Abstract
The authors concentrated on ESD principles and their manifestation in higher education in Central and Eastern European countries which share a similar policy situation owing to post-socialist transition processes. Observations from comprehensive mapping of ESD in professional development of university educators in CEE within the UE4SD project provided the initial input for this research.
To justify the findings, a questionnaire was distributed among informed respondents and assessed qualitatively. ESD success factors were identified to support the interpretation of the results within the overall HE policy context.
Opportunities for educators' competence development are lower and less diverse in the CEE region than in other parts of Europe. Historical reasons and the policy context may contribute to this situation; the most important factor being the underfinanced higher education sector which is currently undergoing profound structural transformation.
University educators in CEE have considerable know-how and experience in ESD and thus represent significant potential for the development of this field under more favourable conditions. This research is based on more than two years of cooperation within a broad partnership of European universities; it represents a contribution to the debate from a specific regional perspective.
It shows opportunities for critical, creative and participatory approaches in HE, analyzes current trends in historical and policy contexts, and provides impulses for theoretically and practically oriented efforts.