Climate Change Education: Inspiring Children to Take Action in Egypt

CAIRO - 10 November 2022: UNICEF led a panel discussion Wednesday at COP27 entitled “Climate Education: Inspiring Children to Take Action in Egypt”. The discussion presented the joint efforts of UNICEF, Ministry of Education and Technical Education (MOETE) and the Ministry of Environment on climate education in Egypt.  

 

The event was attended by Dr. Reda Hegazy, Minister of Education and Technical Education, Mr. Jeremy Hopkins, UNICEF Representative in Egypt, Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Amal Abd Allah, UNICEF National Youth Delegate and was moderated by Ms. Elizabeth White, British Council Director in Egypt. 

 

Panellists discussed the importance of efforts of upskilling the teaching workforce for inspiring children and young people to take climate action. They also discussed the potential of climate education to reinforce foundational skills, green skills and artistic expression. 

 

Dr. Reda Hegazy highlighted the importance of engaging teachers in addressing climate change issues through education and investing in their upskilling, so that they can in turn effectively inspire children. He also invited participants to visit the Art Gallery located in MOETE and UNICEF permanent space in the Green Zone, where artwork of students attending public schools is displayed.

 

The art pieces reflect children’s hopes and dreams about taking action to tackle the climate crisis. The theme of the art exhibition is “A Message from Egyptian Children to the world”. 

 

Jeremy Hopkins, UNICEF Representative in Egypt said: “Quality climate change education helps students develop a strong personal connection to climate solutions, as well as a sense of personal empowerment.  UNICEF advocates for climate education as part of quality holistic education for children and young people.”