Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
“Education Works?!” read the title of a plenary session, held as part of the 12th edition of the World Environment Education Congress (WEEC) on Tuesday. The conversation featured global environmental and educational experts who discussed the role of the Youth Environmental Education Conference (YEEC), an event held in parallel with the WEEC, with the aim of fostering environmental awareness through integrating youth voices in sustainability into the broader scope of education.
The “YEEC Programme - Education Works?!” session included notable speakers such as Florence Mulenga, Fintech Marketing Specialist from Lupiya, Zambia; John Carl Alonsagay, Social Science Researcher and Co-Founder of the ClimatEducate Project; Jenna Potter, Environmental Leadership and Awards Programme Manager at Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful; Sneha Shahi, Conservationist and UNEP Representative for SDG 6 (Water and Sanitation) from India; Mario Gilbert, Student and Environment and Climate Policy Advocate at the University Of The West Indies; and Carlos Shanka, Founder of Global Shapers Las Palmas.
During the session, the environmental advocates expressed their unwavering commitment to empowering youth and driving global ecosystem restoration.
The speakers emphasised the integration of science, technology, and environmental education into the curricula as a comprehensive approach to tackling the global climate challenge.
The panellists also highlighted non-formal education initiatives in the Global South, aiming to inspire young leaders for transformative action.
Simultaneously, educators explored the pivotal role of education in fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, focusing on proven innovative models.
The discussion underscored the need for holistic education in higher learning institutions, with speakers offering practical examples to showcase the way education prepares individuals to contribute to environmental preservation.
As participants delved into the challenges of integrating environmental education into academic curricula, advocating for an interdisciplinary approach, they expressed hope for inclusive curriculums embracing subject intersectionality.
The conversation shifted to the struggles of marginalised communities in accessing quality environmental education, with ongoing efforts highlighted, including teacher training programmes and initiatives in underserved areas around the world.
Reflecting on COVID-19’s impact on education, the discourse emphasised global collaboration in education to overcome disparities in small minorities.
In the discourse about economic challenges intersecting with environmental and educational issues, the conversation focused on navigating this complex landscape.
The discussion pointed to striking a balance between addressing problems and providing education, especially in regions with limited economic prospects.
The discussion covered private and public partnerships, governance roles, and corruption’s impact on resource distribution.
It also encouraged philanthropies and individuals to recognise their potential in supporting vulnerable communities.
Simultaneously, the conversation explored the role of environmental education in equipping individuals for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Strategies for tailored content, global environmental education policies, and influencer marketing’s potential were discussed emphasising the need for long-term investments and cross-sectoral collaborations for a sustainable educational future.
Inspiring Journeys Speaking to Aletihad, John Carl Alonsagay, programme officer for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, shared his extensive experience in the field of climate change education.
“In the past seven years, I have been involved in non-formal climate change education in many countries. Currently, I am a volunteer for a project aiming to create an effective framework for teaching climate change outside the classroom. This includes sustainable management rehabilitation programmes in the Philippines, where community coordination is key for project sustainability. Focusing on blue carbon ecosystems, the project serves as a nature-based solution for carbon mitigation and adaptation,” he said.
In remarks to Aletihad, Carlos Shanka, a Youth Delegate in the United Nations Environment Programme from Canary Islands, Spain, highlighted the importance of engaging youth in environmental protection.
“Education, particularly about environmental sustainability and climate change, is undervalued. Connecting perspectives and creative technologies among young people is crucial. I am excited for the future, and my faith and hope lie in the younger generation. It is essential to be here, fostering connections and discussions,” Shanka said.
Sneha Shahi, a PhD scholar from Tamil Nadu, India, who specialises in rivers and societies, shared her experience in a transformative campaign with Aletihad.
“We cleaned up a 10 km stream, turning our scientific data into a format accessible to all. Through community outreach, the stream remains clean, the river flows better, and the ecosystem thrives. Long-term projects and monitoring can yield impactful conservation results. The environment itself becomes the best mentor when you engage in its preservation.”
