This special publication focuses on the concept of sustainable development (SD) and explains how Newton College regards education for sustainable development (ESD) as its principal goal. It emphasizes that youth is the principal stakeholder in ESD and that this is the joint responsibility of parents, schools and the different sectors of society.

The History of ESD
Since 1987 sustainable development (SD) has often been defined as the capacity to "meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (Brundtland Report, 1987).

In 1992, the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro discussed the planet's dwindling resources in the face of unrestrained human activity caused by population and economic growth. This resulted in "Agenda 21", a comprehensive plan of action for achieving sustainable development in the 21st century by balancing environmental, societal and economic considerations. Agenda 21 regarded education as an essential tool
for achieving sustainable development.

In 2002, the ten-year review of Agenda 21 in Johannesburg concluded that not enough progress was being made towards the goals laid out in Rio. As a result, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) was given a greater priority and in December 2002 the United Nations declared 2005 - 2014 to be the Decade of ESD.

Newton College and ESD
Since its foundation in 1979, Newton College has been committed to the principles of ESD, namely environmental care, social equity and economic justice. Shortly after the Rio Conference of 1992, Newton College bought a large plot of land in the National Reserve of Tambopata where it built its Sachavacayoc Study Centre. The centre promotes the understanding of ecosystems and the preservation of the environment. It is in one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world and is visited by students of different ages and nationalities.

Given the concerns of global warming, Newton College implemented its Plan Verde in 2008. This is organised around 10 doorways and permits the pupils to not only be educated for sustainability but through sustainability by becoming active participants of change on campus and in the local community. The doorways provide the framework for many SD projects which are being carried out mostly by our pupils and staff. In the future we hope to involve more parents in these projects.

In 2010, the ESD Regional Centre for Expertise: Lima-Callao was established and authorised by the United Nations University. It is only the sixth RCE in Latin America and Newton College is a founding member of this network.

The principal stakeholders in SD
Newton College believes that the youth of today are the principal stakeholders in SD and that it is our major responsibility to help our pupils understand the vision, values and behaviour needed for a more sustainable way of life.

However, there are many other important stakeholders in SD such as governments, businesses, the media, etc. Each of these sectors has a distinct vision of sustainable development and different priorities. The challenge is to encourage these sectors to synergize and to collaborate in partnerships towards the goals of SD. We must ensure that ESD is not just a slogan but a reality.

Andrew Cino, Headmaster