The Greening Education Hub themed ‘Legacy from the Land of Zayed’, which is hosted by the Ministry of Education at COP28, features an array of dialogue sessions, workshops, and interactive activities.
These events are designed to underscore the importance of integrating climate education into educational systems, increasing climate awareness among children, youth, and students, and proposing innovative solutions to advance sustainability goals. The Ministry’s key partners from public and private sectors, along with local and international NGOs are participating in these events. The Hub has garnered support from 99 NGOs and 36 local entities.
Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education, said,
“Climate change is a global challenge that demands a collective response. At the Ministry of Education, we recognise the pivotal role of education in shaping attitudes toward climate change and emphasise the power of partnerships in promoting climate and sustainable education globally. Our successful collaborations, both locally and internationally, have led to the establishment of 'Legacy from the Land of Zayed', which supports the integration of climate education and sustainability into educational systems.”
On his part, Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), pointed out that the university has outlined a roadmap within its climate change strategy, positioning itself as a partner in achieving the goals sought by the COP28 conference. He stated,
"We focus on three university-related elements: research and innovation, promoting sustainability, and instilling these concepts in the youth."
He clarified that the roadmap includes 35 initiatives with measurable goals and tangible results, with some initiatives having started before COP28 and continuing after the conference.
Nusseibeh added,
"The United Arab Emirates University roadmap complements and expands the country’s record in seeking practical solutions to climate change, with a focus on renewable energy, waste reduction, and the reuse of natural resources. We leverage our expertise in agricultural technology, water, and scientific and engineering solutions that benefit the ecosystem of the United Arab Emirates. We harness our scientific and knowledge-based approach in collaboration with the community to enhance changes in human behaviour, which is at the core of climate change. Additionally, we work on reducing uncertainty and the inability to predict the effects of global warming."
Commenting on the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) participation in COP28, Sana Suhail, Director General of ECA, said,
"Climate change is not just an isolated issue but an integral part of global efforts to ensure the future of generations to come, and the UAE has always been at the forefront of innovative initiatives in this field. Thanks to the Ministry of Education's Greening Education Hub – (Erth) Legacy from the Land of Zayed, we are able to highlight the importance of the early years of young children in achieving sustainability goals. We call for instilling awareness among the younger population and recognising the importance of preserving the environment. Green education promotes the concepts of sustainability and preservation of our planet at an early age. By integrating environmental knowledge and practices into early education systems, we can prepare future generations to face current and future environmental challenges."
Her Excellency added,
"For the world to face environmental challenges, it has become imperative that we all unite our efforts to increase our children's knowledge of important issues such as climate change, pollution and the protection of natural resources, thus training them to think critically, instill in them a sense of responsibility and inspire them to be active members of society. This is evident through the discussion sessions we will host during our participation in the Greening Education Hub in cooperation with our various global partners, where the sessions will witness the participation of around 37 prominent local and international experts to discuss the most important topics of early childhood development and its relevance to climate change."
Dr. Faisal Alayyan, President CEO of the Higher Colleges of Technology, expressed immense pride in the significant participation of HCT at the COP28. Dr. Alayyan praised the partnership with the Ministry of Education through the Greening Education Hub launched by the Ministry under the theme ‘Legacy from the Land of Zayed’. The Hub showcases the pivotal role of education in combatting climate change, and highlights the UAE’s enduring commitment to sustainability. Dr. Alayyan commended the Ministry of Education for integrating the educational perspective into the conference and supporting educational institutions in their endeavours to promote sustainability, in line with the national directions in this field.
Dr. Alayyan added,
“At COP28, HCT students have actively participated, displaying projects related to sustainability and clean energy, reflecting their understanding and responsibility towards environmental issues.”
He further added,
“These students, participating as sustainability ambassadors and influencers, have engaged in multiple workshops. Furthermore, the HCT has contributed to diverse working sessions, discussing the integration of sustainability in educational models and operational strategies. This aligns with creating a generation that is not only aware of but also practices sustainability principles.”
The Greening Education Hub – Legacy from the Land of Zayed welcomed almost 10,000 visitors by the end of the fifth day of COP28.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
