The Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014) was launched by UNESCO in March 2005 with the aim of resolving urgent global issues such as environmental degradation, lack of natural resources, and social inequality leading to social disorder.

The overall goal of the DESD is to integrate the values inherent in sustainable development into all aspects of learning to encourage changes in behaviour that allow for a more sustainable and just society for all.

Speaking at the seminar, deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Cong Phung emphasised that Vietnam should create favourable conditions for citizens to participate in the national development process by strengthening education in culture, skills and knowledge.

Participants in the seminar focussed on key issues such as how to improve Vietnamese education together with sustainable development.

UNESCO representatives also introduced the main education issues for sustainable development, including gender equality, healthcare, environment, rural development, cultural diversification, sustainable urbanisation and UNESCO activities in Vietnam.

In response to the DESD, the Ministry of Education and Training has organised a number of activities in recent times such as improving the quality of basic education, and the awareness of students and the community on sustainable development.