EAA Foundation hosts critical discussion on education’s role in combating climate crisis
Published: 17 July 2024
NT Bureau
DOHA: The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, in partnership with the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Generation Unlimited (UNICEF), UNDP and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), hosted a side event titled “Education to Combat the Climate Crisis” during the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF 2024) on Sustainable Development. This pivotal discussion took place on July 8 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Ambassador H E Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, who set the stage for a meaningful dialogue, sharing the State of Qatar’s commitment to investing on education and equipping children and youth with the knowledge and skills needed to build a sustainable future. The keynote address by Kevin Frey, CEO of Generation Unlimited, emphasized the critical role of education in addressing global environmental challenges and the importance of empowering youth to lead climate action in their communities.
The discussion featured a panel of distinguished speakers, including Catalina Duarte Salcedo, Education Specialist with UNICEF Colombia; Susana Puerto, Head of the Youth Employment Accelerator at the ILO; Srilata Kammila, Head of Climate Change Adaptation at the UNDP; Darren Karjama, Partnerships and Outreach Specialist at the Green Climate Fund; Maleiha Malik, Executive Director of PEIC at EAA; Noura Al-Kaabi, Strategic Partnerships Researcher, Qatar Fund for Development, and Salwa Al Kuwari, a youth advocate from EAA, with George Tavola from EAA moderating the event.
The panel delved into the intersections of education, environmental protection, and sustainable employment, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to climate challenges. This discussion came at a critical time as the world deals with escalating climate threats, highlighting the need for educational strategies that lead to significant, climate-resilient changes.
EAA’s PEIC Executive Director, Maleiha Malik, emphasised the event’s importance, stating, “We urge the global community to recognise the vital role of education in combating climate change.
This forum represented an opportunity to galvanize support and accelerate efforts towards transformative education strategies that can mitigate climate risks, build resilience, and catalyse innovative approaches towards more sustainable educational and environmental outcomes.
The event also highlighted the development of climate-resilient livelihoods through educational pathways leading to sustainable employment, alongside investments in new technologies and industries aimed at mitigating climate impacts.
