The 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC2024) officially opened its doors yesterday and will run until 2 February at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), under the theme “Connecting People, Creating Tomorrow”.
Held for the first time in the Middle East, WEEC2024 brings together global leaders, environmental experts, educators, and advocates from 72 countries striving to drive forward environmental sustainability through education and address the interconnected challenges of climate emergency, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
The event, occurring every two years, sees experts gather to review best practices, share experiences, and discuss research on environmental education methods and outcomes.
The event is convened under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).
Speaking on the event, HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said: “The 12th edition of the World Environmental Education Congress is a testament to our nation’s unwavering commitment to advancing environmental education, knowledge-sharing and innovation in the UAE – important elements that will pave the path for progress.”
Adding: “As the first nation in the region to host the congress, we are proud to advance the UAE’s legacy in harnessing cross-cultural dialogue and sharing innovative practices. We will continue to ensure that the UAE leads by example in fostering environmental literacy and empowering communities to build a more resilient and sustainable future.”
Meanwhile, inaugurating the event, HE Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General at Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, commented: “In the continuity of the intense efforts to confront environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and escalating pollution, the significance of environmental education often remains overlooked. While policy changes are crucial for safeguarding the planet, elevating education stands as the foundational step in realising our environmental objectives. Additionally, our collective response, shared knowledge, and commitment are the compass guiding us toward sustainability.
“It is in this context that WEEC2024 assumes a paramount role, serving as a powerful catalyst that will gather educators, NGOs, governments, and academia from across the globe to engage in profound discussions, critical evaluations, and invigorating exchanges on Environmental Education, all with the aim of driving tangible change. WEEC2024 emerges as a beacon of unity, where minds from around the world will come together to discuss the best solutions to these challenges head-on, forging decisive actions and strategic pathways towards a sustainable future through environmental education.”
Over four days, WEEC2024 will host plenary sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and youth-led initiatives.
The first day highlights the key environmental ‘challenges’ to be considered – featuring a line-up of exclusive speakers who will address the Triple Planetary Crisis and the Water, Food, and Energy Nexus.
Meanwhile, day two focuses on identifying the ‘goals’, fostering global unity for a sustainable future, and championing environmental education.
Similarly, day three investigates the ‘dimensions and means’ by which Environmental Education can be implemented, shining a spotlight on collaboration, values, and cultural diversity.
Day four solidifies key learnings, and takeaways and translates them into agreed actions that will be implemented beyond the event to align with the identified goals.
Finally, the fifth and last day of the congress features field trips, inviting participants to explore Abu Dhabi’s ecological and educational sites.
The Youth Environmental Education Conference (YEEC) will offer workshops, interactive sessions, and panel discussions, nurturing leadership skills and inspiring action among young changemakers.
Elizabeth Wathuti, Founder & Executive Director, Green Generation Initiative, Kenya commented: “Platforms such as the Youth Environmental Education Conference (YEEC) are pivotal in securing humanity’s future and ensuring the livability of our world today. If our actions lack sincerity, we fail not only those currently affected by the crisis but also the generations to come. The imperative lies in embracing genuine solutions and amplifying their impact through education. Environmental education equips individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to address challenges effectively, empowering the younger generation to become informed caretakers of our planet’s future.”
The event organisers also shared that they have taken “proactive steps,” including working with ADNEC, the event venue, to “embrace eco-conscious practices” and have undertaken an initiative to sequester delegates’ carbon footprint through the planting of mangroves.
Henkel has shared that through its international education initiative, the “Forscherwelt” initiative, 13 Forscherwelt trainers and Henkel colleagues from the UAE and select Forscherwelt initiatives around the world recently gathered at Henkel’s Global headquarters in Düsseldorf.
Under the guidance of Dr. Ute Krupp, Global Head Forscherwelt, the “Train the Trainer” workshop welcomed participants from the UAE, India, North America, China, Ukraine, Poland, and Italy.
The three-day gathering explored new experiments and shared best practices with other Forscherwelt sites around the world, it was shared.
There, trainers assumed the role of students, refining teaching methodologies and engaging in discussions and hands-on activities.
Three trainers from Children’s City in Dubai participated to exchange knowledge and equip themselves with cutting-edge modules for the state-of-the-art Forscherwelt training facility located in Dubai Creek Park, Childrens’ City.
Amina Ali Mohammad AlTawash, Fatma Ahmad Abdulla Khamis AlMheiri and Suad Mohamed Abdulrahman Ali AlBalooshi were among the trainers from Childrens’ City who took part in the training in Düsseldorf, on behalf of the Forscherwelt facility in Dubai.
Commenting on the meeting, Azmi Shams, Head of Corporate Communications GCC at Henkel, said: “Collaborating on our global Forscherwelt initiatives is a vital extension of our work to instill a passion for science in children and shape environmentally-conscious and responsible future leaders. I am grateful to the international delegations that joined the workshop and who share in our commitment to implementing these essential educational programs. Through Forscherwelt, we are united in our efforts to provide children with the building blocks to bring their ideas to life through experimentation and scientific literacy.”
Dr. Ute Krupp said: “This workshop demonstrated that, amidst diversity, we share one common goal: empowering children with a robust STEM education. Especially in these times, it is nice to see that we here at Henkel are collectively creating such positive momentum worldwide.”
Suad Mohamed Abdulrahman Ali AlBalooshi, Trainer at Dubai Municipality’s Children’s City, commented: “Henkel’s Forscherwelt continues to inspire children in the UAE and globally to learn about STEM in a fun and engaging way that inspires the next generation to take up science-based subjects and, in some cases, careers. In our experience, STEM education nurtures critical thinking and analytical abilities essential for navigating an increasingly complex and technology-driven world. It is an honour to be part of an initiative that fosters intellectual curiosity in thousands of children across the world.”
Merex Investment shared that it has invited students from Dubai schools to take part in its sustainability programme at its lifestyle destinations – City Walk and The Beach, JBR.
The initiative launched in November 2023 with the aim of tackling both urban waste and marine pollution and will see six schools team up with Christine Wilson, a prominent sustainability artist and founder of Dubai-based design studio Peahead.eco, to transform waste and recycled materials into artwork that will be displayed at Merex Investment’s two destinations.
Some of the participating schools include Innoventures Education schools, including Raffles International School, Raffles World Academy, and the Collegiate International School. The initiative will see them utilise city waste to create an art installation. Meanwhile, Lycée Français International de l’AFLEC students will use similar materials such as fabric, plastic and glass to make their own sculptures.
Both works from the schools will be displayed at City Walk starting in April 2024.
At the same time, those from Innoventure Education’s Dubai International Academy Al Barsha and Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills will use ocean debris to design one modern geometric sculpture each.
The students will also participate in a boot camp featuring workshops and interactive sessions focused on recycling and sustainable practices.
Speaking about her participation, Christine Iris Wilson said: “I am thrilled to be part of this sustainability initiative by Merex Investment where young minds in Dubai will transform waste and learn about sustainable materials creating something meaningful. As an artist, my focus has always been on adding value and aesthetic appeal to materials that would otherwise be discarded. This project allows me to work with students to delve into that creative process and show them that art has the power to convey powerful messages and can educate the public about mindful consumption while still being fun. I hope that, together, we can leave a positive and lasting impact on both the local community and the broader discourse on eco-conscious living.”
Poonam Bhojani, CEO of Innoventures Education, commented: “We are delighted to have our students participate in this innovative programme by Merex Investment. As collaborative team members and caring members of the community, Innoventures Education students were a natural choice to co-create these installations made from enviornmental waste. Through this artistic collaboration, our students will not only garner valuable experience in teamwork and strategic thinking, but will also hopefully contribute to much large national goals of living sustainably and having a positive impact on the planet. We cannot wait to see the exciting outcomes of this collaboration.”
Bertrand Malifarges of Lycée Français International de l’AFLEC said: “We extend our gratitude to Merex Investment for providing our students with this enriching opportunity. Our children are not only creating innovative installations using waste and recycled materials but also becoming agents of positive change. The UAE stands at the forefront of global sustainability endeavours, and we must all play a role in advancing this cause. This initiative perfectly encapsulates our commitment to providing students with an education that goes beyond the classroom so that they can sculpt a brighter more sustainable future for everyone.”
The UAE Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (UAE C4IR) has launched the C4IR AI Fellowship Program, a platform intended to bridge the gap between Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry leaders, innovators, and experts across the globe.
Announced during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024, the knowledge exchange platform was activated under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between UAE C4IR and Rwanda C4IR.
The program, it was shared, will also offer customised sessions which will explore AI applications, research, and developments.
There will be a particular focus on the specific expertise of each participating centre, which it said will ensure that every discussion, workshop, and collaborative initiative is highly relevant to the participants.
Joint workshops will also be organised to enhance innovation in AI applications, promote the adoption of lateral thinking, and develop innovative solutions using the latest technologies.
Ethical considerations, management structures, and policy frameworks that govern the uses of AI will also be explored as will mechanisms for shaping international policies to ensure the responsible use and development of AI.
Speaking about the launch of the program, His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, said: “This initiative will create an integrated global community of leading AI experts to work collectively to solve challenges in the field. They will cooperate to develop innovative policies and legislation that keep pace with rapid advances in technology.”
“This global program will focus on knowledge exchange with the C4IR network around the world. It will help pool the knowledge gained during the development of AI projects around the world to accelerate progress and deepen impact,” he added.
Meanwhile, Paula Ingabire, Minister of Information Communication Technology and Innovation in Rwanda, said: “We are excited to be a part of the AI Fellowship Program with our colleagues in the UAE. Rwanda is committed to leveraging AI to drive equitable transformation, fostering a community of AI practitioners who are equipped to tackle the unique challenges of our time. Through collaboration and shared expertise, we aim to drive innovation and shape the future of AI, making it an inclusive and ethical tool that benefits all.”
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