2020 AUN-EEC Conference, “Ecological Education and Culture: Cultivating Ecological Mindsets and Lifestyles”

The AUN Thematic Network on Ecological Education and Culture (AUN-EEC), cognizant of the increasing global impact of human activities on Earth's ecosystems, aims to heighten awareness about the threats that humans have brought upon ourselves and the world. The AUN-EEC also aims to bring a message of hope that we humans can change the course towards a more sustainable future through our creativity and innovations. Hence, the First AUN-EEC Conference to share ideas and initiatives, to raise awareness, and bring hope towards an ASEAN community whose citizens make wise decisions that help conserve and preserve the environment in the midst of the challenges of social change and economic growth.

The conference with theme "Ecological Education and Culture: Cultivating Ecological Mindsets and Lifestyles" was hosted by the Ateneo de Manila University last 17 November 2020 online via the Zoom video conferencing platform. Through the conference, faculty, students, and professionals from the ASEAN region gathered to share ways to translate our awareness and love of nature to environmentally responsible behavior and carry out initiatives that support a sustainable lifestyle. With the international scope of the conference, not only does the Philippines which hosted the event benefit from the exchange of views and ideas, but the whole Southeast Asian region. The conference surfaced initiatives and issues that are relevant in the Southeast Asia, which can further develop ideas and partnerships to promote ecological education and culture (EEC).

The one-day program featured a keynote lecture and panel discussions on ecological culture and EEC initiatives in AUN universities. Workshop sessions were also held on citizen science and the role of arts in promoting sustainability. The conference also served as an avenue for researchers and practitioners to interact and share their work and ideas on best practices in ecological education and sustainable consumption and production. More details about the program and resource persons are found in the second section of the report (Program and Resource Persons).

Watch plenary session here.