In December 2012, the United Nations University (UNU) confirmed that the University of Edinburgh-led bid for a UN Regional Centre of Expertise in Education for Sustainable Development to be established in Scotland had been successful.
Regional Centres of Expertise (RCEs) have been identified as a mechanism to encourage development and strengthening of sustainable development education practice across a defined region. Recognised through the UNU, an RCE is a network of formal, non-formal and informal education organisations, mobilised to deliver sustainable development education to local and regional communities. The RCE is a non-prescribed model, enabling a region to self-define and shape their RCE based on their needs. Scotland's RCE will be known as Learning for Sustainability Scotland.