With the UN Decade in Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014) approaching, the question is “how well positioned is Australia to respond to the challenge of educating for sustainability?”. The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief summary of ESD status, needs and innovations at the national level within Australia. ESD is relevant to all major social groups and so this paper includes developments in a number of settings including, formal education, further and higher education, industry and community contexts. This paper has been informed by the recent findings of a national review of EE's contribution to sustainability in Australia. It incorporates the latest trends and recent national initiatives which are playing a significant role in developing frameworks in ESD nationally.

As lead agency of the DESD, UNESCO focuses on partnerships to activate networks and projects in support of ESD. Established committees in Asia and the Pacific are enhancing coordination and cooperation throughout the region. At present, the focus is on mobilising the media, private sector and youth as key stakeholders in achieving ESD. UNESCO recognises the value of linkages and is linking to other programs such as teacher education and supporting existing institutions working in related fields of ESD. UNESCO is involved in a collaborative project to develop monitoring and reporting mechanisms for the DESD in Asia-Pacific. Awareness-raising is increasing understanding of ESD and encouraging active involvement of partners across the region.