Table of Contents
Why is this Conference important ?
The world is facing interconnected challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss to inequality and conflict. Education must equip people with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to respond to these challenges. The Conference will provide an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved since 2021, identify remaining gaps and build renewed momentum for ESD over the next five years.
What does the Conference aim to achieve?
The Conference aims to generate renewed momentum for ESD and provide strategic guidance for the next five years. Expected outcomes include a global stocktake of ESD progress from 2021–2026, the adoption of the Nairobi Consensus, strengthened stakeholder networks, greater youth engagement and renewed commitments from governments and partners to scale up ESD.
Who can participate in person?
Participation includes representatives of UNESCO Member States, selected partner organizations and nominated youth representatives. The Conference will bring together governments, international organizations, civil society, academia, the private sector and young people to exchange experiences and advance ESD.
Member States
UNESCO has issued invitations to Ministries of Education through Member States’ Permanent Delegations to UNESCO. Each country nominated two participants: the Minister of Education and one accompanying individual responsible for ESD in the country. If the Minister is unavailable, another representative may be designated.
The accompanying participant may come from another ministry or a relevant stakeholder group, as appropriate. Where a country has more than one Ministry of Education, the Permanent Delegation identifies the appropriate Minister. Countries were encouraged to coordinate internally with their Ministry of Education and Permanent Delegation to determine their delegation.
Due to limited capacity, each country was asked to nominate no more than two participants. Separate invitations cannot be issued to other ministries.
Partner organizations
Who can participate as a selected partner organization?
Selected partner organizations may include United Nations entities, civil society organizations, academic institutions and private-sector organizations, among other stakeholders. Selection for participation in thematic parallel sessions was conducted through the Call for Proposals, which closed on 31 August 2026.
UNESCO and the World Conference Advisory Group have reviewed the proposals submitted through the Call for Proposals. Selected applicants have been contacted, and additional applicants may be contacted as the Conference programme is finalized. Only applicants whose proposals are selected for inclusion in the programme will be notified.
Youth representatives
The Conference will bring together 50 young participants, aged 18 to 30, from youth networks working on ESD across the world. Their selection reflects a commitment to geographic and gender diversity, alongside demonstrated engagement in ESD and sustainability initiatives, active involvement in youth networks, and the ability to contribute to advocacy and global policy discussions. The selection process is now complete, and selected participants are being contacted.
Volunteers
Volunteer support for the Conference is being coordinated by the Government of Kenya, as Host Country, and the UNESCO Office in Nairobi. Information on any volunteer opportunities will be communicated through the relevant channels, as appropriate.
Does UNESCO provide financial support for participation?
Due to budget limitations, a dedicated, limited fund is available to support eligible Ministers from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Support is available for one representative only; any accompanying participant must cover their own expenses. UNESCO is unable to provide financial support to participants from countries that are not classified as LDCs or SIDS.
What does financial support cover?
For an eligible representative, support includes:
- A round-trip air ticket in the lowest economy class to and from Nairobi.
- Hotel accommodation with full board for the three days of the Conference.
- Shuttle transport between the airport and the hotel.
Any other expenses must be covered by the participant. Further details will be communicated at a later stage.
