Ministry of Education launches ‘Ecological Education Center’ at COP28

As part of its efforts to achieve the objectives of the UAE Green Education Association Roadmap in preparation for the celebration in the UAE of COP28, he Ministry of Education (MoE) today launched the Ecological Education Center under the theme “Zayed Land Legacy”.

The Hub aims to highlight the importance of education in addressing climate issues and the need to include education in official debates during COP28held at Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12.

The launch of the Center was held during a press conference held by the Ministry of Education at the SEE Institute, Dubai Sustainable City, and in the presence of Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education; Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Deputy Undersecretary for the Care and Skills Development Sector of the Ministry of Education; and representatives of COP28, leaders of various local and international organizations, along with an elite group of experts and specialists.

During his opening speech, Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi He noted that the United Arab Emirates is located in a desert climate, characterized by intense heat and arid conditions. Faced with these challenges, the country remains firm in its commitment to prioritize resource conservation through innovative solutions. He emphasized that sustainability is of strategic importance and reflects the UAE’s values ​​of preserving the environment and social traditions. He said:

“Our ancestors lived in harmony with nature, taking only what they needed. Fast forward to today, and their ancient wisdom is still valid in our modern times. “They recognized the vital importance of preserving precious natural resources for future generations.”

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi stated that the Ecological Education Center with the theme ‘Zayed’s Land Legacy’ was born from months of collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and is a step forward to place education at the center of climate action. . He said,

“The United Arab Emirates follows in the footsteps of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and continues to make significant achievements in environmental protection and sustainable development. Hosting COP28 is just another testament to the country’s leadership position in these vital fields. Today, we are honored to continue Sheikh Zayed’s legacy aimed at contributing to global sustainability efforts.”

He added,

“We are on a mission to leave a legacy and ensure that upcoming COP events continue to ignite passion for effective climate education. In this way, we can create a lasting positive impact on the future of our planet. By unleashing the full potential of education to address climate change, we empower our young people to lead change, paving the way to a more sustainable tomorrow for all.”

For its part, Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi saying,

“Earlier this year, we launched the UAE Green Education Partnership Roadmap in preparation for COP28 in cooperation with UNESCO and UNICEF. In line with our commitment to achieving the partnership’s goals, we are working on four pillars: Greener Schools, Greener Curricula, Greener Capabilities and Greener Communities. Four zones of the Ecological Education Center revolve around these pillars: the fifth is dedicated to the Ecological Education Association in general and the sixth includes the main stage (Erth Zayed).”

Dr. Al Shamsi aggregate,

“At the UAE Ministry of Education, climate education is one of our top priorities. We have already started implementing several initiatives, such as Educators’ Voice and Net Zero Heros. We are confident that the ‘Zayed Earth Legacy – Ecological Education Center’ will leave a legacy that other nations will benefit from in the upcoming COPs. “We want visitors to gain the knowledge and skills they need to actively implement sustainability practices, extending their impact beyond COP28 and contributing to a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship.”

The ‘Ecological Education Center – Zayed Land Legacy’ organized by the Ministry of Education during COP28 over 13 days will include more than 250 sessions and workshops, comprising 127 international sessions and 151 national sessions. The Hub has attracted participants from 38 countries, representing a truly global platform for leaders, experts and specialists. It also has the support and participation of 99 NGOs and 36 national entities.

To enrich the discussions, 70 esteemed speakers will participate in the Hub activities to share their experience and inspire attendees with their ideas. The Ministry of Education will also organize 46 sessions. Additionally, the Ministry of Education has fostered partnerships with more than 40 international partners, resulting in the development of more than 30 projects and activations around climate education. These collaborations will undoubtedly contribute to the success and impact of the Centre, and these figures reflect the importance of coordinating efforts to improve the role of education and its contribution to climate change.

In it Association for ecological education In the area, visitors will be able to take part in sessions aimed at highlighting the central role of education in tackling the climate crisis. Other sessions will focus on mobilizing political commitment for coordinated, synergistic and comprehensive action through the Alliance for Green Education. The Green Schools zone will showcase sustainable infrastructure programs, models and designs for green schools, as well as successful case studies of schools and universities implementing environmental programs, renewable energy solutions and sustainable initiatives. Additionally, the zone will feature interactive exhibits and virtual simulations that will demonstrate the integration of sustainable practices into school and university facilities and daily operations.

The Ecological Capabilities zone will describe ways for the education system to achieve a systemic and comprehensive impact on adaptation to climate change. It will also highlight the role of educators as agents of change to mitigate the repercussions of climate change. The Ecological Curriculum zone will focus on integrating climate change, environmental awareness and sustainable development into study plans. Sessions in this zone will also feature innovative teaching methodologies, educational resources and technology-based tools that engage students in experiential learning about sustainability.

The Green Communities zone will introduce community-led initiatives that promote sustainable practices in education and engage local stakeholders including parents, NGOs and businesses. It will also feature successful partnerships between schools and communities, and provide networking spaces for stakeholders to connect, share experiences and foster collaborations to address common sustainability challenges at the community level.

Anticipating significant participation, the Center is expected to welcome more than 1,000 visitors and 500 students daily, with total attendance projected to exceed 18,000 over the course of 13 days. This demonstrates the high level of global interest in the role of education in sustainability.

News source: Emirates News Agency