Beirut: In a collective effort to advance sustainable development through education, education leaders and key stakeholders from across the Arab States have convened in Beirut on 14 and 15 October 2025 for the ESD-NET Arab Region 2025 Regional Workshop. This high-level strategic meeting aims to accelerate the integration of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into national education systems and strengthen regional collaboration to drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the workshop was hosted by the UNESCO Regional Office in Beirut, in partnership with the UNESCO Regional Office in Doha. It serves as a key milestone in supporting Arab Member States to operationalize the ESD-NET Global Network framework. The focus is on confirming the ESD-NET Terms of Reference, finalizing the 2026-2027 Regional Roadmap, and aligning collective efforts to mainstream sustainability within education systems in the region.
Ms. Maysoun Chehab, Officer in Charge of the UNESCO Regional Office in Beirut, emphasized the workshop's significance as a starting point towards a sustainable Arab education system. She assured that UNESCO, through its offices in Beirut, Doha, and Paris, is committed to supporting countries in strengthening education systems, empowering teachers, developing curricula, and building partnerships with communities and the private sector.
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is seen as a crucial factor for achieving sustainable and inclusive development. It equips learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes to tackle complex global challenges, including climate change and social inequality. The workshop creates a platform to align national priorities with collective regional action by bringing together decision-makers, practitioners, and youth representatives.
The event builds on the momentum from the 2025 ESD-Arab NET webinar series, which engaged governments, civil society, the private sector, and academic institutions to strengthen the ESD ecosystem in the Arab region. A key highlight was the launch of the Arabic language versions of the Greening Education Partnership's resources, including the Green Schools Quality Standard and the Greening Curriculum Guidance. Mr. Salah Khaled, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, noted that these resources will aid countries in transforming learning environments to be more climate-responsive.
Lebanon's active participation in the Global Network for Education for Sustainable Development was highlighted by H.E. Dr. Rima Karami, Minister of Education and Higher Education, Lebanon. She stressed that sustainability is the core of educational reform in Lebanon.
The two-day event featured strategic dialogues, peer learning sessions, and technical discussions designed to accelerate national ESDfor2030 initiatives and foster cross-country collaboration. Participants also engaged in a site visit to Lebanon's Green Demonstration Room in Jounieh, showcasing practical approaches to greening education.
The workshop aimed to enhance coordination among Member States, strengthen national capacities, and consolidate a shared vision for advancing ESD and greening education systems across the Arab region. It underscored UNESCO's commitment to supporting countries in achieving transformative education outcomes that empower learners for a sustainable future.