From 21 to 23 January 2026, Bucharest is hosting the ESD-NET Europe–North America Regional Workshop, an event focused on strengthening international cooperation in the field of education for sustainable development. The meeting is hosted by the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest and is organized by UNESCO, with the support of the Romanian National Commission for UNESCO and the host academic institution.

The workshop brings together ESD-NET focal points, representatives of UNESCO Member States, experts from international organizations and UN agencies, academics, civil society organizations, youth networks, and other relevant stakeholders from the Europe–North America region involved in the implementation of UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development framework (ESD for 2030).

Discussions explore how education can respond more effectively to current challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, the green transition, social cohesion, and the strengthening of democratic values. Participants are examining concrete experiences in integrating sustainability into education systems, ranging from public policies and curricula to teacher training, community engagement, and youth participation. Particular emphasis is placed on action research and the “whole institution” approach, which promotes the transformation of educational institutions as a whole rather than through isolated interventions.

The programme includes plenary sessions, thematic panels, and interactive workshops designed to encourage the exchange of good practices and mutual learning. On the first day, participants took part in a study visit to the Olga Gudynn Bilingual High School in Bucharest, a member of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network, where examples of good practice in integrating education for sustainable development into a sustainable learning environment were presented. The programme also included a tour of the POLITEHNICA Bucharest campus, with a focus on laboratories and research projects related to sustainability and climate change.

The workshop will conclude tomorrow, 23 January, with a closing plenary session at which a draft regional action plan will be presented. This plan will support stronger cooperation within the ESD-NET Europe–North America network and contribute to preparations for the upcoming UNESCO global meeting on education for sustainable development, scheduled for 2026–2027.