Education for Sustainable Development: A Step Change

The challenges of climate change, finite resources and their unequal distribution are well understood. The science provides us with facts, and the technological solutions to change the ways things are done already exist. So why is there a gap between what we know needs to be done, and implementing change?


Science is critical and fundamental but only part of the picture. Education for sustainable development means giving children the right to ask questions. It is only with a questioning mindset that we will develop the critical thinking necessary to make progress and adapt.


The Learn2Think Foundation was set up in 2016 to empower young people to be creative, independent and compassionate thinkers. We do this by encouraging children to ask their own questions so that they can gain alternate perspectives, engage and ‘own’ their curiosity and give up the need to be right and see the ‘other’ as wrong. Developing this approach to thinking deeply about the larger questions in life equips children with the tools, not simply to challenge the status quo, but to prepare them for a rapidly changing world.


Creative - Imaginative; not following the status quo; flexible; courageous.


Independent - Feeling like they can make a difference; empowered; autonomous.


Compassionate - Seeing other points of view and recognising different possibly competing needs.


Our Programmes


The Questioning Project was designed to encourage both independent and collaborative learning, as well as the exploration of different perspectives. By encouraging new approaches to questions, this free programme helps embed pupil generated questioning within day-to-day teaching.


Our other key initiative is Tolerance Day, a free annual programme, under the patronage of UNESCO, of specially designed and curated, curriculum linked lessons and fun activities to help children understand and practice tolerance as a foundation for their individual world view.


ESD Resources


We have partnered with Earthday.org to promote climate literacy and build a knowledge base in schools.


The L2T Climate Quiz: ‘So You Think You Know About Climate Change?’ challenges common misunderstandings about climate change.


A critical thinking workshop, ‘The Knotty Tree Problem’, for ages 9-13yrs. Four interest groups present their case as to why an ancient tree needs to be preserved or cut down depending on each group’s individual needs. Children learn about the complexities of ‘wicked’ problems like climate change when ‘perfect’ solutions are neither obvious nor indeed ever possible and how creativity and communication, together with tolerant attitudes can drive a better result for everyone. This is not “win or lose” but rather about achieving fairer outcomes.


Biography


Felicia Jackson is the chair of the Learn2Think Foundation. Founding Editor of Sustainable Growth Voice, co-host of sustainability podcast Shaken Not Burned and current contributor to Forbes.com. She was a member of the UNEP Technical Expert Panel developing a methodology for targets and indicators for Sustainable Development Goal 17.7.1 and teaches at SOAS, University.


BY FELICIA JACKSON • July 1, 2024

UNESCO ASPnet UK schools on the theme of peace was presented to Pope Leo XIV at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris

By Ann Beatty • September 25, 2026
A moment to be proud of and a reminder of why young people’s voices matter. Today, artwork created by students from UNESCO ASPnet UK schools on the theme of peace was presented to Pope Leo XIV at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, alongside artwork from young people in other countries. What an amazing opportunity for our students to have their creativity, ideas and hopes represented on an international stage. For me, this is what UNESCO ASPnet is about: creating opportunities for young people to connect across cultures, express themselves creatively, learn from one another and imagine a better future together. The power of young people’s creativity: their voices being part of an international conversation about education, peace, culture and our shared future. UNESCO’s programme for Pope Leo XIV’s visit specifically focused on education, artistic creation, AI, information integrity and peace. The work was part of a mural that brings together 80 original creations marking UNESCO’s 80th anniversary, produced as part of the "International Youth for Peace" competition organized by France TV and UNESCO.

Change Starts with a Will: Leave a Legacy That Helps Transform Education

September 7, 2026
Most of us want to leave the world a little better than we found it. Whether that's through the people we love, the values we pass on, or the causes we care about, we all hope our legacy will make a difference. One of the simplest ways to do that is by writing a will. This autumn, we are proud to be taking part in the Change Starts with a Will campaign, allowing our supporters to write or update their will free of charge through our trusted partner, Octopus Legacy. Why writing a will matters Writing a will isn't just about deciding who inherits your possessions. It's about making sure your wishes are respected and providing peace of mind for the people you care about. Having a will means you can: Protect the people you love. Make important decisions about your estate. Reduce uncertainty for your family. Leave a lasting gift to a cause that reflects your values. Many people put off writing a will, believing it's something to think about later in life. In reality, it's one of the most important documents you'll ever create. A legacy that supports education Steve Sinnott dedicated his life to championing education as a fundamental human right. His belief was simple but powerful: every child deserves the opportunity to learn, and every teacher deserves the support they need to inspire future generations. Today, we continue that mission by working with partners across the world to improve access to quality education, strengthen teaching and support communities where education can change lives. When you choose to leave a gift in your will to The Steve Sinnott Foundation, you're helping ensure that this work can continue for years to come. After taking care of family and friends, even a small gift could help provide learning opportunities, strengthen education systems and create brighter futures for generations to come. A gift that lasts beyond a lifetime Legacy gifts play an important role in helping charities plan for the future. Your support could help us continue investing in sustainable education projects, supporting teachers and ensuring more children have access to the education they deserve. It's a powerful way to ensure your values live on long into the future. Write your will for free As part of our Autumn 2026 campaign, we're offering supporters the opportunity to write or update their will free of charge through Octopus Legacy. There is no obligation to leave a gift to The Steve Sinnott Foundation, but we hope you'll consider remembering us after you've taken care of those closest to you. Together, we can continue Steve Sinnott's vision of a world where education changes lives. Find out more If you've been thinking about writing your will, there's never been a better time. Our free will service is available until 31 October 2026 , making it easy to protect the people you love while considering the lasting impact your legacy could have on education worldwide.  https://octopuslegacy.com/online-will?channel=partner Change starts with a will. And together, we can help create a future where education is accessible to everyone.

What happens when creativity, young people, education and community come together?

By Ann Beatty • August 25, 2026
Seeds of Hope are everywhere! “I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I arrived at Stage at the Lake…” But it was special to meet all of the Calderdale team in person, who had brought this four-day event together so successfully. Sometimes an event stays with you long after the final performance has finished. My visit to Stage at the Lake at the beautiful Shibden Hall in Calderdale was one of those occasions. As UNESCO ASPnet UK Coordinator, I was delighted to be invited as a guest, but what I experienced was much more than simply attending an event. Here, in the grounds of a house steeped in history, the past, present and future seemed to meet. The English Chamber Orchestra filled the setting with music, Northern Ballet brought movement and storytelling to life, and throughout there was a wonderful sense of creativity, community and possibility. And then there were the parklets; a unique gardening festival at Shibden Park celebrating community, creativity and the power of nature to bring people together. At its heart was a specially commissioned trail of ten micro show gardens, designed and built by community groups from across Calderdale. It was wonderful to see spaces where ideas, conversations and creativity were flourishing and connecting through Seeds of Hope. I cannot wait to see them transported to their ‘forever homes’. Standing there, I found myself thinking about what we mean when we talk about education, culture and hope.