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“Learning” in one form or another is increasingly seen as a key in transitioning towards a more sustainable world. Learning-based change, anticipatory learning, collaborative learning, community problem-solving, and social learning represent just a few of the many ideas and concepts that are connected to our quest for sustainability. It is through various forms and blends of learning in formal, non-formal and informal settings, that a more resilient society can emerge: one that has both the desire and the capacity to challenge existing systems, routines, norms and values, and to create alternative ones that are more sustainable.

At the same time there is a new “dynamic” in society that is triggered by a number of interrelated phenomena such as: the emergence of the knowledge society, the push for lifelong learning, increased ICT-based connectivity, and economic and cultural globalization.

This international seminar critically explores possibilities for sustainability-oriented learning presented by this dynamic. Participants are invited to actively share, critique and analyse so-called “next practices”. Next practices refer to existing innovative transboundary learning configurations designed to meaningfully contribute to a jointly shared sustainability challenge. Such configurations usually consist of multiple actors, groups, organisations and networks that may not immediately see the obvious connections among them, as they each occupy their own niches and represent their own interests. Their commonalities and complementarities are discovered by focusing on a jointly perceived sustainability challenge. Around the world such emerging practices may offer clues and inspiration for initiating similar practices elsewhere.  

Key questions to be addressed in this seminar are:

• What constitutes “learning” in transboundary “next practices”?
• What is the role of diversity in co-creating new visions and more sustainable ways of living and working?
• How (and to what degree) can transboundary learning be designed, supported and facilitated?
• How can schools, colleges and universities participate meaningfully in transboundary learning projects that are rooted in (local) sustainability issues?

Anticipated outcomes

The seminar is to result in an initial research agenda for the two Chairs and associated networks and in a continuing network of conversations between participants. Eventually these will cumulate in a third book in the sustainability series of Wageningen Academic Publishers and a Special Issue in a refereed journal such as Environmental Education Research.

Organizing committee

Prof. Arjen Wals, Wageningen University
Prof. M.C.E. (Rietje) van Dam-Mieras, Leiden University
Jos Rikers, Open Universiteit (in the Netherlands)
Dick Lageweg, Netherlands Commission for UNESCO
Machtelijn Brummel, NL Agency: Program Learning for Sustainable Development

Hashtag Seminar Crossing Boundaries: #crossbound