Defining Language Education for Sustainable Development (LESD)

What is Language Education for Sustainable Development?

Language Education for Sustainable Development (LESD) is an approach to language education that prepares learners not only to communicate effectively, but also to understand complex global challenges, think critically, collaborate across cultures, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

 

LESD recognizes that language is more than a subject to be learned—it is a powerful tool for sharing ideas, evaluating information, solving problems, and participating in society. By connecting language learning with issues such as sustainability, climate change, artificial intelligence, misinformation, and global citizenship, LESD helps learners develop the knowledge, skills, and values needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

 

Rather than adding “more content” to language classes, LESD reimagines the purpose of language education: helping learners use language to make sense of the world and take meaningful action within it.