ROLE OF EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The realization of the pressing need to save the planet from imprudent exploitation of the depleting natural resources has impressed upon the collective consciousness of the countries of the world and brought into focus an intensifying thrust on sustainable development. Sustainable development encompasses a wide spectrum of issues that affects every aspect of human life and its implications for the environment. To address these issues there is a strong need for human ingenuity and imagination, efficient decision making, and planning and management skills. Education has the potential of providing the necessary knowledge, skills, and discretion, and instils cultural, behavioural and ideological transformation that brings the desired sensitivity towards the tenets of sustainable development. The literature on sustainable development is replete with studies that examine various facets of the role of education for sustainable development. The purpose of the paper was to bring together various studies on the role of education in sustainable development and to identify important elements, dimensions and challenges of education for sustainable development.