New Zealand Launch relating to UN

28 February 2005

New Zealand Launch of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development

The United Nations has declared the years 2005-2014 as the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD). Following the international launch tomorrow, 1 March 2005, at UN Headquarters in New York, the New Zealand launch of the Decade will be held at 11am this Saturday, 5 March 2005, in conjunction with ECOSHOW at The Trusts Stadium, Central Park Drive, Henderson, Auckland.

The United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development pursues a global vision: a world where everyone has the opportunity to benefit from quality education and learn the values, behaviour and lifestyles required for a sustainable future and for positive societal transformation.

Speakers from the NZ National Commission for UNESCO, UNESCO’s Regional Bureau for Education, a representative of Government, and Rob Fenwick, Chair of the New Zealand Coordinating Committee for the DESD, will launch the Decade at this event. Entertainment will include a Pacifika group, a showcase of some of the 2004 Trash To Fashion designs and a performance by Western Heights Primary about the DESD principles.

According to the DESD principles, education for a sustainable future is about learning to: respect, value and preserve the achievements of the past; appreciate the wonders and the peoples of the Earth; live in a world where all people have sufficient food for a healthy and productive life; assess, care for and restore the state of our Planet create and enjoy a better, safer, more just world; be caring citizens who exercise their rights and responsibilities locally, nationally and globally

The United Nations designated the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as the lead agency for the promotion of the Decade. However, the goals, emphases and processes will be defined here in Aotearoa to meet our local environmental, social and economic conditions in culturally appropriate ways by the New Zealand National Coordinating Committee chaired by Rob Fenwick, prominent businessman and advocate for sustainable development.

The New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO, based in Wellington, is the New Zealand focal point for the first year of the Decade and for the Coordinating Committee.

ENDS

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