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Tanzania joins forces with UNESCO to unveil ESD National Strategic Framework (2023-2030)
On 22 September 2023 in Arusha, Tanzania, the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Adolf Mkenda, marked a significant milestone by launching the National Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Strategic Framework for the United Republic of Tanzania. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) - 2021-2030 is a framework developed by UNESCO. It aims to build on the successes of the Global Action Plan on ESD and the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005–2014).
The development of the National ESD Strategic Framework for the United Republic of Tanzania (URT) emanated from collaborative efforts during the SADC Ministers' meeting responsible for Education and Training on June 17, 2022, in Lilongwe, Malawi. At this pivotal meeting, the SADC Ministers issued directives to the SADC Secretariat, with invaluable support from UNESCO, to create a comprehensive Costed Action Plan and Monitoring and Evaluation tools in tandem with the Regional Strategic Framework. Furthermore, they urged the organization of National Policy Dialogues to either develop new or review existing National ESD Strategies.
Consequently, the ESD Policy Dialogue for Tanzania took place from February 28 to March 01, 2023, in Dar es Salaam. During this event, diverse stakeholders convened to champion the integration and mainstreaming of ESD into policies, curriculum, and institutional leadership activities. They also agreed on formulating a National Strategic Framework for ESD, aligning it with the ESD for 2030 framework. UNESCO joined forces with UNICEF, the Tanzanian Government, Development Partners, and engaged Youth and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to craft the ESD Strategic Framework, ensuring that the vision of sustainable education was brought to fruition.
Prof. Mkenda expressed his heartfelt appreciation for UNESCO's coordination in developing this strategy and UNICEF's financial support for the validation event. He commended the profound dedication of the Task Team, whose commitment, time, and energy were instrumental in shaping the National ESD strategy. This momentous occasion represents a significant step in Tanzania's journey toward a sustainable and educationally enriched future.
Ninety-two participants, representing diverse stakeholders, including Education Development Partners, Civil Society Organizations, Faith-based organizations, private sector entities, Government officials, and youth representatives, attended the event.
Our current educational approach, geared toward practical training, equips our youth with the skills necessary for industrial engagement and entrepreneurship. We are delighted to have a guiding framework in place, and it is worth noting that Tanzania may well be among the first countries to establish such a comprehensive guide successfully
Prof. Mkenda highlighted that his primary focus concerning the strategy is to ensure that the education provided equips young individuals with a profound understanding of environmental challenges, climate change, and the broader realm of sustainable development.
On the other hand, the UNESCO Head of Office and Country Representative, Mr. Michel Toto, thanked the Government for continuing to cooperate with UNESCO while urging stakeholders to support these efforts to achieve the intended goals.
Mr. Michel Toto stressed that joining hands with UNICEF, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and Development Partners by developing and endorsing this strategy reflects the shared aspirations for the future of Education in the United Republic of Tanzania. He thanked the Government of Tanzania for its firm commitment to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal Number 4, which focuses on Education and includes important goals to develop Education for Sustainable Development.
In his remarks, Mr. Salim Abdullah, representing the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Training of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, highlighted the transformative potential of the strategy. He emphasized that it would play a pivotal role in fostering a profound change in community understanding by actively engaging students in practical training while still in school.
Following the successful validation and endorsement of the ESD Strategic Framework, the minister ceremoniously entrusted the strategy to key stakeholders, marking a significant step toward its full-scale implementation.
