AIESEP Specialist Seminar 2026

Context:

The integration of sustainability into education is now widely acknowledged as an essential dimension of twenty-first-century learning. UNESCO’s (2021) call for a “new social contract for education” emphasises that all learning domains, not just those traditionally associated with environmental science, must contribute to building sustainable futures. Yet Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy (PESP) as a discipline is uniquely positioned to explore the interconnections between body, environment, and community and has been largely absent from mainstream sustainability discourse. PESP’s potential to foster environmental stewardship, inclusion, and ethical citizenship is a focus of the Specialist Seminar.

Hosts:

This event is co-hosted by the Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, the UNESCO Chair Physical Education and Sports Pedagogy for Sustainable Development and the International Organization for Physical Education in Higher Education (AIESEP).

The event will take place at the Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitória, Brazil. Brazil has a unique social and cultural relationship with sport that is deeply woven into Brazilian identity. Given this cultural legitimacy, Brazil is a strategic entry point for promoting sustainable development values that many of us strive for across our diverse jurisdictions. 

Aim:

The Specialist Seminar provides all those interested in exploring and maximising Physical Education and Sports Pedagogy for Sustainable Development to come together and contribute to the development of a Position Statement on Physical Education and Sports Pedagogy for Sustainable Development. It is envisaged that the Position Statement will detail how research, teaching and community engagement (within and across PESP) can advance UNESCO’s priorities to ensure equitable and inclusive education and promote lifelong learning opportunities. This is a unique opportunity to form and extend connections with international colleagues and be involved in the formation of an international Position Statement that will be endorsed by AIESEP.

Format: 

The programme will run over two days and be intensive with respect to focussing specifically on Physical Education and Sports Pedagogy for Sustainable Development. An opportunity will be provided for attendees to make short presentations on ongoing interests and work. A significant amount of time will be spent working in the same small group on related topics that you are prompted to consider from more formal delivery from three keynote speakers over the two days. There will be ample time to report back from each group discussion with the intention that a draft version of a Position Statement on Physical Education and Sports Pedagogy for Sustainable Development will be produced at the end of the two days.