Education at UNFCCC COP29
Education was a central theme at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, highlighting its critical role in equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and combat climate change.
By IUCN CEC Member Bryce Coon, Director of Education at EARTHDAY.ORG.
As a firm believer in the power of education to protect nature, IUCN actively participated in COP29 to convey this message. Director General Grethel Aguilar joined a high-level panel titled "Investing in Education for Climate Resilience: Strengthening Early Development and Environmental Literacy," alongside Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, Founder of IDEA, Mr. Emin Amrullayev, Minister of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, and EARTHDAY.ORG’s Director of Education Bryce Coon. This panel attracted significant audience and media attention. Additionally, Director Aguilar engaged with youth brought to COP by IUCN CEC member CGE to better understand their perspectives and goals.
The Greening Education Partnership showcased successful examples of climate-smart education systems worldwide, demonstrating how schools can adapt to climate challenges and promote sustainability. The World Bank presented its report, "Choosing Our Future: Education for Climate Action," which explores the impact of climate on education and the role of education as a climate solution, underscoring the need for robust educational frameworks to address climate change effectively.
IUCN Member EARTHDAY.ORG held panels and numerous bilateral meetings with country delegations to support the inclusion of climate education in each country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) updates. This effort aims to ensure that all children are equipped with the knowledge needed to confront the climate crisis and the skills necessary to thrive in the green economy.
It was promising to see education promoted throughout COP29, and for the first time, education was included in the official COP Presidency program through the Baku Initiative on Human Development for Climate Resilience. This initiative includes multiple principles supported by quality climate education.
As we look ahead to COP30 in Belém, Brazil, it is crucial to ensure that countries incorporate climate education in their NDC updates and that financing is provided to education programs. COP30 will have a special emphasis on children, and by prioritizing education, we can empower future generations to lead the fight against climate change, fostering a more resilient and sustainable world.