How do your own actions affect the environment, global development or future generations? Topics such as agriculture, biodiversity, energy, climate protection and many others are implemented in education for sustainable development (ESD) in educational offers for children, young people and adults – and this has been the case in Hesse for more than eleven years. Today, Environment State Secretary Daniel Köfer, together with Social Affairs Minister Heike Hofmann, Education State Secretary Dr. Manuel Lösel and Marco Kreuter, department heads in the Hessian Ministry of Economics, certificates to educational institutions for sustainable development in the State Chancellery in Wiesbaden.
“We in Hesse recognized the value of high-quality education for sustainable development early on and were one of the first federal states to introduce certification in 2013. A nationwide unique selling point is the award from four ministries,” reported Köfer and thanked his departmental colleagues for their long-standing cooperation.
Educational offerings with a vision: Sustainable, social and future-oriented for all generations
Over the years, 60 educational institutions, global learning providers, sustainability centers and individuals whose offerings primarily target schools and preschools have received the certificate. Five are being honored for the first time today and 22 are being honored again. “This impressively proves that the certificate is important for both experienced and new educational providers,” explained Köfer. The certificate holders combine economic, ecological and social aspects in connection with political education in their educational offerings. For schools, daycare centers and, in the future, also in adult education, the certificates make it easier to select high-quality ESD providers in their region.
Social Minister Heike Hofmann emphasized: “The fact that there is equal opportunity for children across the board depends largely on the external circumstances. It is all the more important that we as the state government give all children in Hesse access to good education. Good education means that children are taught from an early age not only the basic values of democratic action but also the importance of sustainability and the conscious use of our resources and nature. The BNE-certified educational institutions in Hesse contribute to this. You are doing important work for which I thank you – and the certificate will help educational institutions find the quality providers they want to work with.”
State Secretary for Education Dr. Manuel Lösel added: “Education for sustainable development at school helps students to recognize challenges and to actively shape the world of tomorrow both independently and together. In order to be able to guarantee multi-perspective and multi-dimensional education, we need extracurricular cooperation partners such as the excellent educational institutions. I am grateful for your work and support for the sustainable and future-oriented education of our students.”
Marco Kreuter, head of department in the Ministry of Economic Affairs responsible for development cooperation, said when presenting the certificates: “Education plays a key role on the path to globally sustainable development. Education for sustainable development enables people to think and act in a sustainable manner. It enables each individual to understand the impact of their own actions on the world and at the same time shows what they can do themselves – on a small and large scale.”
New edition of the BNE certificate from 2025
The new edition of the BNE certificate from 2025 was presented at the event. “After more than ten successful years, the certificate is being revised and adapted to current needs. The demand for certification of adult education institutions as well as educational networks has increased recently. In addition, the 2030 Agenda with its 17 sustainability goals and the National ESD Action Plan provide a new programmatic framework for ESD internationally and nationally,” said Environment State Secretary Köfer.
background
As a comprehensive educational concept, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) places high demands on educational practice and the entire organization of educational work. Quality development and assurance in educational work therefore play a major role. Hesse was one of the first federal states to introduce ESD certification in 2013. In order to receive the “Educational Provider for Sustainable Development” certificate, applicants must meet defined quality criteria in the areas of mission statement, personnel, educational offerings and operations. The certificate is awarded by the four state ministries of Agriculture and Environment, Culture and Education, Social Affairs and Economy, is initially valid for three years and is free of charge for applicants.
ESD certifications are available in eleven countries. In accordance with a recommendation from the 89th Conference of Environment Ministers from 2017, they have a comparable structure in terms of quality standards. With 60 excellent educational institutions, Hesse occupies a leading position in a nationwide comparison.
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