People's Sustainability Treaty on Higher Education

Those who are signatories of the Treaty commit to transform higher education towards sustainable development by implementing the immediate, short-, medium- and long-term actions outlined in the Treaty (please see the deliverables described below). Agencies, organisations and associations signing the Treaty should re-align and develop strategic plans and frameworks to implement these actions, as well as work in partnership to effectively embed change for sustainable development across the sector.

The Treaty has been drafted by representatives from over thirty higher education agencies, organisations and associations rooted in different parts of the world (The Treaty Circle). The cross-cultural dialogue and development process underpinning this document has served to build collaborative links and ownership. It has paved the way for a new consolidated platform for cooperation beyond Rio+20. It is envisaged that the document could lead to joint implementation projects and the sharing of best practice.

Progress of the implementation of the Treaty will be monitored and reviewed by a group of members from the Treaty Circle in 2013. This review will capture the lessons learned and challenges from the first year of implementation (immediate actions) and will inform the next steps to achieve the short-, medium- and long-term actions.