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Linking health, equity and sustainability in schools
The following statement has been drafted by symposium organizers to summarize the discussions that were held at this symposium. Participants from the conference are encouraged to edit this statement using the "Easy Edit" tool found at the top of the page or to comment on this draft using the discussion "threads" tool found at the bottom of this page.
Symposium statement: Linking health, equity and sustainability in schools
Health and education have a shared interest in promoting health, reducing inequalities and sustainable development. Linking the various programs, policies and strategies on these supports and helps schools to maximize opportunities for learning and teaching, to reduce disparities among students and communities and to protect the fragile ecological environments in which we live.
Harmonize the efforts
The health of human populations, the equitable distribution of resources and the health of global ecosystems are inextricably linked. The need for fundamental changes in how we live is becoming impossible to ignore. Health promotion, equity and sustainable development are all relevant for schools. They are closely linked, yet often they are being treated as separate issues. These three aspects of social development share fundamental principles and values, where individuals and communities acknowledge their own identity, and their connectedness with each other and their environment. The programmes evolving from these strategies are often similar, as are the key stakeholders. There are important differences in mandate and focus, and they work within different sectors. However, we should not seek to homogenize, but rather to harmonize our efforts.
Linking to education, building capacity
During the symposium: Linking health, equity and sustainability in schools’ in Geneva, Switzerland, on 10-11 July 2010, participants from over 30 countries from all parts of the world discussed the linkages between these three areas. As a result of the discussion at this symposium, the participants agree that:
1. Comprehensive approaches on promoting health, equity and sustainable development need to built into school developments and development planning to enhance educational achievement
2. Long-term support through international, national/state and regional policies and strategies, combined with sufficient political support, resources and capacity are necessary
3. The active involvement of all key stakeholders e.g children, young people and parents, in planning, monitoring and evaluating is essential
4. Continuing professional development for educators, public health professionals, environmental workers and stakeholders is crucial. The symposium demonstrates how communication and knowledge exchange can improve and better connections among the international, national/state/provincial and regional networks, agencies, voluntary organizations and professionals in the education, school health, welfare and environmental sectors.
The symposium developed two specific papers describing the links between health and equity as well as health and sustainable development. The approaches and actions suggested in these statements can strengthen the cooperation between schools, key agencies and other stakeholders in addressing inequalities as well as promoting health and sustainable development.
The international movements promoting health in schools, community schools and eco-schools have agreed to collaborate by exchanging knowledge and information to this end. Follow-up webinar and on-line discussions on the themes of equity, sustainable development and better integration with education will be organized in the coming months.
Our commitment
Participants are asked to take actions within their own communities, organizations and sectors to effectively enhance cooperation and collaboration. They will invite others to take similar action, to reach out within their own sectors and to support this call for more cooperation across these different but compatible issues. We who are promoting health and supporting education, do so for the benefits of the wider whole school community.
Symposium statement: Linking health, equity and sustainability in schools
Health and education have a shared interest in promoting health, reducing inequalities and sustainable development. Linking the various programs, policies and strategies on these supports and helps schools to maximize opportunities for learning and teaching, to reduce disparities among students and communities and to protect the fragile ecological environments in which we live.
Harmonize the efforts
The health of human populations, the equitable distribution of resources and the health of global ecosystems are inextricably linked. The need for fundamental changes in how we live is becoming impossible to ignore. Health promotion, equity and sustainable development are all relevant for schools. They are closely linked, yet often they are being treated as separate issues. These three aspects of social development share fundamental principles and values, where individuals and communities acknowledge their own identity, and their connectedness with each other and their environment. The programmes evolving from these strategies are often similar, as are the key stakeholders. There are important differences in mandate and focus, and they work within different sectors. However, we should not seek to homogenize, but rather to harmonize our efforts.
Linking to education, building capacity
During the symposium: Linking health, equity and sustainability in schools’ in Geneva, Switzerland, on 10-11 July 2010, participants from over 30 countries from all parts of the world discussed the linkages between these three areas. As a result of the discussion at this symposium, the participants agree that:
1. Comprehensive approaches on promoting health, equity and sustainable development need to built into school developments and development planning to enhance educational achievement
2. Long-term support through international, national/state and regional policies and strategies, combined with sufficient political support, resources and capacity are necessary
3. The active involvement of all key stakeholders e.g children, young people and parents, in planning, monitoring and evaluating is essential
4. Continuing professional development for educators, public health professionals, environmental workers and stakeholders is crucial. The symposium demonstrates how communication and knowledge exchange can improve and better connections among the international, national/state/provincial and regional networks, agencies, voluntary organizations and professionals in the education, school health, welfare and environmental sectors.
The symposium developed two specific papers describing the links between health and equity as well as health and sustainable development. The approaches and actions suggested in these statements can strengthen the cooperation between schools, key agencies and other stakeholders in addressing inequalities as well as promoting health and sustainable development.
The international movements promoting health in schools, community schools and eco-schools have agreed to collaborate by exchanging knowledge and information to this end. Follow-up webinar and on-line discussions on the themes of equity, sustainable development and better integration with education will be organized in the coming months.
Our commitment
Participants are asked to take actions within their own communities, organizations and sectors to effectively enhance cooperation and collaboration. They will invite others to take similar action, to reach out within their own sectors and to support this call for more cooperation across these different but compatible issues. We who are promoting health and supporting education, do so for the benefits of the wider whole school community.
dmccall |
Latest page update: made by dmccall
, Sep 22 2010, 10:03 AM EDT
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