Turning heads around the world

Dalhousie’s newly created Environment, Sustainability and Society (ESS) program is already attracting international attention.

At the mid-point of the UN declaration of the decade for sustainable education, leaders from around the world are gathering in Bonn, Germany from March 31 to April 2. Dalhousie’s ESS program has been invited to attend the UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development: Moving into the Second Half of the UN Decade.

“This is very significant. There are five geographic regions and the college is the only one coming from the entire continent of North America,” says David Walden, secretary-general of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.

The College of Sustainabilty has been invited to be one of 25 exhibitors at this event. Selected participants will demonstrate “... innovative projects finding new and creative solutions to common problems.” The program will be represented by director Steven Mannell.

“As we share what we’re doing, we get two main reactions, both of them packing a wow factor. First people are amazed by the concept itself; and almost immediately they want to know‚ 'how did you do it? ’” says Prof. Mannell.

The integration of sustainability throughout the curriculum is key, according to Mr. Walden. “It promotes a sense of responsibility in both the local and the global. Ultimately, what this is about is taking responsibility at both a local and global level, creating students who understand that they can make a difference.”

The conference provides an invaluable opportunity to network and learn from others.

“In Sweden and India there are laws on sustainable education, so in some ways they are far ahead. We can take our experiences and learn from others,” says the college’s associate director Tarah Wright.

“Dalhousie’s approach to sustainability education, this holistic approach, reflects what is going on in the UN and internationally—it’s interdisciplinary, and it’s building global citizens,” says  Mr. Walden.