Education for Sustainable Development in Cities and Communities

The World Future Policy Award (WFPA) celebrates top policy solutions for present and future generations. As the world’s premier policy prize, we raise global awareness for exemplary laws and policies — showcasing inspiring, effective policies rather than people — and accelerate policy action toward a just, sustainable, and peaceful world. Each year, we focus on one topic where progress is particularly urgent and receive nominations from across the globe.

About the 2027 Award

The World Future Policy Award 2027 will celebrate outstanding city-level and local policies that advance education for sustainable development in cities and communities — a cornerstone of sustainable development, peace, social cohesion, and active citizenship.

The Award will highlight how cities and communities can support informed and empowered learners who contribute to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient societies, through intergenerational learning and education across generations.

Nominations will open soon. Sign up below to be notified.

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Why Education for Sustainable Development in Cities and Communities?

At a time of rapid technological, social, and environmental change — alongside increasing urbanisation and geopolitical tensions — cities and communities are at the centre of both challenges and solutions. Education for sustainable development plays a key role in equipping individuals and societies with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to address these complexities.

Cities and municipalities shape resilient and equitable communities. They can create inclusive learning opportunities for all residents, across neighbourhoods, generations, and stages of life.

The 2027 Award will recognise local policies that empower people to build peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable urban societies — including community-based learning initiatives, digital inclusion strategies, and civic participation mechanisms such as participatory budgeting. We particulary welcome nominations of local and Indigenous frameworks and provisions.

By showcasing these forward-looking policies, the Award aims to inspire mayors, city councils, and local leaders worldwide to strengthen lifelong and intergenerational learning systems, and to make learning a defining feature of vibrant, inclusive, and resilient cities.

International Context

This focus builds on long-standing international commitments. In 1997, UNESCO adopted the Declaration of the Responsibilities of the Present Generations Toward Future Generations, which emphasises education as a tool to foster peace, justice, tolerance, and equality for present and future generations. Jakob von Uexküll, founder of the World Future Council, contributed to the drafting of this declaration.

The World Future Policy Award 2027 is organised by the World Future Council in collaboration with the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning.

Contact

Samia Kassid

Senior Programme Officer

T: +49 (0) 40 3070914-0
M: samia.kassid@worldfuturecouncil.org

Education for Sustainable Development in Cities and Communities