The 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC2024) officially opened its doors yesterday, and 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 welcomes global leaders, environmental experts, educators, and advocates from 72 countries around the world to embark on a transformative journey towards environmental sustainability through education and by addressing the interconnected challenges of climate emergency, biodiversity loss, and pollution through the power of Environmental Education.
Over the next four days, WEEC2024 will witness engaging plenary sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and youth-led initiatives aimed at nurturing leadership, inspiring action, and charting a course for a sustainable future through environmental education. Each day builds upon the last, culminating into a roadmap for lasting change. The first day highlighted 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. 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. Summarising the discussions of the first three days, 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. The fifth and last day of the congress features field trips, inviting participants to explore Abu Dhabi's ecological and educational sites, seamlessly integrating theory into hands-on experiences.
WEEC2024 demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by implementing various measures to reduce its environmental impact. The event organisers have taken proactive steps, including working with ADNEC, the event venue, to embrace eco-conscious practices and a unique initiative to sequester delegates' carbon footprint through the planting of mangroves.
A key component of the congress, the Youth Environmental Education Conference (YEEC) will offer workshops, interactive sessions, and panel discussions, nurturing leadership skills and inspiring action among young changemakers. Designed as a transformative platform, YEEC aims to engage and empower young minds, providing them with an opportunity to connect, learn, and gain valuable insights from global leaders in environmental education, sustainability, and youth empowerment.
Occurring every two years as one of the most critical global events gathering environmental educational experts worldwide, WEEC2024 represents a transformative movement in environmental education for a greener future. With experts convening to review best practices, share experiences, and discuss research on environmental education methods and outcomes, the congress will play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving vital natural resources – emphasising resources common to the Middle East – and ensuring their sustainability for future generations.