The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the years 2005 − 2014 as the World Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. People of all age groups should be given opportunities to assume responsibility for achieving sustainable development.

HuP ensures the broad transfer of best practices and strengthens international cooperation in universities and in the scientific field. Since 2006 and twice in succession, UNESCO has honoured the initiative as the 'Official Project of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development 2005- 2014'.