The Transnational Dialogues in Early Childhood Education for Sustainability Research (TND) is an international research network established in 2010 to strengthen collaboration and research capacity in Early Childhood Education for Sustainability (ECEfS). Through regular in-person dialogues and ongoing online gatherings, TND brings together experienced and early-career researchers plus research students to build research capacity through international networking, collaborative publications, project partnerships, and intergenerational learning. The overall aim is to drive pedagogical and policy change in ECEfS. TND in-person gatherings have previously been aligned with major conferences, including the 6th WEEC (Brisbane, 2011) and 8th WEEC (Göteborg, 2015), and a further in-person meeting is planned aligned with 13th WEEC in Perth, Australia. This ongoing engagement provides an important context for promoting TND in conjunction with the 13th WEEC and highlights the growing contribution of early childhood education to global education for sustainability dialogues.
ECEfS Policy and Research: Multiple avenues for creating sustainable futures
Welcome to the 11th TND gathering on early childhood education for sustainability (ECEfS) research and its role in promoting sustainability worldwide. This event will focus on ECEfS leadership and policy, global citizenship and peace education, plus Indigenous and common worlds perspectives. With contributions from engaging speakers, they aim to foster discussions and collaborations among researchers to both inform and lead ongoing positive change in the field. This is a unique opportunity to be part of international conversations to explore the possibilities of ethical and sustainable alternatives in shaping ECEfS for young children’s equitable and healthy futures. The intent is to involve others, such as teachers, parents and relevant stakeholders in transformative change towards sustainable futures. In TND 11, they will continue the quest to challenge paradigms, identify research gaps and collaboratively develop tangible outcomes.
Date: Saturday 19 September 2026, prior to the 13th WEEC in Perth, Western Australia
Co-Convenors of TND 11:
- Professor Eva Ärlemalm-Hagsér, Mälardalen University, Sweden
- Professor Barbara M. Sageidet, Stavanger University, Norway
- Dr Sue Elliott, University of New England, Australia
- Associate Professor Sule Alici, Kirsehir Ahi Evran University, Türkiye
- Dr Kari-Anne, University Oslo Met, Norway
- Associate Professor Deniz Kahriman Pamuk, Mersin University, Türkiye
Co-Hosts: Dr Jennifer Pearson and Dr Sue Elliott on behalf of the Australian Early Childhood Sustainability Alliance (The Alliance)
Venue: Canning River Eco Education Centre (CREEC), a public facility with on-site café located on Kent Street & Queens Park Road, Wilson WA 6107
Transport: A 25-minute taxi ride from Perth CBD or an hour plus on public transport train/bus
Meals: As per program
Further Information: Please contact Dr Sue Elliott, sue.elliott@une.edu.au to obtain an expression of interest form to participate in this pre 13th WEEC event.
Please note that while this program has been prepared as a guide, things may change according to group needs and local contexts.
| Time | Activity |
| 9:30am – 10:00am |
Welcome and Introductions:
|
| 10:00am – 11:00am | National Updates: Participants sharing from their respective countries, one key policy development, one major challenge, and one positive or innovative example from research or practice. Questions and discussion included. |
| 11:00am – 11:30am | Morning break |
| 11:30am – 12:00pm | Keynote: To be announced |
| 12:00pm – 12:30pm | Research Roundtable 1: Reflections on keynote |
| 12:30pm – 1:30pm | Lunch to be purchased from onsite café |
| 1:30pm – 2:45pm | Research Roundtable 2: PhDs underway or recently completed graduates are invited to share their research, for up to 10 minutes each pending the number of presenters with supportive group discussion. |
| 2:45pm – 3:30pm | Afternoon break for riverside walk, talk and reflect |
| 3:30pm – 4:30pm | Invited Panel Presentations and Discussion: Celebrating different ways of knowing, being, and relating to the Earth: Indigeneity and sustainability across various countries. |
| 4:30pm – 5:00pm | TND 11 Concluding Discussions: Where to from here? Topical issues? Challenges? Research initiatives? A possible TND 11 publication outcome such as a special issue of the Childhood in the Anthropocene Journal or an ECEfS advocacy statement for young children and their futures? |
| 5:00pm – 6:00pm | Travel back to Perth CBD |
| 6:00pm – 9:00pm | Optional Dinner: Pre-booked dinner at a CBD Perth restaurant, vegetarian options included. |