UNESCO Chair on "Education for Sustainable Development"
Gayane Poghosyan, Chairholder of the UNESCO Chair on "Education for Sustainable Development", PhD in Biology
The UNESCO Chair on "Education for Sustainable Development" was established in 2011 at the Center for Ecological-Noosphere Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia. It represents a pioneering model among UNESCO Chairs, being the sole Chair in the Republic housed within a scientific organization. The Chair's mandate extends across various sectors of the education landscape, fostering both scientific inquiry and educational initiatives.
Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the UN Agenda 2030, the Chair is dedicated to advancing the educational process of "Education for Sustainable Development." It plays a crucial role in harmonizing the three key components of the science sector-education, research, and innovation-at the national, regional, and global levels.
Initiatives Implemented by the Chair
Scientific Research: The Chair spearheads scientific research in the realms of two pivotal international agendas: "Education for Sustainable Development" and "Lifelong Learning." It actively engages in local and regional program implementations, continuously innovating with modern scientific and educational technologies. These advancements encompass educational project technology, open agrarian school models, and sustainable school frameworks, leveraging pedagogical, telecommunication, and information technologies. The findings of these research endeavors are disseminated through various local and international publications, including those by UNECE.
Education and Training: The Chair conducts both formal and informal education initiatives spanning general education, secondary professional, and vocational education domains. In the public education sphere, collaborative efforts with UNESCO Associated and Partner Schools yield eco-educational programs and courses-seminars addressing critical sustainable development topics. These encompass environmental protection, national security, and initiatives for enhancing health and quality of life. Moreover, the Chair conducts teacher, specialist, and student training sessions focused on environmental education, introducing novel educational directions and methodologies.
Teaching Methodology Development: Within the framework of the "Environmental Protection and Natural Use" specialty at the International Scientific and Educational Center of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, the Chair facilitates master's education by introducing novel courses, modern teaching methodologies, and instructional formats.
Organization of Scientific-Educational Events: The Chair actively organizes a diverse range of educational events including meetings, seminars, training sessions, conferences, workshops, and summer schools at both local and regional levels. These events leverage modern information technologies to enhance knowledge dissemination and collaboration.
Establishment of Cooperation and Expansion of Ties: To fulfill its objectives, the Chair actively fosters local and international cooperation by engaging interested organizations. It consistently submits reports to the General Secretariat of UNESCO and the Steering Committee of the UNECE "Education for Sustainable Development."
Expansion of Partnerships: The Chair cultivates ties with various local and international organizations, actively participating in the activities of the Environmental Education Network (EEN).
The Chair facilitates information exchange through relevant networks such as UNITWIN Networks, Copernicus Alliance, ENSI, Info CENN, GUPES, and EENCE.