KYOTO -- Next year marks the start of the U.N. mandated Decade of Education for Sustainable Development -- an ambitious program pushed by UNESCO to promote international resource development that is socially desirable, economically viable, culturally appropriate and ecologically sustainable.

However, the broad goals and lack of international consensus on how best to achieve them have many questioning if the program will be effective.

"Getting the word out and educating people on the goals and purposes of sustainable development is our greatest challenge. In many parts of Asia, where computer technologies are unknown and where indigenous peoples live, there are also numerous logistical, linguistic and cultural barriers to such education," said Derek Elias, an official with UNESCO's Bangkok office.