Awarded for outstanding commitment to Education for Sustainable Development

National Award – Education for Sustainable Development

In 2022, the Catholic University (KU) was honored with the prestigious “National Award – Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).” This award is presented jointly by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the German Commission for UNESCO. It recognizes institutions, initiatives, and organizations that, through their educational work, make a significant contribution to the implementation of the United Nations’ global Sustainable Development Goals.

The award recognizes the KU’s outstanding commitment, which has an impact far beyond the day-to-day life of the University. The university offers high-quality educational programs that empower people to take on responsibility, develop sustainable ways of thinking and acting, and actively help shape processes of social transformation.

A place of learning with significant influence – World Action Program on ESD

As early as 2017, 2018, and again in 2019, the KU was recognized as an outstanding place of learning as part of the Global Action Program “Education for Sustainable Development.” This repeated recognition by the BMBF and the German UNESCO Commission underlines the continuous and systematic integration of ESD into research, teaching practice, and university practice at the KU.

As a recognized learning institution with significant influence, the KU successfully integrates sustainability into all areas of university development — whether through innovative teaching formats, interdisciplinary projects, or committed partnerships with civil society actors.

These repeated awards confirm the high priority the KU places on Education for Sustainable Development and encourage it to consistently continue on its path as a driving force for a sustainable society.