The Need for Indicators
Monitoring and evaluation has been identified as one of the seven key strategies for advancing the implementation of Sustainable Development (UNESCO 2005). Recognising that the achievement of sustainable development is essentially a learning process, the UN through its Decade in Education for Sustainable Development, has called for the development of relevant and suitable indicators at all levels.
Our Research Focus
Research can help us navigate our way through the complex territory associated with assessing progress towards sustainability especially with regards to: the development of relevant indicator frameworks; questions associated with self reporting vs expert evaluation; the involvement of stakeholders in the monitoring processes. Most importantly, it can help us establish whether we are moving closer towards sustainable development. The IRIS research strand has a particular interest in national and international indicator frameworks and experiences in sustainable development and education for sustainability.