merrion street

The Department of Education and Skills, today (Thursday 1st December) hosted the Second National Forum on Education for Sustainable Development.
Education for Sustainable Development fosters and strengthens the capacity of individuals to make judgements and choices in favour of sustainable development.
Welcoming the Forum, Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD, said: “Today’s Forum is an opportunity to take stock of current themes in Education for Sustainable Development, notably the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and to continue to raise awareness of this key area. The publication of Ireland’s National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development 2014 - 2020 was a significant development and ensured that the Department of Education and Skills took a leadership role in the area of Education for Sustainable Development. Our Strategy is a key pillar of the Government’s overarching “Our Sustainable Future”, which was launched in 2012.”
“I welcome Gary Fowlie, Head of the International Telecommunication Union Liaison Office to the United Nations, as the distinguished Keynote Speaker.”
The findings of a report on a consultation with young people on Education for Sustainable Development, facilitated by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, were presented to the Forum by Dr Deirdre McGillicuddy from Marino Institute of Education. The key question posed for the young people to debate was “What do you learn in school to make the world a fairer and better place for everyone?”
Participants at the Forum were entertained by young Rappers from Scoil Íosagáin in Farranree, Cork City. They also represent Music Generation Cork City, which is part of Music Generation. Their own original rap “Throw it in the Bin” looked at the environmental consequences of litter and highlighted the importance of sustainability in their own locality.
“This Strategy calls on all of us to come together to build a platform for the future and make sustainable development a reality,” concluded the Minister.
Notes to Editor
The National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development is available at: http://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Education-Reports/National-Strategy-on-Education-for-Sustainable-Development-in-Ireland-2014-2020.pdf