The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), together with its international partners, has officially launched the Greening Communities Guidance: Lifelong Learning for Climate and Sustainability Action on 14 November 2025. This groundbreaking initiative aims to equip communities with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to drive local climate and sustainability actions through inclusive lifelong learning systems.
Developed under the Greening Education Partnership (GEP) framework, the new publication serves as a practical roadmap for cities, local governments, and organizations striving to embed environmental education into daily community life. The Greening Communities Guidance represents a major step forward in UNESCO’s mission to create climate-resilient, learning-based societies.
According to Ms. Isabell Kempf, Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, this publication is more than a policy document — it’s a call to action for all communities to engage people of all ages in the global effort toward sustainability. It builds upon key resources such as the Green School Quality Standard and the Greening Curriculum Guidance, forming a comprehensive suite of materials to help communities transition toward green, inclusive, and sustainable futures.
What sets this new guidance apart is its emphasis on non-formal and informal learning environments — recognizing that meaningful climate education happens not only in classrooms but across entire communities. From libraries, museums, and NGOs to youth groups, indigenous communities, and local businesses, the publication provides adaptable frameworks for all stakeholders to engage in environmental learning and action.
Structured across five core chapters, the guidance answers essential questions that local leaders face when developing sustainability initiatives:
• Who can lead learning efforts for greener communities?
• Where can learning take place to maximize community reach?
• What should be taught, and how should it be delivered effectively?
• How can a tailored green learning strategy be designed for each community’s needs?
• How can an actionable plan ensure lasting climate learning impact?
Each chapter concludes with real-world examples and case studies demonstrating successful implementation across diverse regions — from large urban centers to small rural villages. This adaptability ensures that every community, regardless of its resources or geography, can contribute meaningfully to the global sustainability movement.
The Greening Communities Guidance also supports the Jubail Commitment to Climate Action in Learning Cities, adopted during the Sixth International Conference on Learning Cities (ICLC 6). By doing so, it reinforces UNESCO’s commitment to empowering local actors to turn knowledge into tangible environmental progress.
Date and time
14 November 2025, 13:00–14:15 CET
Register now for the online launch event!
https://unesco-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YvhBvOQfQbCItfgHu84Wqg
Conclusion:
The launch of the Greening Communities Guidance marks a major milestone in advancing the global green learning agenda. By combining inclusive education, community collaboration, and innovative sustainability frameworks, UNESCO and its partners are paving the way for cities and communities to transform environmental awareness into collective climate action. The message is clear: through lifelong learning, every community can become a force for sustainability.
