Global Conference to Bring Together Ministers, Youth Leaders and Education Stakeholders in Nairobi
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in partnership with the Government of Kenya, has announced the UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) 2027, which will take place from 13–15 January 2027 in Nairobi, Kenya.
Held under the theme “Learning in Action. Shaping Our Future,” the global conference will serve as a major platform for governments, educators, researchers, youth leaders, civil society organizations, and development partners to strengthen international efforts in advancing Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
The event marks the halfway point of UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for 2030 Framework and aims to generate renewed momentum for achieving sustainable development through education.
Conference to Shape the Future of Education for Sustainable Development
UNESCO stated that the conference will provide strategic guidance for the next five years of the ESD for 2030 agenda while helping shape discussions on education beyond the year 2030.
Education for Sustainable Development equips learners with the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes needed to address interconnected global challenges, including:
- Climate change
- Biodiversity loss
- Social inequality
- Conflict and peacebuilding
- Sustainable development
The conference will explore how education systems can better prepare individuals and communities to respond to these complex global issues.
Global Leaders to Participate
The conference will convene:
- Ministers of Education
- Government officials
- Youth leaders
- Educators
- Researchers
- Civil society organizations
- Indigenous communities
- Private sector representatives
- International development partners
A ministerial roundtable will provide opportunities for high-level policy dialogue, while youth participation will play a central role throughout the conference to ensure young people actively contribute to discussions and decision-making.
The event will primarily be held in person, with UNESCO also considering livestreaming plenary sessions to allow broader global participation.
Focus Areas of the 2027 Conference
The conference will examine several emerging priorities shaping education and sustainability, including:
- Green skills development.
- Climate action through education.
- Digital transformation in education.
- Social-emotional learning.
- Sustainable development policies.
- Education financing.
- Equity and inclusion.
Participants will also discuss how education systems can support more sustainable societies through innovative teaching approaches and stronger international collaboration.
Conference Objectives
UNESCO has outlined several key objectives for the 2027 conference.
These include:
- Reviewing six years of progress under the Education for Sustainable Development for 2030 framework.
- Celebrating achievements and identifying lessons learned.
- Addressing emerging global sustainability challenges.
- Promoting greener education systems.
- Strengthening youth leadership in sustainability.
- Empowering teachers and education professionals as agents of change.
- Expanding international partnerships and collaboration.
- Developing a vision for Education for Sustainable Development beyond 2030.
The conference will also encourage stronger commitments from governments and development partners to scale up investments in education for sustainability.
Expected Outcomes
The conference is expected to deliver several important outcomes, including:
- A global stocktake of Education for Sustainable Development implementation between 2021 and 2026.
- The Nairobi Consensus, outlining shared international commitments for advancing Education for Sustainable Development beyond 2030.
- UNESCO’s outcome document from the Munich Symposium on the future of sustainable education.
- Stronger global partnerships among governments, educators, researchers, and civil society organizations.
- Increased recognition of youth-led sustainability initiatives.
- Renewed commitments from Member States to strengthen Education for Sustainable Development through policy reforms, financing, and international cooperation.
Call for Session Proposals Now Open
UNESCO has also launched a Call for Proposals, inviting organizations worldwide to co-organize thematic sessions during the conference.
Organizations working in education, sustainability, climate action, equity, and related fields are encouraged to submit proposals that contribute to global dialogue and knowledge-sharing.
The deadline for submitting proposals is 31 August 2026.
Registration Information
Registration for conference participants is expected to open soon.
Interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to monitor UNESCO’s official conference website for updates regarding registration, participation, and programme details.
Conference Partners
The UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development 2027 is:
- Co-organized by UNESCO and the Government of Kenya.
- Supported by the Government of Japan.
- Backed by the Government of Germany.
- Supported by the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP).
Together, these partners aim to strengthen global cooperation in advancing sustainable education and preparing future generations to address the world’s most pressing challenges.
Why the Conference Matters
As climate change, environmental degradation, inequality, and technological transformation continue to reshape societies, Education for Sustainable Development has become increasingly important in equipping learners with the competencies needed to build inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities.
The 2027 UNESCO World Conference is expected to play a significant role in defining the future direction of global education policies and reinforcing international collaboration toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
