China
The Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) in China, was seen as a natural progression
of its national flagship project, "Environment, Population and Development" (EPD) program, which
commenced in 1998. The Beijing Academy of Educational Sciences has been entrusted by the Chinese
National Commission for UNESCO with this project. A National Working Committee for EPD was
established with its Secretariat within the Beijing Academy of Educational Sciences. Local working
committees for EPD are established according to local needs of the programme. The National Working
Committee for EPD is now also responsible for DESD-related activities.
Projects/Initiatives
The Beijing Academy of Educational Sciences takes advantage of being a research institution with wide
connections with institutions of higher learning and research. It has mobilized and strengthened research
work on EPD and research outcomes have been used to contribute to program implementation by assisting
school principals and teachers to develop a better understanding of the necessity and significance of EPD.
Objectives of EPD in China
1. Enhance awareness and capability of educators in primary, secondary schools and colleges to pro-
mote education initiatives for environment, population and sustainable development
2. Help teenagers to acquire knowledge and skills about environment, population and sustainable devel-
opment, and cultivate awareness and readiness to act positively in support of ESD
3. Prepare a new generation of citizens with creativity and consciousness of sustainable development
and relevant capability
4. Work together with partners among the Member states to integrate sustainable development with edu-
cation of environment and population to improve the living environment so as to promote the sustain-
able development of human beings
Guiding principles for implementing education for EPD have been developed. These principles recognize the
need for “student-centered metho