The UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet)
The UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet) links educational institutions across the world around a common goal : ‘to construct the defences of peace in the minds´ of its students and teachers. Established in 1953, ASPnet promotes the ideals and values of UNESCO by reinforcing the humanistic, ethical, cultural and international dimensions of education.
UNESCO ASPnet connects more than 12,000 institutions in over 180 countries providing pre-primary, primary, secondary, technical or vocational education, or teacher training.
In line with UNESCO’s role to serve as a laboratory of ideas, ASPnet pioneers innovative and creative pedagogies, translating global concepts into practice at the school level and advancing the transformation of education systems and policies.
ASPnet’s work focusses on three thematic action areas : Global citizenship and a culture of peace and non-violence ; Sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles ; and Intercultural learning and the appreciation of cultural diversity and heritage.
Learning in and through the arts has increasingly been recognized as an important tool to promote UNESCO’s values, such as human rights, gender equality, respect for diversity, tolerance, intercultural dialogue, and international solidarity. Records show that arts education takes a prominent role in ASPnet member schools around the world to empower students to reflect on topics related to Sustainable Development Goal 4, in particular target 4.7.
ASPnet’s engagement in the Competition of Week of Sound is contributing to the network’s priorities and fields of action.
In 2021, ASPnet organized 5 information webinars for the ASPnet community, to which 700 national coordinators, teachers and students from 30 countries participated.
171 videos from 20 countries were received for this year’s competition. Many of them reflect on global and local issues important for the participating students, e.g. climate change, biodiversity, discrimination, bullying, health and friendship.
Congratulations to all participating schools !
21 videos have been submitted for the finals and the winners will be announced on 21 January at UNESCO premises.