Global ESD Symposium in Bucharest
From 19-21 January 2026, the International Association of Universities (IAU) participated in the Global Symposium on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Bucharest, Romania, marking an important milestone in the Transforming Futures project and IAU’s collective work with partners on advancing UNESCO’s Whole Institution Approach (WIA).
IAU Secretary General Dr. Hilligje van’t Land and Isabel Toman, Senior Programme Officer for Higher Education and Sustainable Development (HESD), were invited to take part in the symposium, which focused on strengthening Education for Sustainable Development as a holistic and transformative approach across higher education systems.
Advancing the Whole Institution Approach
Within the framework of the Transforming Futures project, IAU is leading the development of a publication on UNESCO’s Whole Institution Approach, expected later in 2026. The project is grounded in action research and is designed to support the piloting, testing, and continuous improvement of the WIA, embedding sustainability across all dimensions of higher education institutions.
The initiative brings together partners from ten countries—Brazil, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Germany, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Romania, and Slovenia—reflecting a strong commitment to international collaboration and knowledge exchange in advancing ESD.
A collaborative international event
Following the project’s kick-off meeting at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris in March, the Global ESD Symposium in Bucharest provided an important opportunity for partners to engage in in-depth exchanges, share experiences, and reflect collectively on next steps.
The symposium was co-organized by UNESCO, the Romanian National Commission for UNESCO, and the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest. IAU warmly thanks the organizers for their leadership, excellent collaboration, and generous hospitality.
IAU also expresses its sincere appreciation to the Government of Japan for its generous funding and sustained support for the Transforming Futures project.
