In this context, now more than ever, VET education has a responsibility to foster the correct type of skills, attitudes, and behavior that will lead to sustainable and inclusive growth. More specifically, the global imperatives of addressing the challenges posed by climate change, and the need for sustainable development, increasing human well-being, and protecting the planet from ecological destruction have profound implications for education. This was addressed in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015. Hence, we must fundamentally change the way we think about education and its important role in global development and the accomplishment of sustainable goals.

After all, the global urgency for climate change mitigation has resulted in the need for a labor force with the skill sets necessary for establishing and sustaining new environmental industries, services, and practices. This emerging labor market requires vocational education and training systems and skills development programs to respond. The transformation needed for a cleaner, greener planet requires integrative, innovative, and creative thinking, cultivated jointly by the VET sector, governments, civil society organizations, and companies. This collaboration calls for VET education that goes beyond knowledge transfer and desirable behaviors by focusing on multiple perspectives – economic, ecological, environmental, and sociocultural – and developing empowered, critical, mindful, and competent citizens.