Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

The ESD Learning Circle advances mindset, knowledge, and skills in integrating sustainable development goals in creative ways within higher education(HEI) from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Dr. Poovarasi Balan

The ESD Learning Circle advances mindset, knowledge, and skills in integrating sustainable development goals in creative ways within higher education from a multidisciplinary perspective. Our focus spans on  teaching and learning enhancement, ESD-specific scholarly research and community outreach programs that bridges the gap between academia and industry. This initiative is sub-divided into 4 main domains, which overlaps with each other due to holistic approach adapted within ESD. These 4 sub-groups under ESD are as follows:

1. Sustainability mindset, behavioral change and community outreach 
2. Knowledge economy and skills enhancement
3. Competencies, accreditation, and international policies 
4. Advancing technology

Learn more about Poovarasi


Strategic Leadership & Capacity Building

Discover how the Education for Sustainable Development can be meaningfully integrated into higher education through creative, multidisciplinary approaches. This session features short talks highlighting the SDG relevance of teaching, research, and community engagement initiatives, while showcasing the work of the ESD Learning Circle and ESD Fellowship. Explore how sustainability mindsets, skills development, policy and accreditation, and technological innovation can empower educators and learners to drive sustainable change.

Innovation & Knowledge Resources

The ESD Learning Circle has built a multidisciplinary community of 14 academic staff members sustained over seven months, strengthening collaboration and capacity in Education for Sustainable Development. Key highlights include the February 2026 Creative SDG Integration training, which inspired participants to apply creative approaches such as clay modelling in teaching and community engagement. In September 2026, the Circle also delivered a Neurodivergent Inclusive Education Workshop under the Monash Warwick Grant, reaching 90 participants nationwide and linking inclusive education with the SDGs.

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Sub - Groups

Expected Outcomes:

  • To shape mindsets of people in academic industry and outside on importance of incorporating ESD within their teaching or job scope
  • To empower the people in academic industry and outside with sustainability literacy, skills and technology-driven initiatives from multidisciplinary angle
  • To equip academics and outside with multidisciplinary ESD tools and techniques through professional trainings and workshops
  • To bridge the gap between academia and industry or community through ESD outreach projects, led by academic community
  • To advance ESD related technology to create awareness and interest