On September 5th, the "Regional ESD for 2030" webinar delved into the diverse initiatives to revive the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for 2030 network in the region. More than 200 participants made valuable contributions to the webinar by engaging actively with questions and comments during and after presentations delivered by representatives from UNESCO-Member States, including Oman, Egypt, Lebanon, The State of Palestine, and Morocco, as well as partner organizations such as UNIMED and Birzeit University, the State of Palestine. Participants have emphasized the need of linking ESD to different related SDGs, such as SDG1 (No Poverty), SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG5 (Gender Equality), SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG13 (Climate Action). They have equally advocated holistic approaches to ESD based on whole-child and whole-school approaches, as well as on effective partnerships and cooperation with a view at using all opportunities, from daily activities to specific ESD programmes to major events, such as the upcoming COP28 and the global ESD meeting in December 2023 in Tokyo. The webinar will be followed up by an in-person meeting on ESD in the Arab Region to be conducted during the fall 2023 in Lebanon. You can access the recording of the Regional ESD for 2030 webinar for valuable insights and discussions here; https://youtu.be/s3oNb-KilKs?si=3xtiNu_g60vzslYt.

In the same vein, UNESCO-Beirut conducted on September 6th, 2023 a first webinar devoted to delving into the different contributions to the Tarbiyah21 Repository of Promising Teaching and Learning Practices. The online event brought together educators, experts, and practitioners across the Arab States, featuring an extensive agenda with a primary focus on the contributions to the Repository on the topic of Quality Teaching and Learning. Jointly developed in collaboration with the Arab Thought Foundation (ATF) and officially launched on June 15, 2023, the Repository comprises 130 templates from across the Arab Region focusing on teacher initiatives in different areas.

During this first webinar, nine contributors shared their initiatives addressing various aspects of educational innovation, including teacher roles, learning assessment, life skills development, inclusiveness, learning environments, and partnerships. Presenters shared insights into practices in early childhood education, math education, innovative teaching methods, and project-based learning. The event also highlighted the importance of student-centered learning, flexible learning environments, and inclusivity in education. Additionally, it addressed social and emotional learning, the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and initiatives for teacher-learner mental health and well-being. You can find the recording of this insightful webinar here; https://youtu.be/Y7veFPXSQUk.

The upcoming webinar on 24 October 2023 will focus on teacher roles in the digital transformation of education.

These inspiring webinars pave the way for a future where quality education and holistic development are accessible to all. UNESCO Beirut's September 2023 webinar series promises to be an invaluable resource for educators, policymakers, and anyone fervently dedicated to shaping the future of education in the Arab region and beyond.