The 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, offers a crucial platform to accelerate actions against the climate crisis.
With global temperatures reaching record highs and extreme weather increasingly affecting communities worldwide, COP29 aims to unite leaders from governments, business and civil society to drive forward tangible solutions to one of the most critical challenges of our era.
A key focus of COP29 is climate finance, as substantial investments are essential to safeguard communities and livelihoods from the intensifying impacts of climate change.
At COP29, GPE will emphasize how climate change is affecting the education of children and adolescents worldwide. GPE will advocate for urgent action to build resilient and climate-smart education systems that empower communities to adapt and thrive in the face of this global challenge.
Here are the main COP29 events in which GPE will be engaged (all times are local time in Baku):
Monday, November 18, 2024
COP29 Ministerial Roundtable on Greening Education and Enhancing Climate Literacy Metric
- Time: 14:00 – 16:00
- Location: COP29 Presidency Area, Mughan Room
- Partners: COP29 Presidency, Greening Education Partnership, Ministry of Science and Education Azerbaijan, UNESCO, OECD
- Overview: This ministerial event will focus on accelerating climate-smart education systems for a resilient future. With a spotlight on international assessment targets and metrics, the event aims to mobilize high-level commitment, showcase innovative practices, and foster global consensus on integrating climate education into national curricula to drive impactful climate action and sustainable development.
Towards Climate Change-Resilient Education Systems in the Most Vulnerable Nations
- Time: 11:30 – 13:00
- Location: MDB Joint Pavilion
- Partners: IsDB, UNESCO (GEM). Education Cannot Wait (ECW)
- Overview: Speakers and participants will deliberate and analyze the education-climate nexus, exploring its implications, opportunities, and potential to facilitate the attainment of the Paris Agreement, particularly in the most vulnerable nations.
The Future of Climate Change Education: An Intergenerational Dialogue
- Time: 15:30–17:00
- Location: Qatar Pavilion, Blue Zone
- Partners: Education Above All, UNDP, UNESCO
- Overview: This youth-focused COP29 event will bring together experts and young activists to explore the future of climate change education, highlighting innovative approaches and making concrete recommendations for policy makers to empower youth and marginalized populations to tackle environmental challenges.
Education as a Tool for Climate Resilience
- Time: 17:00 – 18:00
- Location: Qatar Pavilion, Blue Zone
- Partners: Qatar Fund for Development, OPEC Fund for international Development
- Overview: The panel will explore how education builds climate resilience by equipping communities with tools and knowledge to adapt, highlighting QFFD’s Qatar Scholarships initiative, which empowers young leaders for sustainable development and innovation.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Delivering Climate Change Education: The Critical Role of Youth and Educators
- Time: 13:30–15:00
- Location: Special Event Room 5 – Nasimi, Blue Zone
- Partners: UNFCCC, UNESCO, Foundation for Environmental Education, IRENA, Teach For All, UNICEF, UNESCO Youth Climate Action Network (YoU-CAN), YOUNGO
- Overview: This event will highlight the role of youth and educators as catalysts for climate action, showcasing the COP29 Climate Change Summer Camp's impactful outcomes, emphasizing the importance of climate change education and the achievements of the Greening Education Partnership.
Empowering Youth for Climate-Resilience: An Intergenerational Dialogue
- Time: 15:30-17:00
- Location: Qatar Pavilion, Blue Zone
- Partners: Education Above All, British Council
- Overview: This session will showcase youth-led, community-based climate actions that drive resilience, food security, and sustainable development. Through interactive discussions, it will highlight practical approaches for empowering marginalized youth to lead transformative climate initiatives.