Higher Education Authority’s (HEA) 2026 Education for Sustainable DevelopmentSustainable Development is a development approach that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It balances economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being to ensure long-term sustainability. It’s often described as having three main aspects: • Economic Sustainability: This means making sure we grow the economy without using up natural resources or hurting the environment.
• Environmental Sustainability: This means protecting the environment, including all the different kinds of life on Earth, for future generations.
• Social Sustainability: This means making sure everyone has a fair chance and that life is good for everyone.
The concept was popularized by the Brundtland Report and is central to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs). More in Higher Education in Ireland: A Landscape Report provides a comprehensive overview of how Irish higher education institutions are advancing Education for Sustainable DevelopmentSustainable Development is a development approach that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It balances economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being to ensure long-term sustainability. It’s often described as having three main aspects: • Economic Sustainability: This means making sure we grow the economy without using up natural resources or hurting the environment.
• Environmental Sustainability: This means protecting the environment, including all the different kinds of life on Earth, for future generations.
• Social Sustainability: This means making sure everyone has a fair chance and that life is good for everyone.
The concept was popularized by the Brundtland Report and is central to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs). More (ESD) across teaching, research, campus life, and community engagement.
Main Themes:
Mapping ESD Practice: The report surveys how universities and institutes are embedding sustainability, climate action and the SDGs into curricula, strategic planning, and institutional policies.
Equipping Future Leaders: It highlights efforts to ensure graduates gain knowledge, skills, values, and agency needed to respond to climate change and social inequalities.
Whole-Institution Approaches: Beyond classrooms, campuses are integrating sustainability in operations, partnerships and research for resilience and equitable transitions.
Collaboration & Innovation: The report shows how institutions are sharing best practices and co-creating solutions locally and internationally.
Education is a cornerstone of climate justice — empowering learners to understand interconnected environmental and social challenges and to take action for equitable, sustainable futures. This report highlights how higher education in Ireland is responding to that call by embedding climate and justice principles across disciplines and communities.
The report is available here:
Education for Sustainable Development in Higher Education in Ireland: A Landscape Report
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