Building a Greener Future: Education as a climate solution

Activists championing child and youth rights, government officials from Nepal and the Philippines, and international development experts convened to advocate for action supporting the crucial role of education amidst climate disruption. This occurred during a side event at the 11th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, on February 21, 2024. The event featured a panel discussion where speakers highlighted advancements, obstacles, and suggestions from various perspectives. They underscored the pressing need for comprehensive climate education to be incorporated into educational frameworks globally, promoting innovative teaching methods to empower children as catalysts for environmental sustainability. Recommendations centered on empowering youth as advocates and actors, improving teacher training, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

Antonia Mandry, an Education Specialist from UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Office, facilitated the discussion. The panelists included Ms. Anita Paudel from the National Planning Commission of Nepal, Mao Rima representing Cambodian youth, Congresswoman Ma. Cynthia K. Chan from the House of Representatives in the Philippines, Deepali Gupta from the Global Partnership for Education, and Monika Budha, a youth representative from Nepal. This side event was coordinated by UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, Save the Children Asia Regional Office, Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Plan International, World Vision, UNICEF, and the ASEAN Secretariat. Approximately 150 participants attended both in person and online.