The Madrid-based school becomes part of UNESCO’s Associated Schools Network (ASPnet), which brings together institutions in 182 countries committed to peace, sustainability, and cultural diversity.
Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
Liceo Europeo has officially joined UNESCO’s Associated Schools Network (ASPnet), an initiative that internationally promotes education in human rights, equality, sustainability, and peace. This recognition places the Madrid-based school within an international network of educational institutions across 182 countries, united by a shared commitment to building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future through education.
The ASPnet, created in 1953, coordinates the work of schools that integrate into their educational practice the principles of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4: “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” These principles fully align with the educational project founded by Arsenio Inclán more than 40 years ago.
A UNESCO-aligned educational project: four pillars already present in school life
At Liceo Europeo, education is understood as a transformative tool that goes beyond the classroom. Joining ASPnet will allow the school to consolidate and project internationally a set of actions and methodologies that it already develops in depth. Its proposal is structured around four main areas:
In terms of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), the school promotes projects that encourage environmental care and climate action through school gardens, recycling campaigns, reduction of plastic use, and environmental awareness days. In addition, sustainability is integrated transversally across various curricular areas and educational stages.
From the earliest stages, Liceo Europeo staff foster spaces for dialogue, mediation, and peaceful conflict resolution, promoting respect, inclusion, and empathy. Among its initiatives are:
• Thematic days on human rights, gender equality, and cultural diversity.
• The monthly activity “Meetings with Families”, where experts address social and educational topics.
• The organisation of the Solidarity Race, whose next edition will take place at the beginning of June and will, as usual, donate all proceeds to charitable causes.
• Student participation in the European Youth Parliament (EYP).
In addition, the school develops artistic and research projects that highlight local and international cultural heritage and promotes awareness of the diverse cultures present within the school community. Each year, students from Primary to Year 10 take cultural trips across Spain, while IB Year 1 students travel to Italy. International exchanges are also organised, such as the Year 8 stay in Paris, where students live with French families, followed by the reciprocal visit of French students to the school.
Finally, Liceo Europeo is committed to active, student-centred methodologies: cooperative learning, project-based learning, and practical experiences inside and outside the classroom. In this context, joining ASPnet opens the door to international collaborative projects, virtual exchanges, and global educational encounters.
“For Liceo Europeo, becoming part of ASPnet is a natural step in our journey,” says Natalia Inclán, co-director of Liceo Europeo. “We share the conviction that education is the most powerful means to build a fairer, more empathetic, and sustainable world. This membership reinforces our commitment to the holistic development of each student.” Gonzalo Inclán, co-director of the school, adds: “Being part of ASPnet connects us with an international community of schools that think, feel, and educate with global responsibility. It inspires us to continue driving transformative projects that combine knowledge, values, and action.”
The organisation has stated that the national coordination of ASPnet approves the admission of Liceo Europeo into the Network, so that it may serve as a model for other schools and commit to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to fully develop their cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioural skills through transformative education that promotes peace and sustainable development, enabling students to participate in the world as creative and responsible global citizens. This membership strengthens the school’s commitment to an education that goes beyond academic knowledge, fostering global awareness, solidarity, and respect for the planet and for people.
About Liceo Europeo
Liceo Europeo is a private educational centre located in Alcobendas (Madrid), offering all stages from Early Years to the International Baccalaureate. Its educational model is based on the holistic development of the student, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and responsible action within a warm and human environment.
About UNESCO ASPnet
The UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet) was created in 1953 and brings together more than 11,700 educational institutions in 182 countries. Its aim is to promote quality education that fosters peace, human rights, sustainability, and cultural diversity.
Those who wish to obtain further information can visit the website liceo-europeo.es, call +34 91 650 00 00, or write to admision@liceo-europeo.es.
