‘The Future of Climate Change Education’: An Intergenerational Dialogue

18 November 2024 15:30 - 17:00

The Education Above All Foundation (EAA), on behalf of the State of Qatar and in collaboration with UNESCO and UNDP, propose to host a side event during the Human Capital, Children, Youth, Health & Education Day of the UN’s COP29 Conference on 18th November at the Qatar Pavilion in the COP29 Blue Zone in Baku, Azerbaijan.

In today's world, effective climate change education is crucial, particularly curricula that empower young people to lead climate action. This type of education should adopt an intersectional approach, considering social and economic factors across different times and regions. It should foster critical thinking and active civic engagement, acknowledging the unsustainability of current global production and consumption levels.

There is a pressing need to address the shortcomings in the extent and depth of climate change education within educational plans and curricula. This involves a lifelong learning approach, encouraging reflection and the unlearning of unsustainable practices. Sustainable education systems must begin by equipping every school and teacher worldwide with the tools to empower learners. This includes imparting the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary for critical thinking and active involvement in solving social, economic, and environmental challenges both locally and globally.

As our world becomes increasingly complex and interconnected and faces the existential threat of climate change, there is a growing call for education that meaningfully empowers young people. Such formal education should enable them to acquire the knowledge, skills, and values needed for the green transition and the sustainable development of our societies. Unfortunately, young people are often overlooked in the design and implementation of education policies and processes.

Despite their increasing engagement in informal platforms, social movements, and digital technologies, youth participation in formal decision-making structures remains limited. Active engagement of young people is essential for effective climate actions. It is vital to meaningfully involve youth in these processes and empower them to address issues related to climate change education and sustainable development. This will ensure their active and relevant participation in tackling climate change challenges.

EAA is committed to the provision of quality education across the globe and combatting the climate crisis. EAA has significant and long-term investments in the sector because of the importance of education to human development and sustainability. EAA particularly invests in education in vulnerable populations, knowing that quality climate change education can contribute to addressing the climate crisis for a resilient, sustainable future.

Objectives

• To host an informative and impactful youth-focused event that aligns with the objectives of the COP29’s Human Capital, Children, Youth, Health & Education Day (18th November).
• To showcase partners’ achievements in supporting climate change education.
• To promote a dialogue between young activists and experts with regards to the requirements for the future of climate change education.
• To make concrete recommendations for the future of climate change education for COP29 policymakers.

This event will feature a panel of distinguished experts and youth activists with extensive experience in education and climate change education. The panellists will offer insights on the future of climate change education, emphasising its role in empowering marginalised populations to tackle environmental challenges. Discussions will focus on the importance of integrating climate education into curricula to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to address climate-related impacts. The panel will also explore how innovation and new technologies can enhance climate change education, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future.

Speakers

• Welcoming Comments: Mr. Abdulla Al-Abdulla, ROTA Executive Director, Education Above All
• Keynote Address: Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Sada, Assistant Undersecretary for Climate Change Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, State of Qatar

Panellists

• Mr. Christopher Castle, Director for Peace and Sustainable Development, UNESCO
• Mr. Ayman Cherkaoui, Director, Hassan II International Center for Environmental Training,
• Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, Kingdom of Morocco
• Ms. Ngimou Victorine Nchokuno, Youth Leader, Global Partnership for Education (GPE)
• Ms. Giulia Jacovella, Youth Empowerment and Climate Analyst, UNDP
• Ms. Elsy Milan, Lebanese Youth Climate Activist, UNDP’s Youth Leadership Programme
• Ms. Ngimou Victorine Nchokuno, Youth Leader, Global Partnership for Education (GPE)

Closing

• Closing Comments: Ms. Oweis Al Salahi, Youth Advocate, Education Above All (EAA)
• Moderator: Mr. George Tavola, Education Above All (EAA)