New Delhi: The Ministry of Education and UNICEF have collaborated on the ‘Greening Capacities Initiative’, a joint effort aimed at promoting climate education among young people, empowering them to tackle climate change challenges and work towards a sustainable future.
This partnership is an essential part of the ministry’s extensive efforts to achieve the objectives outlined in the Green Education Partnership Roadmap, all in preparation for the highly anticipated COP28.
Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary of the Care and Capacity Building Sector at the Ministry of Education, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to achieving sustainable development goals that seamlessly integrate with the nation’s overarching policies and the objectives outlined in the UAE Centennial 2071 agenda.
This visionary perspective found its tangible manifestation in the launch of the Green Education Roadmap and its core pillars, which are aimed at integrating sustainability and climate consciousness into the very fabric of the UAE’s education system.
Al Shamsi further emphasised the pivotal role that education plays in catalysing positive change and addressing the consequences of climate change.
Greening Capacities Initiative
The ‘Greening Capacities Initiative’ is focused intently on advancing climate education and igniting action among children and youth.
Its main objective is to equip young individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively adapt to and address the challenges presented by climate change, in a professional, informative, and engaging manner.
At the core of this collaborative endeavor between MoE and UNICEF lies the concept of ‘Greening Capacities,’ which stands as one of the four fundamental pillars outlined in the roadmap last April. The remaining pillars encompass ‘Greening Learning,’ ‘Greening Schools,’ and ‘Greening Communities.’
Through this strategic partnership, both organizations are ready to launch three important joint initiatives – Educators Training, Net Zero Heroes, and the Children’s Art Competition. This alliance aims to provide professional development opportunities for educators, promote sustainability through the Net Zero Heroes program, and foster creativity among children through the Children’s Art Competition.
These programs have been carefully crafted to make a significant impact, with the overall objective of empowering students and educators to navigate the complexities of climate change and actively contribute to a more environmentally sustainable future.
