91ÑÇÉ«

Welcome to the May 2026 edition of the 91ÑÇÉ« UNESCO Chair Newsletter.

As global discussions on the future of education beyond 2030 evolve ¡ª on social media under #EducationBeyond2030 ¡ª and will soon pick up speed, the month of May offers a good moment to reflect on the role of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) at the core of institutional and societal transformation efforts. With growing pressures across environmental, social, and political systems, ESD remains central to building more just and sustainable futures.

This month, we share selected updates, events, and opportunities, highlighting current work in (higher) education, policy engagement, and international collaboration. Thank you for staying connected and for advancing this work on promoting and implementing ESD.

Charles Hopkins and Katrin Kohl
UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education towards Sustainability, 91ÑÇÉ«

Nominate someone by ? 6 May 2026

As the 2030 Agenda enters its final phase, UNESCO has launched a global foresight exercise to explore the trends, risks, and emerging priorities that will shape education, including ESD beyond 2030. Bringing together experts, youth, and stakeholders across sectors, the process will help inform the 2027 Global Education Meeting and contribute to defining the next global education agenda. This is an opportunity to reflect on how education systems can respond sustainability challenges, such as climate change, AI, inequality, conflict, and shifting labour markets.

Participate in the consultation by ? 12 May 2026

Have your voice heard for Canada¡¯s Federal Sustainable Development Strategy 2026-2029 (FSDS). For the new FSDS 2026-2029, Canada seeks input from educators, researchers, institutions, youth, Indigenous partners, and other stakeholders. Feedback from diverse communities will help shape future federal policies and ensure the FSDS reflects diverse perspectives and evidence-based approaches to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Canada. Participate on or before 12 May 2026.

Extended deadline ? 31 May 2026

The International Association of Universities (IAU) has launched the . Every four years, the survey examines progress and challenges of institutions in their pursuit of sustainable development, including achieving the SDGs. By capturing global trends, regional perspectives, and innovative practices, the findings provide a crucial evidence base for institutional strategies and policy development for the remaining years of the SDGs. Learn more about how your institution can take part (one?response?per institution) by 31 May 2026.

Extended deadline ? 30 May 2026

Deadline extended until 30 May 2026! NORRAG, the IAU, and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) invite contributions to a new policy brief series exploring how higher education can accelerate systemic sustainability transformation. The series examines governance, leadership, financing, curriculum reform, and policy frameworks shaping the future of higher education.

? 20 September 2026

UNESCO and the SDG 4 High-Level Steering Committee have launched a global youth and student consultation to help shape the future education agenda beyond 2030. Young people aged 11¨C30 are invited to share their perspectives on the future of learning, education priorities, and societal change through a global survey open until 20 September 2026.

The process places youth voices at the centre of rethinking education systems and strengthening inclusive, participatory approaches to Education for Sustainable Development and global education policy.

Hosted by Democritus University of Thrace in collaboration with 91ÑÇÉ«, this brings together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to explore crisis governance, resilience planning, climate and technological risks, cybersecurity, and innovation in higher education. A unique opportunity for those working at the intersection of risk, resilience, and education to contribute and connect.

? 6-9 May 2026 ? all day (hybrid)

The Foundation for Environmental Education Global Action Days 2026 continue until 6 May 2026, inviting schools, universities, and communities around the world to take part in practical activities that connect sustainability learning with action. A strong reminder that ESD grows through participation, collaboration, and local engagement.

An upcoming online conversation on 7 May 2026 at 2pm ET will explore what the next century could look like if climate restoration becomes a shared global priority. The webinar invites participants to engage with long-term thinking on ecological renewal, intergenerational responsibility, and pathways for sustainability action. This is a great opportunity to connect climate literacy and systems thinking with ESD in light of current challenges of North America's community colleges.

? 7 May 2026 ? 2pm ET

How can higher education partnerships between the Global North and South move beyond good intentions to create meaningful and lasting impact? On 7 May 2026 at 5pm CET / 11am ET, this upcoming University World News webinar brings together experts for a timely conversation for institutions working to strengthen global collaboration in support of sustainable development.

? 7 May 2026 ? 5pm CET / 11am ET (online)

? 12 May 2026 ? 2-5pm CET (in person)

? 13 May 2026 ? 10am-1pm (in person)

UNESCO IESALC () will launch its new Higher Education Global Trends Report on Inclusion and Equity in an Internationally Mobile Landscape at UNESCO Headquarters on 12-13 May 2026 in Paris, France. The report examines how global student mobility is reshaping questions of access, equity, and inclusion across higher education systems, offering insights for institutions and policymakers working to strengthen internationalization in more just and inclusive ways.

As global discussions begin to look beyond the 2030 Agenda, this upcoming on 13 May 2026 at 3pm CET / 9am ET creates space to critically examine the role of higher education in shaping future global development frameworks. The conversation will explore how universities can contribute not only to implementing sustainable development priorities, but also to rethinking the agendas, partnerships, and knowledge systems that will shape what comes next.

? 13 May 2026 ? 3pm CET / 9am ET (online)

What should education look like when artificial intelligence can generate answers in seconds? This upcoming book launch explores how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, and the role of human judgment in education. Join the and be part of a conversation on new frameworks for learning that centre responsibility, critical thinking, and human connection in the AI era, resonating deeply with the objectives of ESD.

? 28 May 2026 ? 1pm ET (hybrid)

The Global Sustainable Development 2026 will take place from 22¨C25 June 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The congress brings together leaders from higher education, government, business, and civil society to advance collaboration and action on the SDGs and will be the moment of the first reveal of the new Times Higher Education .

Within this context, Charles Hopkins and Katrin Kohl will again moderate the track on Education, Gender, and Inequality, contributing to discussions on the role of education in addressing systemic challenges and advancing more inclusive and sustainable futures.

? 22-25 June 2026 ? all day (in person)

The Teacher Education for Equity and Sustainability Network (TEESNet) has announced its 15th conference, taking place on 1 December 2026 at Liverpool Hope University in Liverpool, United Kingdom. The conference will bring together educators, researchers, and practitioners to exchange ideas on equity, sustainability, and teacher education. Further details, including the call for contributions, will be shared soon.

? 10 May 2026

The United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) invites undergraduate students worldwide to apply for the  (GYM) 2026, a free online certificate programme focused on biodiversity, climate change, circular economy, and youth engagement in global decision-making as key areas of ESD. Applications are open until 10 May 2026 for students interested in strengthening sustainability leadership and global policy engagement.

? 14 May 2026

for the ESD Okayama Award 2026, recognizing outstanding ESD initiatives from around the world. Open to organizations with at least three years of active ESD work, the award highlights innovative, community-based projects that support sustainability learning and local action. One or two projects will receive US$3,000, with winners invited to the award ceremony in Okayama, Japan on 14 November 2026. The application deadline is 14 May 2026.

? 15 May 2026

Applications are now open for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent, a fully funded human rights training opportunity in Geneva, Switzerland. The programme strengthens knowledge of international human rights mechanisms and advocacy, supporting key dimensions of ESD, including equity, inclusion, and social justice. The application deadline is 15 May 2026.

Apply by ? 17 May 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 UN SDG Action Awards, recognizing individuals and initiatives driving creative, community-based solutions for sustainable development. Open until 17 May 2026, the awards highlight action across justice, resilience, and innovation, offering a global platform for changemakers whose work is advancing the SDGs through tangible impact and collective engagement.

UNESCO IESALC¡¯s Higher Education Policy Observatory (HEPO) is a crucial resource for higher education policymakers, researchers, and institutional leaders. Covering nearly 150 national systems, the platform offers comparative policy and statistical data on governance, access, quality assurance, funding, mobility, and equity.

The  continues to build global momentum for climate-ready education systems through a whole-system approach grounded in Education for Sustainable Development. Hosted by UNESCO, the partnership supports action across four interconnected areas: greening schools, curriculum, teacher training, and communities. With 98 countries and more than 2,000 organizations now engaged, the platform offers practical tools, global guidance, and opportunities for collaboration to strengthen sustainability across education systems.