WHO WE ARE

 

INEX – the International Network for Educational Exchange is an Austrian non-profit NGO, working in the field of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). INEX operates based on a network structure, with a multi-stakeholder Advisory Board, an Ambassador Network and Alumni Association. INEX is working towards the attainment of the United Nations Millennium Development goals within the framework of the UNESCO Decade for Education on Sustainable Development.

  

FIELD OF WORK: EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

 

Sustainable development meets the needs of the present generation without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their needs. Education for Sustainable Development is therefore seen as a tool for good governance that promotes informed decision-making and democracy embracing the values of solidarity and mutual respect. It builds the necessary capacity through critical reflection, awareness and empowerment employing new methods and tools that bring about a shift in people’s mindsets towards sustainable lifestyles.

 

Through a holistic approach it integrates ecological, economic and social perspectives, while referring to a large number of key themes such as poverty alleviation, citizenship, human rights, gender equity, cultural diversity, rural and urban development, production and consumption patterns, corporate responsibility, environmental protection, biodiversity etc. To cover this broad range of sectors and levels it is considered a “life-wide” process.

  

ACTIVITIES

 

With a focus on multiplicator training INEX develops innovative educational programs that evolve around the synergies of formal, non-formal and informal learning and operates on interdisciplinary and participatory approaches, with the integration of the educational setting, the contextual and social learning capacity being the key asset.

 

In the past years INEX has built a network of various types of stakeholders with an overall focus on higher education institutions and their students. With its short and medium-term learning experiences INEX has educated people from over 20 countries on the European and American continent facilitating a North-South and North-North dialogue for young change makers. Furthermore INEX has held a large number of conferences, workshops and trainings on various themes of sustainable development.

 

Under the patronage of the Austrian Commission for UNESCO patronage and support from the Federal Ministry of Science and Research INEX has developed the historically first interuniversitary study program on Sustainable Development that strengthens the relationship with stakeholders while promoting ownership for solution based work. Included stakeholders comprised various departments of the city of Vienna, ten private sector organizations (such as supermarket chains, logistics companies and infrastructure providers) and local authorities.

 

At the beginning of 2010 INEX has established its representative office in Honduras aiming to build a community training centre for ESD.

 

In 2009 the INEX programs have been awarded by the Austrian Commission for UNESCO for their contribution to the UN Decade on Education for Sustainable Development and by the oikos foundation for their curricula change impact towards integration of sustainable development into study programs.

  

VISION

 

Since human beings respond to values, ideals, dreams and exhilarating challenges, the organizational Vision, Strategy and Methodology is systematically developed around its Core Values and Beliefs.

 

MISSION

 

We will identify, inspire, educate and empower thousands of change makers by 2014*.

*2014 being the official ending of the United Nations Decade for Education on Sustainable Development

  

CORE VALUES and BELIEFS

 

1. Path to personal flourishing.

We value Sustainability as a personal path of development and see people with love.

Your personal path towards a more sustainable lifestyle for yourself and your surroundings will take you out of your comfort zone. You will realize that you do have the choice – and the responsibility. Letting Sustainability into your life will develop your personality, skills and social capital, broaden your horizons. It is not about giving up things, it is about gaining back happiness and love.

 

2. Sustainability as a whole.

We value a holistic approach to Sustainability, enjoying the interconnectedness.

You may start connecting the ecologic, economic and social aspects and you will discover even more complexities and dualities – you will learn to let yourself go in the first and overcome the latter.

 

3. Everyone is part of the puzzle.

We value every little contribution to a more sustainable world, since nobody has the one and only answer.

By finding out what really inspires you, you will be able to get out of the rat race for more material goods. Contributing your share will suddenly be easy since strategies to satisfy your needs are exchangeable. You will start feeling secure and snug, connected to people, animals and plants.

 

4. Learning for Change.

We value education that reaches brains and hearts as an incubator of change.

You will discover new aspects of learning, shedding a different light on education. You will learn and teach at the same time, you will explore your environment and internalize experiences gained by all senses – on top of memorization and instruction.

 

5. Connecting the boxes.

We value unconventional solutions that build bridges over wild waters.

It takes quite a bunch of courage to implement innovative ideas. Trough acquired credibility and trust, you will learn how to connect exactly those people who would never have lunch together – and make them respect and value each other, up to developing common ideas.

 

6. Work and Self-respect.

We value commitment to hard work, paired with the due self-respect and financial sustainability.

No secret about that: only hard work will take you there. And certainly you will need to finance your life. But you won’t be selling the 23rd brand of toothpaste nor repair televisions anymore: you will find meaning. Reduced anxiety and stress, a more balanced and healthy life-style and improved social relations will be your benefits – leaving time to focus on the real challenges surrounding us.

  

PURPOSE

 

INEX promotes human flourishing as a path towards sustainable development.

  

ETHICAL FRAMEWORK: Earth Charter

 

The Earth Charter is a widely recognized, global consensus statement on ethics and values for a sustainable future. Developed over a period of ten years, in what has been called the most extensive global consultation process ever associated with an international declaration, the Earth Charter has been formally endorsed by over 2,500 organizations, including global institutions such as UNESCO and the World Conservation Union (IUCN).

 

INEX is the Austrian Affiliate for the Earth Charter and promotes its values throughout the educational context.

 

“We stand at a critical moment in Earth’s history, a time when humanity must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise. To move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are one human family and one Earth community with a common destiny. We must join together to bring forth a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace. Towards this end, it is imperative that we, the peoples of Earth, declare our responsibility to one another, to the greater community of life, and to future generations.”