The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a global initiative to enhance environmental education and education for sustainable development (ESD). This initiative was launched at the 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC), where the Abu Dhabi Roadmap was presented. The roadmap outlines key recommendations to ramp up efforts in EE and ESD, emphasizing the urgent need for integration into national and global agendas.
It was developed with input from global stakeholders and highlights the importance of ethical considerations and evaluative learning, as well as initiatives like the Greening Education Partnership with UNESCO and local programs such as the Sustainable Schools Initiative. The importance of events like WEEC in fostering collaboration and harnessing technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve environmental goals was also emphasized.
The roadmap aims to drive tangible progress towards a more sustainable future by promoting circularity, combating biodiversity loss, and fostering nature-based learning. The UAE’s commitment to implementing actionable measures is evidenced by plans for future initiatives, such as establishing a Regional Centre of Expertise for Education for Sustainable Development in Abu Dhabi.
The announcement of the roadmap and the insights garnered from the four-day congress set the stage for intensified global collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. The congress concluded with a commitment to advancing environmental education and sustainability efforts, and delegates look forward to the 13th World Environmental Education Congress in Perth, Australia. The momentum for addressing environmental challenges continues to grow, and the UAE’s global initiative is a significant step towards mitigating the Triple Planetary Crisis through Environmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development.
