UNEVOC Connect

A whole-institution approach considers an integrated process for mainstreaming sustainability in the whole process of an institution. The UNESCO Roadmap for Implementing the Global Action Programme on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) suggests areas in which this approach can be realized:

(a) An institution-wide process is organized in a manner that enables all stakeholders – leadership, teachers, learners, and administration – to jointly develop a vision and plan to implement ESD in the whole institution.

(b) Technical and, where possible and appropriate, financial support is provided to the institution to support its reorientation. This can include the provision of relevant good practice examples, training for leadership and administration, the development of guidelines, as well as associated research.

(c) Existing relevant inter-institutional networks are mobilized and enhanced in order to facilitate mutual support such as peer-to-peer learning on a whole-institution approach, and to increase the visibility of the approach to promote it as a model for adaptation.

In practice, a whole-institution approach suggests the incorporation of sustainable development not only through the aspects of the curriculum, but also through an integrated management and governance of the institution, the application of a sustainability ethos, engagement of community and stakeholders, long-term planning, and sustainability monitoring and evaluation.