Bernard Combes supports UNESCO’s activities on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). He coordinates the implementation of the ESD for 2030 priority action area on Accelerating sustainable solutions at the local level through capacity and partnership building in order to improve the quality of local platforms for learning and cooperation and strengthen multi-stakeholder networks at the local level to integrate ESD programmes and perspectives into communities’ planning and decision-making processes.

He is also the Education Sector focal point for biodiversity and UNESCO focal point for the Earth Charter, and among other things, works to reinforce cooperation with other agencies and stakeholders in regards to Communication, Education and Public Awareness in the areas of biodiversity, water, oceans, cities, and sustainable lifestyles.

This has focused on providing technical advice and support for capacity building activities, and developing learning, teaching and awareness raising materials, in cooperation with UNESCO Associated Schools, UNESCO Chairs, other UNESCO sectors (notably Natural Sciences, Communication, Culture, and World Heritage), other agencies (notably UNEP, UNU, CDB, FAO) and stakeholders (such as IUCN, WWF, IOC, youth groups, media, and private sector).