On 19 December 2023, UNU will host “The Role of Education for Sustainable Development in Transforming Education”, a conversation with Ms. Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education. The event will start at 18:30 in the 2F Reception Hall at the UNU Headquarters in Tokyo.
In confronting urgent challenges like climate change, disaster risk reduction, resource depletion and social inequality, education emerges not only as a solution but as the bedrock of a sustainable future. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to act as catalysts for positive change.
Ms. Stefania Giannini will join UNU Rector Tshilidzi Marwala to discuss how education at all levels can contribute to sustainable development. How can ESD for 2030 be implemented? What role can policymakers, civil society organizations, and private companies play in its successful implementation? And what practical steps can be taken to integrate ESD into policies, learning environments and the mobilization of young people?
The UNU Conversation Series aims to foster audience participation; you are encouraged to engage with the speakers during the conversation and at the reception that will follow, where all audience members are invited to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks while exchanging ideas and making new contacts.
Please note that this event will be in English. Advance registration (by 18 December) is required. Please click on the REGISTER button above to access the online registration page.
Please be prepared to present identification at check-in.
About the speaker
Ms. Stefania Giannini was appointed UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education in 2018, becoming the top UN official in the field. She provides strategic vision and leadership in coordinating and monitoring the Education 2030 Agenda, encompassed in Sustainable Development Goal 4.
During her term, she has given fresh impetus to multilateral and bilateral partnerships; increased focus on education’s ethical role in providing learners with the skills to respond to 21st century challenges and on the responsibility of universities in achieving the SDGs.
Ms. Giannini affirmed UNESCO’s leadership in the COVID-19 response through global evidence, guidance, policy dialogue and collaboration with all partners, including through the Global Education Coalition. In 2022, she led the landmark Transforming Education Summit convened by the UN Secretary-General, which propelled education to the top of the political agenda.
With a background in the Humanities, Ms. Giannini has served as the Rector of the University for Foreigners of Perugia (2004–2012), as a Senator of the Republic of Italy (2013–2018), and as Italy's Minister of Education, Universities and Research (2014–2016).
