Innovations in Research Rosalyn McKeown University of Tennessee

UNESCO-UNU R&D Workshop Setting the Stage for a Strategic Research Agenda for the UNDESD Paris: 20 – 22 February ESD researchers from around the world –Invitations balanced environment, society, economic and geographic regions UNU & UNESCO Staff Discuss research as a foundation for the UNDESD

Objectives Initiating the process for the development of “Guidelines for the Creation of National Research Agendas: to support the UNDESD” Initiating processes for the compilation of existing research agendas related to ESD and key research networks Listing proposed activities (e.g., conferences, publications, identification of sustainable funding sources) to support the research component of the UNDESD

Discussions What is the state of research on ESD issues? What are the challenges? What are the priorities – by country, by region, and/or at the international level? What are partnerships or mechanisms of public-private funding for sustainability to support ESD research?

Discussions cont. What are ways and means through which UNESCO and UN partner agencies can: a) strengthen and support national research agendas for the UNDESD, and b) propose innovative partnerships or mechanisms through public-private funding for sustainability? What are next steps in building a research component for the UNDESD?

Major Themes from Discussions Research is needed in many areas: –Clarifying the concepts (What are ESD and ESD research?) –Raising awareness –Analysis of policy –Analysis of curriculum –Methods for building capacity to do research related to ESD –Evaluation of practices to identify good practices and the eventual development of case studies. –Learning

Major Themes from Discussions cont. Many types of research contribute to ESD. The educational community needs to think beyond the research literature and data that we commonly use and tap other sources such as business. Because ESD is broad reaching and concerns nonformal, informal, and formal education over a lifespan, it gives the research community the mandate to address populations that have been previously neglected, such as children not enrolled in school.

Major Themes from Discussions cont. ESD has an underlying dimension of culture. The cultural, and at times multicultural, context must be considered in all ESD research initiative. Bridging the researcher—policy maker— practitioner gap is essential for the success of the UNDESD. We need partnerships, especially internationally so that we can build on the work and progress of others. We no not need to begin anew.

Major Themes from Discussions cont. Research is needed in all four thrusts of ESD.

What are the ESD research priorities for African universities?

Contact information Rosalyn McKeown

Extra Slides

Recommendations for Moving Ahead 1Create a template or process for creating national research agendas. 2Mobilize National Commissions to support UNDESD activities including research. 3Hold a forum for ESD searchers and funders to meet at global, regional, and national levels. 4Organize a conference at mid-point in the Decade (2009) for researchers to share their work with all different stakeholders.

Recommendations for Moving Ahead cont. 5Find ways to bridge the researcher- practitioner gap so that practitioners use research to inform their practice and the wisdom of practitioners is documented to inform research. 6Analyze projects like Planet 2025 for strategies and competencies. 7Document valuable practitioner research.

Recommendations for Moving Ahead cont. 8 Create a “how to” series of publications for ESD advocacy for selected audiences and a how to publication for practitioner researchers. 9Create model (e.g., diagram or illustration) of UNDESD research that includes the levels, layers, impacts and priorities. 10Appoint a taskforce to help develop the ideas presented by the group into viable and fundable projects.

My Optimism Research foundation for DESD is wise. UNESCO already acting on recommendations. UNESCO encouraging nations to create research agendas. Such agendas focus efforts and funding to important efforts of inquiry. Universities, such as those in MESA can lead the way in creating and implementing research agendas.

R&D workshop report will be available In hard copy and on the WWW. Through ESD section of UNESCO. Check UNESCO DESD Web site.

Note The discussions of the R&D workshop were rich in depth, nuance, and complexity. I could not do the discussions justice in this short presentation. Please read the report and attachments.