Unleashing Transformative and Decolonised Education for Sustainability in a Globalised World
Impulser l'éducation transformatrice et décolonisée pour la durabilité dans un monde globalisé
Published on Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Abstract
The theme of the conference is grounded in the transformative learning paradigm applied to education for sustainable development (ESD). ESD is a central element in promoting “enlightened citizenship” for all students, but also in training future professionals who will integrate a sustainable development approach into their work, regardless of the sector. This call for contributions is based on UNESCO’s 2030 Roadmap for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), published in 2020 and the 2022 Berlin Declaration, which places transformative ESD at its core.
Announcement
Argument
The theme of the conference is grounded in the transformative learning paradigm (Mezirow 1991, 1994, 1997) applied to education for sustainable development (ESD). ESD is a central element in promoting “enlightened citizenship” for all students, but also in training future professionals who will integrate a sustainable development approach into their work, regardless of the sector. This call for contributions is based on UNESCO’s 2030 Roadmap for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), published in 2020, and the 2022 Berlin Declaration, which places transformative ESD at its core. According to these framework documents, ESD contributes to the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is of particular relevance to SDG 4, of which it is a central component, while also linking to the other SDGs. But beyond helping to meet the SDGs, these documents confirm that ESD is key to quality education, targeting - among other things - cross-cutting skills in the cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioural dimensions of learning. Its particular emphasis on empathy, solidarity, and action contributes not only to individual and collective empowerment (reflected also in the Inner Development Goals and their guiding principles), but also to justice and the survival and well-being of the global community and nature.
The summit will take a global comparative approach, highlighting experiences of transformative ESD in different cultural and socio-economic contexts, different countries – industrialized or mainly agrarian, important producers of greenhouse gas emissions or primarily affected by the effects of climate change –, in multicultural contexts (e.g., with exiled people), etc. A special focus is put on learners’ well-being, as climate anxiety and more largely climate emotions are core issues in ESD (Galaz, et al, 2025 ; Voşki et al, 2024 ; Hickman et al., 2021). European countries are key actors on the international stage and play a central role in ensuring a more sustainable future on the continent and globally. This future can only be a common future (although with a diversity of local impacts), as environmental, economic, and social interdependencies on the global level are stronger than ever and global collaboration for impactful transformative ESD is essential (Young, 2009). Europe is the continent with the most marked colonial history, as reflected in the permanence of its close ties with the Global South. Numerous transfers and partnerships between Europe and less industrialized or non-industrialized countries are underway, including partnerships with a focus on sustainable development and transformative ESD (Lafortune, 2005). HES2026 aims to deepen the understanding of and foster exchanges on transformative ESD “here and elsewhere”, on a global level, with an additional focus on inclusion, diversity and intercultural challenges, as well as decolonial issues that are at stake and emotions to be cared for.
Submission guidelines
Whether you are a passionate teacher, a committed researcher, a curious student, an enthusiastic doctoral student, an education policy maker, or simply someone with a keen interest in education and sustainable development, we warmly invite you to collaborate and submit a proposal for the 2026 Higher Education Summit ! Please choose the topic(s) and format of your choice and submit your idea by 1st March 2026.
For submitting your contribution.
by 1st March 2026.
Scientific committee
- Hofmann Elisabeth, Enseignante-chercheure (MCF), titulaire Chaire UNESCO DD (UBM) et Co-Présidente de l’Alliance Copernicus
- Marius Kamala, Enseignante-chercheure (PR)
- Bonneau Emmanuelle, Enseignante-chercheure (Professeure), Co-Présidente de l’Alliance Copernicus
- Derivry Martine, Enseignante-chercheure (PR)
- Staniškienė Egle, Enseignante-chercheure (Professeure), Co-Présidente de l’Alliance Copernicus
- Kuppens Tom, Enseignant-chercheur, Co-Président de l’Alliance Copernicus
- Zimmermann Anne, Professeure émérite, Ancienne Présidente de l’Alliance Copernicus
- Sonetti Giulia,Post-Doc, Marie Curie Fellow
- Dzabolova Lara, Doctorante (Higher Education and Climate Change)
- Stalder Pia, Enseignante-chercheure (PR), Titulaire Chaire UNESCO dans le Management Global Responsable
- Disterheft Antje, Chercheure
- Djeumeni Tchamabe Marcelline, Professeure des universités, Présidente du RUFIFESE
- Djadeu Colette, Chercheure à l’École Supérieure des Sciences et Techniques de l’Information et de la Communication
- Coulibaly Nanga Desiré, Enseignant-chercheur
- Ngaka Willy, Enseignant-chercheur, Titulaire de la Chaire UNESCO Lifelong learning
- Westerveld Rosie, Enseignante et chercheure
- Nouhou Bouba Enseignant et chercheur
- Estíbaliz Sáez de Cámara Oleaga, Subdirectora de Calidad, Sostenibilidad y Formación Dual
Subjects
- Education (Main category)
- Zones and regions > Africa
- Mind and language > Education > Educational sciences
- Society > Ethnology, anthropology > Cultural anthropology
- Periods > Modern > Prospective
- Zones and regions > Europe
- Society > Political studies > Political and social movements
- Society > Geography > Geography: politics, culture and representation
Places
- Esplanade des Antilles, Pessac - Université Bordeaux Montaigne
Bordeaux, France (33607)
Event attendance modalities
Full on-site event
Date(s)
- Saturday, January 31, 2026
Keywords
- éducation au développement durable, éducation transformatrice, éducation décoloniale, éco-anxiété, interculturalité
Contact(s)
- Elisabeth Hofmann
courriel : elisabeth [dot] hofmann [at] u-bordeaux-montaigne [dot] fr
Reference Urls
Information source
- Elisabeth Hofmann
courriel : elisabeth [dot] hofmann [at] u-bordeaux-montaigne [dot] fr
License
This announcement is licensed under the terms of Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal.
To cite this announcement
« Unleashing Transformative and Decolonised Education for Sustainability in a Globalised World », Call for papers, Calenda, Published on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, https://doi.org/10.58079/15j0n
