The main theme of the workshop was the question how FBOs can be mobilized in favour of the UN Decade for Education for Sustainable Development. Five subsequent round table discussions were held to share experiences and discuss strategies of how to reach the communities. It became clear that albeit the general hesitation of secular institutions to engage with religions, it does makes sense to seek the involvement of religious communities and FBOs in ESD, as they have a lot to contribute.

There was a wide sense of agreement that the unique contribution of the religions lies in their power of delivering messages of hope, faith and commitment. In the words of Mary Evelyn Tucker, religions should not only be seen as belief systems but as knowledge systems that can provide positive visions of alternative worlds and futures. Apart of that it was made clear that religious communities are powerful actors of civil society that can mobilize a lot of people, which is a very practical reason why they need to become involved in the efforts of educating the values, behaviour and lifestyles required for a sustainable future.

It then was discussed how this inclusion of FBOs into the Decade can be achieved. Very helpful were the findings of two independent surveys UNESCO had conducted on religious perspectives on ESD and relevant learning materials produced by religious organizations. The surveys brought to light that it is in the field of non-formal education where religious NGOs have their strongest capacity, especially in raising awareness on the spiritual dimensions of sustainable development and religious understandings of ecology.

Concerning religious contributions to formal education, discussions centered on the notion that in the light of the strong secularization of the national education systems, the main field for the religions to contribute is the dialogue on ethics and values required for sustainable living. This crucial element of ESD was considered as the main meeting point for secular and religious institutions.

Here the Earth Charter came into play. Its inclusive ethical principles were seen as an entry point for formulating “trans-religious values” such as reverence for life, the sense of awe, wonder and humility towards nature and intergenerational responsibility that motivate religious and secular activists alike.

The Earth Charter was therefore considered as a valid bridge between the religious and secular stakeholders of the Decade. When I presented the core elements of the Earth Charter Program on Religion and Sustainability, my proposals were applauded by the participants, especially the planned guidebook on religion and sustainability received a lot of support.

In terms of the follow-up it was stated that workshop findings will be reported to UNESCO and be used to reframe UNESCO’s DESD strategy, besides the participants decided to stay in touch through UNESCO. It is my hope that the workshop will be the starting point for a deeper exploration of this crucial topic.