This article lists the key outcomes and recommendations of Phase I of the monitoring and evaluation of the DESD. Phase I focused on a review of the structures, provisions and conditions countries and regions have put in place in order to facilitate the development and implementation of ESD. The author also touches upon the constraints and limitations of conducting such a review on a global scale. In a concluding personal reflection, the author calls for more engaging local forms of monitoring and evaluating, using locally determined indicators, appropriate languages and multiple literacies (not just print based) as well as for more equitable and dialogical forms of interaction as a first step towards monitoring and evaluation systems that are better aligned with the foundations of sustainability.