UAE, UNICEF launch climate education initiative for children

The UAE’s Ministry of Education and the UN Children’s Fund have launched an initiative to advance climate education and action among children, Emirates News Agency reported on Thursday.

In preparation for COP28, the Greening Capacities Initiative seeks to equip the youth with the tools to both adapt to and address the ramifications of climate change while promoting sustainable development.

Under this partnership, the Emirati education ministry and UNICEF will roll out three joint programs: Educators Training, Net Zero Heroes, and Children’s Art Competition.

Amna Al-Dahak Al-Shamsi, assistant undersecretary of the Care and Capacity Building Sector at the ministry, said the partnership “will empower educators to raise climate change awareness among learners, and will also nurture environmental awareness and sustainability skills, preparing learners to lead the UAE’s future sustainability efforts.”

The ministry will continue to form local and international strategic partnerships to foster climate awareness among young people during and after COP28, Al-Shamsi said.

UNICEF Representative in the Gulf Region Eltayeb Adam said the agreement “demonstrates our mutual belief in the pivotal role educators and children play in climate action.”

Combating the repercussions of climate change is essential in the safeguarding of children globally, Adam said.