Different models of development have a different impact on sustainability. In this paper, we contrast the development model as growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), dominant in economic theories, with the model of human development or capabilities. The objective is to show the development of capabilities as a theoretical-practical perspective to guide education towards sustainability, a goal assigned by UNESCO. The method used is hermeneutic. The conclusions are: the capabilities approach defends the values required for sustainability and this approach convincingly argues for the political principles and good practices that should govern education.

不同的发展模式对可持续性有不同的影响。在本文中，我们将发展模型（即在经济理论中占主导地位的国内生产总值（GDP）的增长）与人类发展或能力模型进行了对比。目的是从理论和实践的角度展示能力的发展，以指导教育实现可持续发展，这是教科文组织确定的目标。所使用的方法是解释性的。结论是：能力方法捍卫了可持续性所需的价值，并且这种方法令人信服地主张了应该指导教育的政治原则和良好实践。