14 November 2016, Marrakech, Morocco
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 education 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 and INDCs and showcase good practices.
The UN system has taken important steps in promoting both formal and non-formal climate change education and in involving a multitude of stakeholders. The UN side event on "Leaving No One Behind in Climate Change Education" discussed how climate change education can be made more inclusive and relevant to a large variety of stakeholders. This side event addressed the question with the help of examples from groups with traditional learning systems and special learning needs, such as people with disabilities, indigenous peoples and refugees.
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: Climate Education as a Driver of Change
14 November 2016, from 13:15 to 14:45, Room: Pacific, Marrakech, Morocco
This event discussed the role of education as key driver in moving forward the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. It was organized by the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training of the Kingdom of Morocco in partnership with UNFCCC, UNESCO, the members of the UN Alliance on Climate Change Education, Training and Public Awareness and the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection. More>>
UN Side Event on Climate Change Education: Leaving No One Behind in Climate Change Education
14 November 2016, from 18:30 to 20:00, Room: Pacific, Marrakech, Morocco
This side event discussed and shared experiences, good practices, and lessons learned on climate change education. It showcased climate change education beyond the classroom - respecting the rights and needs of refugees, indigenous peoples and people with disabilities.
Other Side Events
Other side events was organized by Parties and civil society organizations. More>>