This chapter provides the context of youth cooperation at global level and participation in global issues. Current studies show that young people are actively learning about global questions and issues. They are engaged in environmental issues, in peace work and development policy work.

The involvement of young people in world affairs is encouraged at national and international level in a number of ways, either through consultation processes as e.g. youth conferences or dialogue platforms or the participation in international conferences and youth summits (e.g. Y7 or Y20 summits). See also Exchanges between young people and policy-makers on global issues.

The adoption of the National Action Plan Education for Sustainable Development (Nationaler Aktionsplan Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung) in June 2017 paves the way to embed education for sustainable development in all areas (formal, non-formal and informal education) and at all levels of the education system.



UNESCO's new ESD program "Education for Sustainable Development: Realizing the Global Sustainable Development Goals (ESD 2030 for short)" emphasizes the central role of education for sustainable development in implementing the global sustainability agenda 2030.

For further information on programmes, initiatives and activities to educate on sustainable development see also Raising awareness about global issues.