IU International University of Applied Sciences is delighted to celebrate the recent achievement of the Bad Honnef lernt Nachhaltigkeit ("Bad Honnef Learns Sustainability") network, which has received the National Award for Education for Sustainable Development 2024/25 by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the German UNESCO Commission. Having been a committed member of this network for many years, we are proud to be part of this distinguished group recognised for significant contributions to embedding sustainable education at the local level in the community of Bad Honnef.
The award was formally presented during a summer meeting at the Archbishop Comprehensive School Sankt Josef, attended by local dignitaries including Mayor Otto Neuhoff. This recognition emphasises our many years of positive relations with the town of Bad Honnef, the birthplace of IU.
The Bad Honnef lernt Nachhaltigkeit network comprises a broad coalition of local stakeholders. These include the town’s administration, local utility companies, academic institutions like IU International University of Applied Sciences, and a variety of community organisations, schools, and volunteer groups. Together, these entities have shown exemplary commitment to embedding Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) at the community level.
Alex Čaičics, Head of Sustainability at IU Group, commented on the achievement:
"This award reflects our deep-rooted commitment to sustainable education and community engagement in Bad Honnef. We take pride in collaborating with our partners to create impactful sustainable practices that resonate with both current and future generations."
The National Award for Education for Sustainable Development honours organisations, networks, and municipalities that contribute to a sustainable and livable society within the framework of the BNE 2030 UNESCO programme. Sustainable development aims to ensure human dignity and equity in a sound environment. Education is central to sustainable development, as it empowers people to make informed decisions for the future and understand the global impact of their actions. Launched in 2020, the UNESCO BNE 2030 programme aims to structurally embed ESD in the education system, a mission we at IU wholeheartedly support.
