Abu Dhabi Roadmap Unveiled at 12th World Environmental Education Congress

Abu Dhabi Roadmap Unveiled at 12th World Environmental Education Congress

Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: The Abu Dhabi Roadmap, a comprehensive high-level plan aimed at fortifying Environmental Education (EE) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) globally, was unveiled on Day Four of the 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC2024) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Culminating four days of vibrant discussions, workshops, and events, the roadmap presents a call to action to revitalize efforts in EE and ESD, particularly focusing on addressing the Triple Planetary Crisis.

Shaikha Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General at Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), expressed, “The Abu Dhabi Roadmap represents a pivotal moment on our path towards a more sustainable and resilient future, affirming the UAE’s dedication to enhancing EE. The WEEC2024 served as a dynamic stage to unveil this environmental plan, propelling us in our ongoing work towards a greener future.”

The roadmap, developed with inputs from stakeholders across 83 countries, including UNESCO, IUCN, UNEP, and various UAE ministries, was introduced by Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environmental Information, Science, and Outreach Management at Environment Agency Abu Dhabi. Originating from COP28, where urgent calls for action in EE and ESD were echoed to address the ‘Code Red for humanity’ posed by the Triple Planetary Crisis, the roadmap emphasizes the need to accelerate EE and ESD, placing them prominently in global agendas.

Julia Heiss, Team Leader for Education and Sustainable Development, UNESCO, highlighted the success of WEEC2024 in bringing together global stakeholders, aiming to transform education for a more sustainable future. Abdul-Majeid Haddad, Deputy Regional Director for West Asia, UNEP, commended the focus on collaborative action to tackle the Triple Planetary Crisis.

Key recommendations from the roadmap include urgent scaling up of EE and ESD, incorporation into national and global agendas, and the utilization of AI and smart technologies. The plan also underscores the importance of ethics and values in EE and ESD to foster emotional connections between society and nature. Recognizing the complexities of the present day, the roadmap advocates for evaluative learning to improve intervention efficacy and the integration of green skills with green jobs for effective sustainable development.

Ahmed Baharoon emphasized Abu Dhabi’s commitment to the roadmap, citing initiatives like the Greening Education Partnership with UNESCO and expanding local programs such as the Sustainable Schools Initiative. Plans for a Regional Centre of Expertise for Education for Sustainable Development in Abu Dhabi were also announced.

In a summary of WEEC2024, the Four Thematic Chairs addressed challenges, collective goals, and means to achieve them. An announcement regarding the 13th World Environmental Education Congress in Perth, Australia, concluded the event, promising continued engagement and advancements in environmental education.