Review of Contexts and Structures for ESD 2009 (UNDESD)

The United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD, 2005-2014) has reached its mid-point. A mid-Decade review was conducted to take stock of what has been accomplished during the first five years of the DESD. At the same time, this review was designed to identify the obstacles encountered in creating structures, provisions and conditions that facilitate the development and implementation of ESD. Finally, the review aims to generate possible actions, based on the lessons learned during the first five years, for the remainder of the Decade. This introductory chapter briefly sets the stage for the DESD and this mid-Decade review.