The French committee has the objective to bring together those authorities and bodies that are known for their activity in the field of sustainable development, that are representative of the different sectors of society, and are gathered in a logical way by those active at the state level, from local and regional authorities, the world of enterprise and society at large.

One of the most important preliminary steps of the committee has beenwas to shift the more generalised focusation of education on theto environment toward whata sustainable development is and can be, and this both in primary and secondary schools in September 2004. Another important step was the organisation of a conference in June 2006 called “Progress and Proposals in Regards to Education for Sustainable Development.”

The conference held at the UNESCO building in Paris provided a forum for an enhanced exchange of information and experience in the field of ESD. It was also a place to communicate on current progress in regards to ESD and to identify good practises that provide perspectives and guidance for possible future developments and networking in accordance with the agenda of the DESD implementation. All together there were 825 participants from 46 countries who attended this conference.

The committee aims to make significant progress on a number of fronts in order to include the concept of sustainable development in every sector of education and training, as well as in the French media. Proposals will constitute the framework of the French national action plan, which will allow for significant progress in regards to ESD. The national plan will then be examined by the French Parliament in 2008.

Official Site of the national committee of france

  www.decennie-france.fr