On the 9th April, the Education for Sustainable Development Forum (ESDF) led an event as part of the Belfast Learning Festival Creating Connections in Education for Sustainable Development. Held in 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast the event brought together interested organisations and individuals from across Northern Ireland’s education and environmental sectors.

Supported by Belfast Learning City and funded through the Belfast Learning Festival, the event highlighted Belfast’s commitment to lifelong learning and its recognition as a UNESCO Learning City. The festival, which celebrates free learning opportunities for all across Belfast City, provided an ideal platform for the ESDF’s event.

Attendees were welcomed with refreshments and some organic networking before an overview of the ESDF from Beth Frazer on work to champion sustainable education throughout Northern Ireland via the efforts of the forum and others.

Four speakers presented their unique work on Education for Sustainable Development:

Claire Dundas, myEARTH Coordinator at Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, introduced myEARTH – an innovative online platform launching this summer. The platform will unite action from environmental organisations to enable impact on climate and biodiversity issues across Northern Ireland.

Caoimhe Suitor, Development Manager at the Northern Ireland Forest School Association, discussed the connective nature of forest schools, highlighting how their programmes integrate people, communities and the environment.

Dr Karen Kerr, Queen’s University Belfast explored how ESD is embedded within educator training, sharing her work on From Acorns to Forests and connecting future educators through sustainable development practices.

Alexey Janes, Community Engagement Manager at Ulster Wildlife, presented the new Wild Youth Award. Designed with young people, the award scheme encourages and celebrates meaningful youth engagement with nature.

The session concluded with a panel Q&A, allowing attendees to explore the speakers’ work more deeply and share their own perspectives.

Throughout the morning, networking and relationships were built with attendees connecting, The event offered a valuable opportunity for professionals from education and environmental backgrounds to present their work and aspirations, inspire others and create connections.

Belfast’s status as a UNESCO Learning City, enabled this event and demonstrated the power of peer learning and connecting approaches to education for sustainability. As the morning concluded, new connections were formed, ideas sparked, and potential collaborations identified.

Education for Sustainable Development Forum would like to extend it’s thanks to Belfast City Council, Belfast Learning City, Belfast Learning Festival,. This successful event would not have been possible without their generous support and contribution. Thanks also to 2 Royal Avenue for providing the excellent venue, and Yallaa for the refreshments.

For more information on the Education for Sustainable Development Forum and to stay connected, please visit our website and social media channels.

If you attended the event, we would be grateful if you could complete the Belfast Learning City Evaluation form.  http://yoursay.belfastcity.gov.uk/2025-belfast-learning-festival