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Prof. Dr. Annette Schavan, Federal Minister of Education and Research, Germany
Education is the key to progress and development and meaningful, quality education must be a
priority
worldwide. Every child and adult must have the opportunity to acquire the values, competencies,
skills and knowledge that they need in order to shape their own future and the future of their planet
actively and responsibly.
Germany therefore wholeheartedly supports the objectives of the UN Decade of Education for
Sustainable Development (DESD). In the light of the current dramatic global challenges, the aims of the
DESD become more relevant every day. Citizens committed to sustainable development will be diligent
custodians of the environment, responsible actors in the business world and passionate promoters of
social and global justice. They will be true global citizens.
The Bonn Declaration, adopted unanimously at the UNESCO World Conference on Education for
Sustainable Development in Bonn, Germany, states: “Education for Sustainable Development is setting
a new direction for education and learning for all. It promotes quality education and is inclusive of all
people. It is based on values, principles and practices necessary to respond effectively to current and
future challenges.” This vision and practice of education remains relevant for the remainder of the DESD
and beyond.
Prof. Dr. Annette Schavan