From 19 to 21 January 2026, the National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest is hosting the international conference “Transforming Futures – Improving Practice for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) 2030 through Action Research.” The event was initiated by UNESCO’s Education 2030 Department in Paris and brings together experts and national coordinators from the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet).

The conference presents the results of the project “Transforming Futures: Enhancing Practice for ESD for 2030 through Action Research,” funded by the Government of Japan and implemented during the previous year.

Participants come from ten countries—Japan, Germany, Slovenia, Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Kenya, Cuba, and Romania—along with UNESCO specialists, researchers, and education practitioners working in the field of Education for Sustainable Development. The event marks the dissemination phase of the international project, in which Romania has participated through the ASPnet network since September 2024.

Discussions focus on current challenges related to integrating ESD into education systems, assessing sustainability skills, and using action research to transform teaching and learning practices, with a strong emphasis on impact at classroom, community, and system level.

During the opening panel, speakers highlighted the strategic role of Education for Sustainable Development in transforming education systems, as well as the importance of international cooperation and action research in achieving the ESD 2030 objectives.

“Education for sustainable development can no longer be understood as a simple adjustment of the curriculum to a relatively new topic, but rather as a transformative approach at the level of the entire institution and the surrounding community. Today’s conference clearly shows how this whole-institution perspective, supported by international cooperation, can help build a culture of sustainability embedded in educational practices, institutional governance, and the relationship between schools and their communities, as a response to the challenges of tomorrow’s society.”
Ligia Deca, Secretary General, Romanian National Commission for UNESCO

“Romania’s experience in recent years, including initiatives such as Green Week and investments in centers of excellence in education and research, demonstrates that education for sustainable development can be integrated coherently at the system level. This conference provides a valuable framework for the exchange of good practices and mutual learning among countries.”
Irina Danielescu, State Secretary, Ministry of Education

“For almost a decade, UNESCO has promoted education for sustainable development globally as a process that transforms how we teach, learn, and assess. The shift from traditional teaching to experiential and project-based approaches, supported by action research, is essential for developing sustainability competencies and achieving real impact in communities.”
Julia Heiss, Head of the Section for Education for Sustainable Development, UNESCO

“Politehnica Bucharest assumes its role as a strategic actor in promoting sustainability by integrating it into education, research, and engagement with the socio-economic environment. From developing a sustainable campus and producing green energy to extensive partnerships with the private sector and participation in UNESCO programmes, the university actively contributes to educating a new generation of specialists.”
Mihnea Costoiu, Rector, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest

Following the conference, from 22 to 23 January 2026, the UNESCO ESD-NET Europe–North America Regional Workshop will take place. The workshop aims to strengthen the international community of practice in education for sustainable development, support the exchange of experience, and develop a regional action plan for promoting ESD in the context of the post-2030 agenda.

The events are organized with the support of the Romanian National Commission for UNESCO, in partnership with Politehnica Bucharest, and directly contribute to UNESCO’s mission of promoting transformative education and sustainable development at regional and international levels.