The UAE is getting ready to organise the COP28 summit at Expo City Dubai, scheduled from 30 November to 12 December, 2023. Expected to attract more than 70,000 participants, the event will unite heads of state, government officials, global industry leaders, private sector figures, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors. And ahead of the COP28 summit, the Ministry of Education (MoE) launched the Greening Education Hub under the theme 'Legacy from the Land of Zayed'.
The Greening Education Hub seeks to emphasise the significance of education in tackling climate issues and advocates for the inclusion of education in the formal discussions at COP28, taking place at Expo City Dubai from 30 November to 12 December.
The hub was officially introduced during a press conference organised by the Ministry of Education at the SEE Institute in Dubai Sustainable City. The event was attended by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, the Minister of Education, Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Care and Capacity Building Sector at the Ministry of Education, as well as representatives from COP28, leaders from diverse local and international organisations, and a select group of experts and specialists.
The Ministry of Education will host the 'Greening Education Hub, Legacy from the Land of Zayed' throughout the 13 days of COP28. This hub will feature over 250 sessions and workshops, including 127 international sessions and 151 national sessions. With participants from 38 countries, it serves as a truly global platform for leaders, experts, and specialists. Additionally, the hub has garnered support and engagement from 99 Non-Governmental Organisations and 36 national entities.
To enhance discussions, 70 respected speakers will share insights in the hub, with the Ministry of Education hosting 46 sessions. Partnering with over 40 international organisations has led to 30 projects around climate education, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in bolstering education's role in addressing climate change.
The Greening Education Hub will feature four zones:
- Partnership Zone: Highlights education's crucial role in addressing the climate crisis and mobilises political commitment for coordinated action.
- Schools Zone: Showcases eco-friendly school designs, successful environmental programs, and sustainable initiatives.
- Capacities Zone: Focuses on systemic impact in climate change adaptation within the education system, emphasising the role of educators as change agents.
- Communities Zone: Introduces community-led initiatives, successful school-community partnerships, and networking spaces for stakeholders.
The hub expects over 1,000 daily visitors, with a total attendance projected to exceed 18,000, underlining global interest in education's role in sustainability.