In continuation of these forums and to keep up the momentum of the 1st ICSE, Mobius Foundation and partners plan to virtually organize the 2nd version of the ICSE on 9th -10th September 2020. The ICSE 2020 was initially scheduled to be held in Abuja, Nigeria, in association with the Federal Ministry of Education, Government of Nigeria, and other Nigerian organizations. However, due to COVID–19, we have planned to organize this landmark event’s first anniversary through a two-day webinar as per the following details.

Day 1: Sustainability Education and the New Normal

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption in education, forcing approximately 1.58 billion children and youth to leave their schools. Several new and innovative online, virtual, and distance teaching-learning initiatives are being tested as the recent average worldwide, each with its benefits and drawbacks. The challenge now is to mitigate as much as possible the negative impact of the pandemic on learning and schooling and to build on this experience to get back on track to rebuilding the educational system. 

India’s National Education Policy 2020 has significantly impacted the future of education in general and sustainability education in particular. By providing high-quality education to all, the policy advocates for an education system that contributes to an equitable and vibrant knowledge society. The NEP 2020 is also consistent with Goal 4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4), which unequivocally states that equal education access is the foundation for sustainable development.

During the session, the panellists and speakers shared their views on the specific themes of sustainability education and the New Normal. The broader themes proposed are: 

1. How can sustainability education help bring the desired transformation in the education system during a post-pandemic phase? 
2. How can sustainability education, emphasising exposure to nature and outdoor hands-on activities, be practiced beyond the comfort of homes during Covid-19 or beyond the classrooms in post-Covid scenarios? 
3. Is it possible to bridge the digital divide with respect to internet access and availability of devices? What should be the alternatives that technology can offer for education to the unreached students and regions? How do we make the joy of learning possible in internet fatigue during the era of virtual learning? 
4. How can India’s New Education Policy help promote environmental and sustainability education?

Day 2: Sustainability Education and the Youth

Mobius Foundation, Earth Day Network, and The Climate Reality Project India joined hands to launch the Youth for Earth and My Future My Voice Campaigns to mark the 50th year of Earth Day. The campaign ran from January to July 2020. Youth were invited to participate in the campaign and be a ‘Champion for Earth’ and a ‘Change Maker.’

The campaign received overwhelming support from young people across India and South Asia who wanted to do something to create a more sustainable planet. The 90-minute youth-led webinar on “Sustainability Education and the Youth” featured 11 participants from around the world presenting their projects on air, water, energy, waste, and biodiversity in three minutes each.

To know more, visit: ICSE 2020 and Forums   || www.icse-esd.org