ACE Day
16 November 2017, Bonn, Germany
Agenda (299 kB)
The solutions to climate change are also the paths to a safer, healthier, cleaner and more prosperous future for all. However, for such a future to become a reality, people in all countries and at all levels of society need to understand the issue and get involved.
Education is key to prepare societies for all types of global change. It plays a critical role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and putting the Paris Climate Change Agreement into action. Article 6 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) stipulates that all Parties shall cooperate in and promote education, training and public awareness related to climate change, and shall encourage wide public participation in this process.
The critical role of education in the global climate change response is further recognized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as in the Paris Climate Change Agreement. Article 12 of the Paris Agreement states that “Parties shall cooperate in taking measures to enhance climate change education, training, public awareness, public participation and public access to information.” Because COP 22 will serve to kick-off the implementation of the Paris Agreement, the education sector needs to be prepared to support this endeavour.
Education for Sustainable Development helps to generate and scale up action at all levels and in all areas of education and learning to accelerate progress towards sustainable development, starting with policy. Education as a key driver to scale-up climate action should be included in national commitments and policies such as the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).
During ACE Day, a high-level event on climate education as a driver of change brought together environment and education ministers and international organizations to discuss how education can enhance the implementation of the climate agenda.
In addition, multiple activities organized by UN agencies, civil society organizations and Parties took place during the day, showcasing climate education around the world.
High-Level Event: Uniting for Climate Education
16 November 2017, from 11:30 to 13:00, Meeting Room 6, Bonn Zone
This event discussed the role of education as a key driver in moving forward the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. It was organized by the COP 23 Presidency in partnership with UNFCCC and the members of the UN Alliance on Climate Change Education, Training and Public Awareness. more>>
Award Ceremony of the Global Youth Video Competition on Climate Change
16 November 2017, from 18:30 to 20:00, Main Stage, Bonn Zone
The objective of the Global Youth Video Competition is to shine a light on existing climate action by the youth; providing them space to identify their achievements and inspire other young people - and even policymakers - to become just as active. The award ceremony highlighted these winning accomplishments and showcased inspirational stories, as well as demonstrated the power of young people to act as key players in reaching innovative and ambitious solutions on climate change all over the world. Agenda (242 kB)
Other Side Events
Other side events were organized by Parties and civil society organizations. Agenda (299 kB)