UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development

About the Conference

The UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development will take place from 13–15 January 2027 in Nairobi, Kenya.

The conference marks an important point in the implementation of the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for 2030 framework. It will generate renewed momentum for ESD and provide strategic guidance for the next phase of action.

Hosted by UNESCO and the Government of Kenya, the conference will bring together ministers, youth leaders and stakeholders from around the world for strategic dialogue on the future of education and sustainable development.

Key Themes

• Education for Sustainable Development and the next phase of the ESD for 2030 framework
• Green skills and the greening of education
• Digital transformation and its relationship with sustainable development
• Youth participation and youth-led action
• Educators and education systems as drivers of sustainable futures
• Climate change, biodiversity and other global challenges
• International cooperation, partnerships and knowledge-sharing
• Education beyond 2030 and future global development priorities

What to Expect

UNESCO describes the conference as an opportunity to reflect on progress under the ESD for 2030 framework and identify priorities for future action. The programme will include plenary and parallel sessions, with strategic policy dialogue involving senior representatives.

A ministerial roundtable will provide a dedicated space for high-level policy dialogue, while youth participation will be central to the conference and its discussions and outcomes.

Participants

The conference is expected to bring together:

• Ministers of Education and other high-level representatives
• Youth leaders and young change agents
• Government representatives
• Civil society organisations
• Academics and researchers
• Private-sector representatives
• International partners
• Education professionals and other ESD stakeholders

Strategic Objectives

The conference's objectives include taking stock of progress under the ESD for 2030 framework, examining emerging global issues and the role of education in addressing them, strengthening the role of youth and educators, fostering global networks and partnerships, and considering how ESD can contribute to the post-2030 agenda.

Expected Outcomes

• A global ESD stocktake covering progress from 2021–2026
• The Nairobi Consensus on Education for Sustainable Development
• Strengthened and expanded stakeholder networks
• Greater participation and visibility for youth-led initiatives
• Renewed commitments to scale up Education for Sustainable Development

Nairobi Consensus

UNESCO and an international advisory group are preparing the Nairobi Consensus on Education for Sustainable Development. The draft process is intended to build on the 2021 Berlin Declaration and help carry the ESD agenda towards 2030 and beyond.

UNESCO states that the final Nairobi Consensus is expected to be adopted at the World Conference in January 2027.

Programme

UNESCO currently describes the conference as an in-person programme of plenary and parallel sessions, including a ministerial roundtable. The detailed day-by-day programme has not yet been published.

Biskoon will update this section when the official programme and session schedule become available.

Registration

Registration to participate in the conference has not yet opened. UNESCO currently states that registration information will be announced through the official conference website.

Registration status: Opening soon

Location

Nairobi, Kenya

The conference is being hosted in Nairobi. UNESCO's current event listing identifies the location as Nairobi, Kenya; a specific venue has not yet been published on the official conference page.

Organizers & Partners

Hosted and co-organized by: UNESCO and the Government of Kenya

The conference is organized in partnership with Japan, with support from Germany and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP).

Official Contact

For conference-related enquiries, UNESCO provides the official contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Biskoon Editorial Note

The UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development provides a global meeting point for education, sustainability, youth participation and international policy dialogue. Its Nairobi setting also brings an important African perspective to the global Education for Sustainable Development agenda.

Biskoon lists this event as a Biskoon Editorial event for discovery and informational purposes. The conference is organized and hosted by UNESCO and the Government of Kenya. Registration and participation are handled by the official organizers.

Last verified: October 2026