Education, Sustainable Development, and Values
Session Description:
The session examines sustainable development and emphasizes the role of education. While there is no definition of sustainability, the trajectory of growth has shown horrendous manifestations of what is not sustainable. The exploitation of nature has taken its toll. It can be seen in polluted rivers and seas, loss of forest land, and rise of disease, including the latest pandemic. In human society, it has led to conflict because of tremendous growth of population unevenly distributed, the majority living in developing countries with meager resources which has made poverty a global phenomenon. What is the answer? Education but of the right kind as education itself can increase disparities and lead to exploitation. However, it is only through education that values can be transmitted to inculcate respect for human dignity, peace, and respect for nature. This makes education for life skills and peace vital.