It is vital for the world to tackle three of the greatest challenges facing humanity. These are also key ASPnet Action Areas:

achieving a culture of peace and non-violence and a meaningful sense of global citizenship

delivering sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles

and learning across cultures and appreciating cultural diversity and heritage.

Sharing ASPnet values

ASPnet was established in 1953 with the objectives to promote the ideals and values of UNESCO by reinforcing the humanistic, ethical, cultural and international dimensions of education and to link educational institutions across the world around a common goal: ‘to construct the defences of peace in the minds’ of its students and teachers.

ASPnet connects more than 12,000 educational institutions in over 180 countries providing pre-primary, primary, secondary, technical or vocational education, or teacher training. ASPnet pioneers innovative and creative pedagogies, translates global concepts into practice at the school level, and advances the transformation of education systems and policies.

ASPnet has been recognised by Member States as an effective tool for reaching target 4.7 on ‘Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) – Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Education 2030.’

ASPnet provides a unique global network to mobilise schools worldwide for the promotion and transmission of UNESCO´s values.

Since ASPnet’s establishment, learning in and through the arts has been an important means to promote UNESCO´s values, such as human rights, gender equality, respect for diversity and international solidarity. Records show that arts education have a prominent role in member schools around the world to empower students through the arts to reflect on topics related to SDG Target 4.7.