Our generation is facing unprecedented environmental risks — from climate change and biodiversity loss to marine pollution and ecosystem collapse. To equip our students with the values, attitudes, skills, and knowledge (VASK) needed to tackle these urgent global challenges, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) deserves greater attention.

Spark the Future of Education for Sustainable Development is a Hong Kong–based school innovation programme led by Ednovators. Running from 2024 to 2026, SPARK aims to enhance teachers’ capacity to design and implement interdisciplinary curricula in sustainable development education, and—through co-creation with cross-sector experts—to develop school-based, project-based learning curriculum themed around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: “Life Below Water.” Through sustained cross-sector collaboration between teachers, marine-focused NGOs, and environmental education experts, the programme bridges classroom learning with real-world environmental experience, ensuring sustainability education is authentic, meaningful, and holistic.

Recognising that teachers are critical catalysts for sustainable mindset shifts, SPARK supports educators through a structured two-year journey of Teacher Training, Curriculum Co-creation, Prototyping, and Implementation. It integrates what were once relatively separate subject areas into a coherent learning journey connected to real-world marine issues. Through these curricula, students engage in experiential, project-based learning that cultivates sustainable values, deepens understanding of environmental issues, and encourages them to design and implement practical solutions within their schools and communities.

By embedding ESD into an interdisciplinary learning culture and cultivating long-term cross-sector partnerships, SPARK contributes to lasting educational transformation — preparing young people not only to understand sustainability challenges, but also to develop sustainable values, build the agency to act, and lead change under environmental crisis.