Dubai Cares, a leading global organization dedicated to improving children’s lives through education, has released its latest report, ‘Rewiring Education: The Climate-Education Nexus,’ during the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This report, a culmination of two years of discussions and consultations, including the RewirEd Summit 2023 at COP28 UAE, advocates for a fundamental shift in how we approach both education and climate action.
The report’s core message is clear: climate action and educational transformation are inextricably linked. It underscores the immense potential of the ‘climate-education nexus’ to drive systemic change and create a more sustainable future.
This comprehensive roadmap outlines practical solutions and specific recommendations for seamlessly integrating education and climate action. It highlights the need for a unified approach, where education systems are actively involved in addressing climate challenges, and where climate solutions are embedded within the curriculum.
His Excellency Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Cares, emphasized the report’s significance: “Real progress on global issues, whether it be poverty, health, or climate change, depends on fundamentally transforming education systems. This report offers a clear roadmap for integrating education into the climate agenda, while embedding climate solutions in education.” He stressed the urgency for global leaders to prioritize education in their climate discussions and to consider the vital recommendations outlined in the report.
The report identifies five “win-win” solutions:
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Early Childhood Development (ECD):
Integrating climate change education into ECD programs, equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to build a sustainable future.*
Planet-Friendly School Meals:
Promoting sustainable practices in school food systems, reducing food waste, and promoting healthy and environmentally conscious dietary choices.*
Teaching as a Green Profession:
Empowering teachers with climate change knowledge and skills, making them agents of change within educational institutions.*
Youth Green Skills Development:
Investing in young people’s green skills and preparing them for future careers in green sectors.*
Strategic Private Sector Engagement:
Facilitating collaborations between the private sector and education institutions to develop climate-conscious education initiatives.The report further proposes nine key recommendations, categorized across policy, financing, and research, to create an environment conducive to scaling these solutions.
The RewirEd Summit 2023, held at COP28 UAE, was a groundbreaking global gathering that brought together over 1,000 participants, including heads of state, ministers, CEOs, and representatives from 76 countries. This summit served as a platform to highlight the crucial role of education in addressing climate challenges and showcased innovative solutions at the intersection of these two sectors. The summit fostered impactful discussions on ensuring that climate change does not hinder children’s right to education.
You can download the ‘Rewiring Education: The Climate-Education Nexus’ report at [https://rewiredsummit.org/](https://rewiredsummit.org/).
