In conversation with the EAD’s Ahmed Baharoon
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi is well known for capitalising on the youth’s enthusiasm and energy for the environment and a host of remarkable achievements in environmental education that the country has achieved.
These are just a few reasons that Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Information, Science and Environmental Awareness Management Sector at Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, says are behind the UAE being chosen to lead the 12th Edition of World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC)?
Yalla Managing Editor, Derek Issacs, meets Ahmed Baharoon to find out more.
Ahmed, what exactly is WEEC?
With its permanent Secretariat based in Italy, WEEC is an international platform sharing best practice and innovation in education for environment and sustainable development.
Since 2003, there have been 11 world congresses with thousands of people from over 100 different countries participating, to discuss, share knowledge and significant experiences, as well as showcasing the latest in education for the environment and sustainable development.
From 29 January to 2 February 2024, under the theme “Connecting People, Creating Tomorrow,” the 12th Edition of WEEC will be held in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).
Why do you think the UAE was chosen to lead the 12th Edition of WEEC?
The UAE was selected based upon the strength of our submission outlining the remarkable achievements in environmental education that the country has achieved.
For example, the UAE is a global hub and plays a key role in shaping a sustainable future for generations to come. Also, it has always strived to be a vital centre of excellence, innovation and learning globally.
The country’s relentless commitment to environmental education and youth has not only instigated change in communities but been successful in them adopting environmentally friendly behaviour.
How will the 12th Edition of WEEC’s programme be different from preceding editions? What will the UAE, especially Abu Dhabi, bring to the table?
Traditionally, WEEC has focused on theoretical discussions of teaching methods.
We aim, however, to bring greater emphasis to real life examples of best practice and highlight the role and voice of youth in environmental education.
We want to stress the importance of environmental education for achieving sustainable development and to make it interesting, relevant and fun.
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For the first time WEEC will address the role and significance of education for environmental work and sustainability at all levels. Why was this topic highlighted?
The importance of environment education for sustainability is reflected by the UN in Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG) and in particularly SDG 4.7, which by 2030 is to ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development.
It is vital, therefore, for all of us to be aware of the importance of looking after our environment. WEEC provides a platform to amplify the message about empowering people and communities to act sustainably by raising awareness and knowledge.
How can school children of all ages get involved? What will this Conference mean to them?
We want to get youth involved as much as is feasibly possible, to capitalise on their enthusiasm and energy for the environment.
We have many programmes, some recognised by the UN as best practice, such as the Sustainable Schools Initiative, Enviro-Spellathon, Murshed Youth Rangers, Sustainable Campus, GreenYouth Majilis, and so on, that we want, and need, youth to help us showcase.
We place such great importance on getting them involved, that uniquely, we are hosting a parallel (integrated) Youth Environmental Education Conference (YEEC) at the same time as WEEC to provide youth their own voice on the importance of environmental education.
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What do you expect children and youth will take away from the Conference?
Both WEEC AND YEEC provide our youth the opportunity to meet like-minded people, create long-lasting connections, and build a global network of youth leaders and change-makers who actively promote sustainable development and environmental care through a wide range of learning opportunities – interactive workshops and panel discussions to hands-on field trips.
To that end, we hope they will take away from the congress the knowledge that they matter, that they are the future, and we are placing huge importance on making sure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to guarantee the sustainability of the planet.
Why should this Conference matter to the UAE?
UN secretary- General Antonio said it is “Code red for Humanity”. Irrevocably, humans are driving global environmental change. Our children and youth are the worst hit, with collateral damage to their learning and emotional well-being.
There is an urgent need for the world to address the Triple Planetary Crises of Climate Change, Nature and Biodiversity loss, and Pollution and Waste. To achieve the UN SDG 4 and in particular the target of 4.7 by 2023, which is “To ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development”, we need to place environmental education high on the agenda.
From the very early days, the founder of the UAE, the late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan placed great emphasis on education and youth empowerment, and we wish to ensure the legacy and example he set for us as a nation.
In terms of a legacy of WEEC, we aim to establish a UN recognised Regional Centre of Expertise in Education for Sustainable Development (RCE). We have the expertise; we have the experience, and we want to make this available to the region.
For more information, visit ead.gov.ae
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Image source Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
