The consortium members of the ACT4SDGs project have developed a series of webinars that address contemporary issues in Education for Sustainable Development, Higher Education, and the United Nations Agenda 2030, with a specific focus on Latin America. Through these webinars, participants are introduced to successful case studies and innovative practices, offering valuable insights to help educators and administrators navigate the complexities of implementing sustainable development initiatives within their institutions.
Each session provides a platform where educators, administrators, and other stakeholders can deepen their understanding of ESD-related regional challenges. By either joining live or accessing recorded sessions, participants gain the opportunity to exchange ideas with peers, discuss best practices, and obtain actionable tools for fostering sustainable practices within their own institutions. In addition, these webinars create a valuable space for building networks, fostering collaboration, and uniting a community committed to advancing ESD and supporting the realization of the UN Agenda 2030.
Below you find an overview of all past webinars, along with links to their recorded sessions.
Recordings
Weaving Competencies and Skills for a Sustainable Future
Institution:
Mexican Consortium of Higher Education Institutions for Sustainability (Complexus), Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (UMSNH), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEMex)
Key Speaker:
- Luz María Nieto Caraveo: Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí
Focus: Critical, complex, and systemic thinking, Highlighted the need to understand global challenges from an interconnected perspective to develop holistic solutions. - Dr. Shafía Sucar Succar: Universidad de Guanajuato, Focus: Interdisciplinary approach, strategies to bridge diverse disciplines and generate innovative and sustainable solutions.
- Dr. María del Carmen Magallanes Méndez: Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Focus: Ethical competence, highlighted the importance of fostering values such as justice, respect, and equity in sustainability education.
- Dr. Amorita Salas Westphal: Universidad Autónoma de Durango, Focus: Collaborative action, Emphasized the importance of forming networks for co-creating and implementing sustainable projects.
Summary:
The discussion panel, “Weaving Competencies and Skills for a Sustainable Future,” held on November 22, aimed to provide educators with tools and insights to embed sustainability into higher education curricula effectively. The event focused on critical competencies needed to address sustainability, referencing the SDGs, the Earth Charter, and the Pact for the Future. The panel featured dynamic discussions and workshops structured around four key competencies:
- Critical and systemic thinking – Addressing global complexities with interconnected solutions.
- Interdisciplinary approaches – Leveraging diverse disciplines for innovative problem-solving.
- Ethical competence – Embedding justice and equity in education.
- Collaborative action – Building networks to co-create sustainable initiatives.
Interactive sessions allowed participants to share reflections, exchange ideas and brainstorm ways to integrate sustainability into teaching practices. The event concluded with panelists emphasizing actionable commitments to transform education into a driver for sustainable change.
Link of the recording:
Facebook: https://fb.watch/w367_CdRKL/
Zoom: https://zoom.us/clips/share/C_5X8ZvOQZyJRbSwdFqyVQ
Training tomorrow’s professionals Universities and Climate Change: challenges and opportunities for Latin America
Institution: UdeSA (Universidad de San Andrés)
Key Speaker:
- Maria de los Angeles-Vilches- Norat (Puerto Rico): Guest specialist at the Earth Charter International, renowned researcher in Ecopedagogy. Retired professor of the Department of Liberal Arts at Ana G. Méndez University in Puerto Rico.
- Mirian Vilela (Costa Rica): Executive Director of Earth Charter International and the Earth Charter Centre on Education for Sustainable Development at the University for Peace. Coordinator of the UNESCO Chair in Education for Sustainable Development with the Earth Charter.
- Carla Sabbatini (Argentina): Executive Director of the UNESCO Chair on Education for Sustainably and Global Citizenship at UdeSA, professor at the Master’s Degree in Education Programme and the postgraduate Specializations in Science Education and School Management for Educational Transformation
Summary:
The webinar, hosted by the UNESCO Chair in Education for Sustainability and Global Citizenship at UdeSA, explored the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in higher education across Latin America. Speakers discussed challenges like capacity gaps, resource limitations, and Global North biases that complicate implementing UNESCO’s ESD 2030 Roadmap and the Whole-Institution Approach (WIA).
Despite these hurdles, opportunities were identified, including growing collaborative networks like ARIUSA and UNESCO’s ESD initiatives, as well as increased youth engagement in climate justice and intergenerational solidarity. The session also presented a competency framework for Latin American universities, emphasizing participatory methods and indigenous knowledge, while addressing cultural and institutional diversity.
The webinar concluded with calls for innovative, collaborative, and culturally sensitive strategies to advance Education for Sustainable Development in the region.
Link of the recording:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HheZtk860VOH9BixqrLjIRcuKnxumM1r/view?usp=sharing
Perspectives and Sustainable Practices: Integrating the SDGs into the Core Activities of UNA
Institution: Universidad Nacional (UNA)
Key Speaker:
- Diana Segura Román: Academic Advisor, Vice-Rectory of Extension, Universidad Nacional, Psychologist and expert in Community Psychology, Diana promotes initiatives to enhance the community impact of higher education, focusing on risk management aligned with the SDGs.
- Juan Carlos Méndez: Coordinator, “Elizabeth Odio Benito” Chair in Human Rights, School of International Relations, Universidad Nacional, Specialist in human rights and disaster-induced displacement, Juan Carlos contributes with vast experience in academia, government, and international organizations.
- Silvia Lorena Zúñiga Guerrero: Program Coordinator, CEMEDE, Universidad Nacional, Economist with expertise in rural development, Silvia has over 25 years of experience designing and evaluating projects for strengthening local economies and microenterprises.
Summary:
The webinar “Perspectives and Sustainable Practices: Integrating the SDGs into UNA’s Core Activities” highlighted how Universidad Nacional (UNA) integrates the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its academic, research, and community efforts. It emphasized aligning education with sustainable practices to drive institutional and community transformation.
Key Points:
- Strategic Integration: UNA embeds SDGs across curricula, research, and community projects to address global challenges while remaining locally relevant.
- Innovative Practices: Interdisciplinary collaborations and fieldwork enable students to apply sustainability principles to real-world challenges.
- Community Impact: Projects focus on supporting microenterprises, empowering women, and disaster risk management for marginalized communities.
Speakers stressed resilience, human rights, and capacity-building, while noting challenges like faculty training and accreditation barriers. The webinar’s widespread outreach reaffirmed UNA’s leadership in sustainability education and its commitment to addressing global and local challenges.
Link of the recording:
Aufnahme: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19cOSpSNwb5YEEha_1fGWS1Kx0_vVai7N/view?usp=sharing
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17RWBunHCF/
Education for Sustainability and Agenda 2030
Institution: Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEMex)
Key Speakers:
- Dr. Alfredo Mateo Castillo Ceja: Full-time Researcher at the Michoacana University of San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Representative of civil society in Mexico at numerous international forums and summits, Main developer of the Earth Charter in Mexico and founder of the National Secretariat
- Dr. Shafia Súcar Súccar: Holds a degree in Chemistry from Tecnológico de Monterrey, Completed Master’s and PhD studies in Biology in France, Retired full-time professor-researcher at the University of Guanajuato (UG), with 26 years of service
Summary:
The panel discussion was developed at the First National Symposium on Professionalization of Teaching for Sustainability on October 23, 2024, at the School of Dentistry of the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico. The presented topics were:
- “The Earth Charter: consistent pair of the SDGs,” by Mateo Castillo
- “Education for Life in harmony with the Earth Charter,” by Shafia Súccar
Link of the recording:
The Earth Charter and Transformative Learning
Institution: Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEMex)
Key Speakers:
- Máster José Ignacio Rojas González: Representative in Puebla of Earth Charter International, Founding member of the Mexican Earth Charter Network, Member and Coordinator of the Advisory Council for Sustainable Development, Puebla Nucleus, in the Alliance of the United Nations Program for People’s Development (UNDP)
- Dra. Norma Yolanda Mota Palomino: Focal point of the Earth Charter in Coahuila, Retired professor of the Autonomous University of Coahuila, Emeritus member of COMPLEXUS, Member of the National Academy of Environmental Education
Summary:
The panel discussion was developed at the First National Symposium on Professionalization of Teaching for Sustainability on October 23, 2024, at the School of Dentistry of the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico. The presented topics were:
- “Transforming education for the future in line with the principles of the Earth Charter,” by Ignacio Rojas
- “Sustainability, systemic thinking and ethics of care,” by Norma Mota
Link of the recording:
Southern Knowledge and Emerging Pedagogies
Institution: Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEMex)
Key Speakers:
- Ing. Luis Felipe Guevara Díaz: Agricultural Engineer in Forest Resources from the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí, Founder and coordinator of “Proyecto Semilla,” an institution focused on spiritual growth and strengthening, independent artist in the city of Rioverde, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
- Máster Ligia Hernández Chárraga: Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration (honors) and Social Systemic Solutions, more than 14 years of teaching experience at UJAT, Has worked at the Secretariat of Education, Culture and Recreation of Tabasco and at SEMARNAT as Director of Environmental Education, Currently leading Campus No. 13 in Tenosique, Tabasco
- Dra. Amorita Salas Westphal: Coordinator in Durango of the Mexican Network of the Earth Charter, Veterinarian Zootechnician, Master of Science with a Specialty in Parasitology and Doctorate in Natural Resources Management, Actively participates in the protection of the environment in the Comarca Lagunera, especially in the Natural Protected Area of the “Cañón de Fernández” State Park
Summary:
The panel discussion was developed at the First National Symposium on Professionalization of Teaching for Sustainability on October 23, 2024, at the School of Dentistry of the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico. The presented topics were:
- “Inspiring Consciousness,” by Felipe Guevara
- “Collaboration Networks,” by Ligia Hernández
- “If you want different graduates,” by Amorita Salas
Link of the recording:
Introduction to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to the ACT4SDGs Project
Institution:
Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN)
Key Speakers:
- Miguel Gonzalez: Environmental Health and Occupational Health Professional, Master’s degree in business administration, Over 18 years experience as Consultant in Occupational Health and Environment, Administrative Director of ECOS Consulting and Professor at UTN.
- Agustín Rodriguez: Chemical Engineer with master’s in environmental management and Sustainable Development, Doctorate in Education, Academic at UTN for over 10 years, 40 years of experience as Environmental and Energy Consultant at the Costa Rican Chamber of Industries.
Summary:
The webinar introduced the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ACT4SDGs project. Topics included:
- Background and creation of the SDGs.
- Overview of each SDG with its goals.
- Discussion on the future of the SDGs.
- Measurement of SDG accomplishments in Costa Rica and at UTN.
- Overview of the ACT4SDGs project, its goals, structure, participants, and expected outcomes.
Link of the Recording:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ff3ZSy5CTKtJC85Pt9H0sdnHZnxze6Cg/view?usp=drive_link
Teaching Materials as a Mediating Tool for Teacher Professionalization in SDGs
Institution:
Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN)
Key Speaker:
- Luis David Gomez Fernandez: Professor and investigator at Instituto Michoacano de Ciencias de la Educación José María Morelos.
Summary:
This webinar examined a case study on how teaching materials serve as tools for integrating the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda into educational settings. Key topics included:
- Theoretical and methodological frameworks for using teaching materials to advance SDG education.
- Implementation phases of the strategy:
- Developing Environmental Accessibility
- Raising Awareness
- Forming Habits that Generate Change
Link of the Recording:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/186Ncoqhu6VdNEYzu2LV5Qdlig7VNbkrY/view?usp=drive_link
The SDGs in the Business and Productive Context
Institution: Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN)
Key Speaker:
- María Cecilia Mora: Founder and CEO of RS Sostenible, professional in Communication Sciences and Political Sciences, Expert in sustainability with over 27 years of international experience.
Summary:
This webinar explored the application of the SDGs within the business and productive sectors. It highlighted the role of universities as key contributors in shaping the workforce of the future and fostering SDG implementation in professional contexts.
Link of the recording:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/186Ncoqhu6VdNEYzu2LV5Qdlig7VNbkrY/view?usp=drive_link
Education for Global Citizenship (Aprendizaje para la ciudadanía global)
Institution: Universidad Austral (UA)
Keyspeaker:
- Fernando Reimers: Harvard University scholar, specializes in global education and programs that prepare youth for 21st-century challenges. Leader of initiatives like The Global Education Innovation Initiative to align education with global needs in societal development. Advisor to governments and organizations, fostering collaboration to address complex educational challenges worldwide.
Summary:
Fernando Reimers’ webinar focused on how innovation in higher education can prepare global citizens by addressing pressing real-world challenges like climate change, social inequality, and political instability. He highlighted the importance of universities becoming socially relevant and regaining public trust by demonstrating their contributions to solving global issues.
Key Points:
- Role of Universities in Addressing Global Challenges
Universities must equip students to tackle critical issues such as climate change and societal unrest. Reimers stressed that declining trust in institutions can be countered by showing their tangible societal impact. - Innovation and Integration
Breaking down institutional silos is crucial for fostering synergy between teaching, research, and community engagement. He encouraged learning from global initiatives and highlighted Times Higher Education rankings as a resource for tracking progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). - Teaching Climate Change
Reimers outlined three teaching approaches—incremental (adding topics gradually), massive (embedding sustainability throughout curricula), and new programs (developing specialized degrees). He shared an example from his Harvard course, where students worked on real-world climate challenges, combining academic learning with societal impact. - Engaging with Society
Universities can drive social impact through service learning, innovation hubs, and interdisciplinary programs, citing examples like Amrita University’s community immersion and Tecnológico de Monterrey’s climate strategies. - Overcoming Barriers to Innovation
Addressing institutional resistance, Reimers recommended fostering curricular and structural innovations, solving real-world problems, and incentivizing cross-disciplinary collaboration. - Global Citizenship and Peace Education
Instead of isolated peace education courses, he advocated embedding skills like negotiation and communication across all disciplines to align education with global challenges.
Link of Recording:
Ciclo de Conferencias | Innovación en Educación – YouTube
Education for Sustainable Development in Practice, Tips from Educators
Institution: UPEACE
Date: October 16th, Oktober 17th
Summary: Earth Charter International and the UNITWIN Network on ESD and Social Transformation hosted the webinar series Education for Sustainable Development in Practice: Tips from Educators, held in English and Spanish. The series aims to share practical approaches to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and provide inspiration through real-world examples from diverse educational settings and cultural contexts. In both webinars, two different speakers shared insights from their respective field of practice and countries, providing practical examples and methodologies to enhance sustainability education, inspiring educators and institutions worldwide.
Key Speaker:
English Webinar:
- Kirsten Leask: Project Manager, Learning for Sustainability, University of Edinburgh)
- Donnie R. Hale: Vice President of Innovation and Growth, Institute for Educational Leadership
Spanish Webinar:
- Alejandro Álvarez-Vanegas: professor at EAFIT University in Colombia, Research field: Education for Sustainable Development
- Marco Rieckmann, Professor of Higher Education Didactics at the University of Vechta, Germany, Head of Sustainability.
Link of the recording:
Webinar recording in Spanish:
Webinar recording in English: