“Global education is education that opens people’s eyes and minds to the realities of the world, and awakens them to bring about a world of greater justice, equity and human rights for all”
Maastricht Global Education Declaration (pdf-Download)
The two primary concepts on which ViA is based are “Global Education” and “Education for Sustainable Development”. The Forum for Sustainable Visions in Action (ViA) has chosen these concepts, because it aims to contribute through its activities to a sustainable development that is based upon an understanding of complex relationships and interconnectedness at multiple levels. Understanding is, however, only the first step. In terms of “Global Education and Education for Sustainable Development” it is also crucial to create a reference to contemporary challenges and in doing so empower current and future generations to implement their own sustainable activities, thereby becoming aware and concerned global citizens.
Based on the definition by the Brundtland Commission, we understand sustainable development to be one which “meets the needs of […] present [generations] without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
The goal of sustainable development should not be the western lifestyle, but rather a quality of life, which can vary across cultures and individuals. According to the concept of education for sustainable development, quality of life is the interface between the three dimensions of sustainability: environmental, social and economic. The more that the three areas overlap, the higher the quality of life.
Through ViA‘s activities we aim to promote and support the following aspects in education:
- awareness of the global challenges we currently face (e.g. in the areas of climate, food security/sovereignty, economy, energy, and agriculture);
- critical thinking;
- inter-cultural understanding;
- the capacity of individuals and communities to contribute to sustainability transitions;
- knowledge and skills to help identify and implement optimistic and proactive approaches to address our environmental, economic, and social challenges;
- a solution-oriented approach to developing answers to environmental, social, and economic issues, thereby contributing to human well-being and quality of life.