This paper argues that Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) provides a strong framework for addressing contemporary challenges in early childhood education (ECE). While globalisation has spread predominantly European-American models of “best practice,” ESD emphasizes integrating local and indigenous knowledge into formal education, ensuring cultural diversity is respected.
ESD takes a holistic approach — linking environmental, social, and economic sustainability — and promotes values, participation, and critical thinking from an early age. It aligns well with current thinking in ECE about children’s agency and community belonging, while also addressing global priorities like climate resilience, social justice, and cultural preservation.
The authors contend that, given the global interest in ECE and the sector’s capacity for adaptation, early childhood settings are well-placed to adopt ESD principles, creating programs that are globally informed but locally relevant.
