The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at its 182nd Executive Board meeting moved for the approval by the General Conference of the Center for Lifelong Learning for Sustainable Development with Category 2 status to be established in the Philippines. This was reported by the Philippine delegation headed by Secretary of Education Jesli A. Lapus, Ambassadors Rora Navarro-Tolentino and Preciosa Soliven.

He said, “The immediate impact of the new center is employment and infrastructure, access to training and resources to build institutions, and increase in the country's profile and capacity in basic education research”.

UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura fully supported the project which quickly progressed after a favorable feasibility study in March 2008 and support from all Southeast Asian countries. The center will re-orient existing education programs towards sustainable development including environmental protection.