.

*1 ESD refers to Education for Sustainable Development
*2 Stakeholders include UN organizations, researchers, school personnel, private companies and non-profit organizationsnizations.