Education to Combat the Climate Crisis
08 July 2024 13:15 - 14:30
Education Above All (EAA), on behalf of a coalition composed of the State of Qatar, UN agencies and partners, will host a side event, entitled “Education to Combat the Climate Crisis’ during the upcoming High Level Political Forum (HLPF) from 8-17 July 2024 under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council.
The HLPF 2024 theme this year is "Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions”. HLPF 2024 will focus on the following SDGs 1, 2, 13 (Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts), 16 (Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all) and 17; as well as, strengthening the means of implementation and revitalising the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.
Event Date/Time/Venue: Monday 8th July 2024, 1:15-2:30pm Conference Room 6, UN HQ, New York, USA
UN Web TV live stream: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1o/k1ob9kpdhe
Speakers:
- H.E. Ambassador Sheikha Alya Al Thani, Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations
- Mr. Kevin Frey, CEO, Generation Unlimited
- Ms. Srilata Kammila, Head, Climate Change Adaptation, UNDP
- Ms. Catalina Duarte Salcedo, Education Specialist, UNICEF Colombia
- Ms. Haya Al Thani, Strategic Partnerships Manager, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD)
- Mr. Darren Karjama, Partnerships and Outreach Specialist, Division of External Affairs, Green Climate Fund (GCF)
- Ms. Susana Puerto, Head, Youth Employment Accelerator, ILO
- Ms. Anoushka Sinha, Young People’s Action Team Member, Generation Unlimited
- Ms. Maleiha Malik, PEIC Executive Director, Education Above All Foundation (EAA)
- Ms. Salwa Al Kuwari, Youth Advocate, Education Above All Foundation (EAA)
Moderator: Mr. George Tavola, Education Above All Foundation (EAA)
Rationale
The climate and environment crisis threatens us all, as our planet’s survival is at risk. At the same time, the impacts of climate and environmental catastrophes are felt more acutely by those communities living in conflict conditions and at the front line of climate and environmental change. As well as threatening lives and livelihoods, the climate crisis has devastating impacts on education for the most marginalised and, in recent years, has disrupted the education of large numbers of children, estimated in 2022 to be nearly 40 million children every year. Climate change and the environmental crisis also affect existing and future jobs, including reduced outputs and incomes.
Addressing climate change through education is complex and context-specific. These are interlinked issues that need to be analysed in an aligned discussion in order to find solutions. Nevertheless, there are common ingredients that can contribute to addressing this crisis. In this regard, an inclusive and safe education can be a major contributor to addressing this emergency by reducing vulnerability and, crucially, improving communities’ resilience. It is particularly important that those who are closest to the impacts and harms are empowered to produce workable, sustainable solutions that, in turn, can support countries’ stronger sustainable development.
EAA is committed to the provision of quality education across the globe and combatting the climate crisis. EAA has significant and long-term investments in the sector because of the importance of education to human development and sustainability. EAA invests in education in fragile situations, knowing that quality education can contribute to addressing climate and environment crises and building sustainable peace.
Desired Outcomes
- Education is highlighted as a contributor to addressing the climate crisis
- Examine the relationships between education and the climate emergency
- Discuss the potential of environmental protection and employment opportunities.
- Create new employment opportunities by strengthening the pathway from quality education and training to sustainable employment, as well as exploring how there can be scaling up of climate-resistant livelihoods and investment in new industries, technologies and expertise that address the climate crisis.
- Discuss best practices to develop innovative solutions to climate change, focusing on harnessing the knowledge of teachers, students and communities.
Programme:
Session Opening (5 minutes)
Mr. George Tavola, Education Above All Foundation (EAA) - Moderator
Welcoming Remarks (5 minutes)
H.E. Ambassador Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations
Keynote Address (5 minutes)
Mr. Kevin Frey, CEO, Generation Unlimited
Panel Discussion with Experts (40 minutes)
Ms. Srilata Kammila, Head, Climate Change Adaptation, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Ms. Haya Al Thani, Strategic Partnerships Manager, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD)
Ms. Catalina Duarte Salcedo, Education Specialist, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Colombia
Ms. Susana Puerto, Head, Youth Employment Accelerator, International Labour Organization (ILO)
Mr. Darren Karjama, Partnerships and Outreach Specialist, Division of External Affairs, Green Climate Fund (GCF)
Ms. Anoushka Sinha, Young People’s Action Team Member, Generation Unlimited
Q&A Session between Moderator and Speakers (5 minutes)
All Speakers
Concrete recommendations related to a path forward for Education to Combat the Climate Crisis (5 minutes)
All Speakers
Final Remarks (5 minutes)
Ms. Maleiha Malik, PEIC Executive Director, Education Above All Foundation (EAA)
Closing Comments (3 minutes)
Ms. Salwa Al Kuwari, Youth Advocate, Education Above All Foundation (EAA)
Wrap up and Closing (2 minutes)
Mr. George Tavola, Education Above All Foundation (EAA) - Moderator
