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Empowering Uganda’s youth: Muyunga Bruno’s quest to Speaking 4 the Planet

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In the heart of Uganda, Muyunga Bruno, an IT Officer, Environmental Activist, and student mentor at St. Mark’s College Namagoma, is passionately leading a movement to safeguard the natural world for future generations.

Bruno’s love for preserving the environment traces back to his childhood, surrounded by Uganda’s stunning landscapes. However, he’s witnessed a troubling trend of environmental decline over the years. “Gone are the days when you could hear frogs in the evening,” he mourns, pointing to the loss of once-vibrant habitats due to human activities.

Recently returning from the 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) in Abu Dhabi, Bruno is reinvigorated. “Numerous factors, especially climate change, have profoundly impacted our environment,” he observes, stressing the urgent need for education and action.

At the WEEC, Bruno noted a critical knowledge gap, especially among younger community members. “Children and youths must learn the importance of preserving our environment,” he insists, noting the lack of guidance from previous generations on conservation efforts.

With this insight, Bruno is launching the “Speaking 4 the Planet” Environmental Speaking Competition at St. Mark’s College Namagoma. Set for April 13, 2024, the event aims to empower students to tackle environmental challenges using their voices and beliefs. It will involve various school clubs, including debate, wildlife, Red Cross, Interact, Scripture Union, mathematics, ICT, entrepreneurship, Swahili (East African Community), and cultural clubs.

Inspired by Mr. Phil Smith, who leads “Speaking 4 the Planet,” Bruno envisions expanding this initiative beyond his school. “I don’t plan to limit this to just our competition,” he shares, detailing ambitions to reach more schools, communities and neighboring countries.

Bruno dreams of a future where the younger generation is not only knowledgeable but also passionate about conserving and protecting the natural environment. “We must raise a generation capable of advocating for the planet,” he stresses.

In his mission to effect change, Bruno humbly seeks support. “This email is a humble request for any assistance—financial, advisory, or knowledge-based,” he appeals, hopeful for partnerships and resources to advance his cause.

As Uganda’s landscape faces mounting challenges from human impact, voices like Muyunga Bruno’s are crucial in paving the way for a sustainable future. Through initiatives such as the “Speaking 4 the Planet” competition, he aims to inspire, educate, and ignite a fervor for environmental conservation among Uganda’s youth.

For those interested in supporting Bruno’s cause or learning more about the “Speaking 4 the Planet” competition, inquiries are welcome at his email (muyungabruno@gmail.com). Together, we can advocate for the planet and cultivate a brighter, greener tomorrow for all.

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Perth selected as host for 13th World environmental education congress (WEEC) in 2026

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The World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) Permanent Secretariat and the Australian Association of Environmental Education (AAEE) announced Perth as host for the 13th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) in 2026.

Following the resounding success of the 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) held in Abu Dhabi in January and February 2024, the WEEC Permanent Secretariat takes great pride in announcing that Wadjuk Noongar Country – Perth, Western Australia – has been selected as the host city for the 13th WEEC in 2026.

The WEEC Permanent Secretariat will partner with the Australian Association of Environmental Education (AAEE) to bring this premier international congress dedicated to the progression of environmental education and the advancement of education for sustainability worldwide.

“After twelve world congresses, the environmental education community starts a journey towards new goals from Australia”, said Mario Salomone, WEEC Secretary-General. “The environmental approach to the knowledge is a key for a paradigm shift and must be more and more at the centre of the formal and non-formal education. The global project on learning implemented in close collaboration with the Club of Rome will bring to the congress in Perth updated data, inspiring thoughts, and new mindfulness”.

The WEEC serves as a platform for global dialogue, learning, and exchanging ideas on environmental education programs. “The work we are doing in Australasia on environmental education and education for sustainability positions us as a leading destination,” said Dr Lisa Siegel, President of AAEE. “We welcome environmental educators locally and from around the world to attend WEEC 2026 to benefit from international discourse and showcasing best practices.”

AAEE Vice Presidents Dr Jennifer Pearson and Mr Jason Pitman, both in Western Australia, will co-chair the organising committee for the 13th WEEC. “We are thrilled to showcase Western Australia’s rich environmental and cultural heritage to delegates from around the world,” said Dr Pearson. “From sustainable initiatives in early learning to the growing impact of place-based education efforts, the 13th WEEC presents a unique opportunity to share our knowledge and learn from our global counterparts.”

“The 13th WEEC in 2026 will facilitate stronger connections between countries in the Oceania region and beyond,” added Mr Pitman. “By sharing our responses to the climate crisis and exchanging international perspectives on living more sustainably, we aim to foster collaboration and galvanise collective action in the global community.”

 

Information and updates

For further information and updates on the 13th WEEC 2026, please visit:

www.weecnetwork.staging.19.coop or www.aaee.org.au

Alternatively, please get in touch with the Local Organising Committee via:

Dr Jennifer Pearson, Co-chair, jopearson189@gmail.com

Mr Jason Pitman, Co-Chair, jason.j.pitman@gmail.com

And with the international Permanent Secretariat:

secretariat@weecnetwork.staging.19.coop

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Twenty years and great aspirations at the 12th World WEEC Congress

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Record-breaking numbers and prime factors were highlighted at the 12th edition of the World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC), which took place in Abu Dhabi from January 29 to February 2. Approximately 3000 delegates from 83 countries worldwide participated, alongside over 330 speakers who led more than 300 parallel sessions. Organized by the Permanent Secretariat of the WEEC Network based in Italy and the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency, the congress brought together environmental educators, teachers, associations, and institutions from across the globe.

“The WEEC 2024 Congress,” remarked Secretary General Mario Salomone, “represents a global commitment to environmental education, mirrored by the hosting country’s presidency of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The United Arab Emirates’ pivotal role as our host has catalyzed a ripple effect that, I believe, will resonate far beyond the congress, inspiring significant change worldwide.”

The 2024 WEEC congress also marked twenty years since its inaugural gathering in Portugal in 2003, commemorated through a dedicated side event. It served as a platform to reflect on past commitments and set goals for the next two decades. Among these discussions was the announcement of the next edition, slated for September 2026 in Perth, Australia, organized in collaboration with the Australian Association for Environmental Education.

The rotation of congress locations worldwide aims to address diverse contexts, tailoring environmental education and sustainability efforts to specific regional needs, challenges, and resources. Each destination brings with it distinct traditions, cultures, economic structures, and social dynamics, offering pertinent insights, cutting-edge research, and effective practices.

To capture the unique narrative of the United Arab Emirates, the fifth day of the congress ventured into the field with a series of excursions spotlighting local environmental education initiatives. These ranged from exploring the Jubail Mangrove Park, where the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency has recently planted approximately 15 million mangroves to support the UAE’s goal of planting 100 million mangroves by 2030, to visiting the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, the largest facility dedicated to marine research, rescue, and rehabilitation in the region.

Throughout the four days at the congress center, nine plenary sessions featured presentations from esteemed international speakers, including Mirian Vileda, Eureta Rosenberg, Akpezi Ogbuigwe, Purnima Devi Barman, Carlos Alvarez Pereira, Judy Braus, Kartikeya Vikram Sarabhai, Daniel Schaffer, and Gayatri Raghwa, among others.

A significant focus was placed on engaging youth, evident in the Youth Environmental Education Conference (YEEC) – a parallel event to the main congress since 2019. This edition saw substantial growth in both programming and participation, with around sixty speakers and hundreds of Emirati and international youth engaging in workshops, debates, and activities like the escape room and a daily podcast, a first in congress history, providing an innovative platform for sustainability discussions.

Connected to the YEEC area, a spacious exhibit zone facilitated interactions with local and international associations and universities. The “Sustainability Wall” showcased principles, objectives, and examples to inspire attendees to make a personal commitment to enhancing the sustainability of WEEC2024.

Emphasizing the concept of legacy, efforts were made to leave the congress venue better than before. As part of this commitment, the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency pledged to plant around 15,000 mangroves as a compensation activity. This tangible initiative, endorsed by WEEC, underscores the integration of environmental education into all facets of life.

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The future of humanity depends on enabling everybody’s capacity to learn

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The Fifth Element programme of The Club of Rome and The World Environmental Education Congress are joining forces to collaborate on a new project, sparked by the 45th anniversary of the report No Limits to Learning. The collaboration will focus on the transformative and regenerative function of learning at its full potential.

Overcoming the challenges that humanity is facing today will require a cultural transformation with collective learning at its heart. The Fifth Element’s vision is to explore and facilitate the recognition of blind spots and help catalyse the emergence of a revolution of mindsets towards equitable wellbeing on a healthy planet.

In the opening ceremony of the 12th edition of the World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) in Abu Dhabi, the Secretary-General of the WEEC Permanent Secretariat, Mario Salomone, announced this collaboration between The Club of Rome and the WEEC Network to address the multidimensional challenges of the current “polycrisis”.

“Learning processes are essential. Through learning, we acquire the elements to move between the paths of history and the cases of life. We can learn well or poorly. We can become selfish and individualistic or supportive and cooperative. We can absorb conservative or innovative knowledge. Unlike material growth, which is impossible on a finite planet, learning has no limits.” commented Salomone.

45 years after the publication of the report to The Club of Rome No Limits to Learning, the words of Aurelio Peccei, founder of The Club of Rome, are still valid and powerful: “What we all need at this point in human evolution is to learn what it takes to learn what we should learn – and learn it.” This quote serves as the guiding inspiration for this new collaboration between The Club of Rome and the WEEC Network.

One of the aims is to understand better what is still blocking the potential of human communities everywhere to learn by themselves their pathways to regenerative and hence sustainable futures. As put forward by No Limits to Learning, making learning participatory, anticipatory, innovative and integrative would shape the responses we need for desirable futures.

Carlos Álvarez Pereira, Secretary General of The Club of Rome, commented: “The resonance between so many initiatives of transformational learning all around the world is critical. Resonance creates the conditions for mutual learning and will ultimately lead to systemic change towards equitable wellbeing within a healthy planet”.

In 2021 The Club of Rome published Learning New Ways of Becoming Human to reframe the current polycrisis as a failure in our collective capacity to learn and highlight at the same time the huge potential at our hands, provided that people are allowed to learn and address the existential challenges in their own ways. The future of humanity depends on how we bet today on the humanity and capacity of everybody.

The collaboration between The Club of Rome and the World Environmental Education Congress Network will unfold over two years and result in a new publication as an update to No Limits to Learning in the light of the transformations that have occurred since then. This new report will be presented at the WEEC 2026.

For more information or to arrange interviews contact:

Philippa Baumgartner  pbaumgartner@clubofrome.org

The Fifth Element is an initiative hosted by The Club of Rome which seeks to create a future of equitable wellbeing within a healthy ecosystem. We shift focus from stakeholders to human beings, fostering connections and creating space for people and organisations to engage in their own learning processes. Through engagements and initiatives based on a combination of traditional wisdom and leading-edge science, we are working to catalyse the emergence of a human revolution.

www.thefifthelement.earth

The Club of Rome is a platform of diverse thought leaders who identify holistic solutions to complex global issues and promote policy initiatives and action to enable humanity to emerge from multiple planetary emergencies. The organisation has prioritised five key areas of impact: Emerging New Civilisations; Planetary Emergency; Reframing Economics; Rethinking Finance; and Youth Leadership and Intergenerational Dialogues.

www.clubofrome.org 

The World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) is an international network of environmental educators and organisations that promote education for sustainable development. The WEEC network aims to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices in environmental education. The network organizes a biennial congress that brings together environmental educators, researchers, and practitioners from around the world to discuss and share their work. The congresses have been held in various locations around the world since the first one in 2003.

www.weecnetwork.staging.19.coop

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WEEC2024: a global gathering for sustainable solutions

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The twelfth edition of the World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) kicks off in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The opening ceremony saw the participation of prominent figures, including H.E. Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, UAE; H.H. Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA); Mario Salomone, Secretary-General of the World Environmental Education Congress Network; and Elizabeth Wathuti, Kenyan youth activist, Founder, and Executive Director of Green Generation Initiative, Kenya.

The WEEC Network Secretary-General Mario Salomone addressed the theme of interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity, emphasizing that the environment represents the crossroads of perspectives and is the ideal ground for building such approaches. He highlighted that the challenge of environmental crises is not merely academic but involves Western science, the relationship between expert knowledge and traditional knowledge, raises ethical-political issues, and requires a profound restructuring of knowledge, structures, and laws. He announced a new collaboration between the Club of Rome and the global WEEC network, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating the centrality of environmental education. This collaboration aims to better understand the nature of learning today, based on the message conveyed by the Club of Rome’s report, “No Limits to Learning.”

Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri focused her speech on three crucial themes: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. H.H. Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, in her address, highlighted the importance of the involvement of women and youth, emphasized significant transformations in the United Arab Emirates, and underscored the transformative power of education.

Plenary 1: the triple planetary crisis – aligning EE and ESD

During subsequent plenary sessions, numerous national and international authorities contributed, including H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of IUCN, who stated, “Government action alone is not sufficient; everyone’s help is needed. WEEC plays a crucial role, inspiring, empowering, and embracing the new economy.” She also announced a commitment to creating a roadmap for developing an educational set for young people.
Following H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak’s remarks, Jack Dangermond, President, Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), USA, ha preso la parola.
Mr. Dangermond highlighted the success and challenges faced by our species, acknowledging the exponential growth in technology over the last 300 years. He expressed concern about the human footprint dominating the planet’s evolution and how it now poses a threat to our future, especially due to overpopulation. He stressed the critical need for understanding and collaboration to address the challenges ahead.

High level leaders’ panel discussion

After them, several other notable speakers took the stage during subsequent panel discussion:
Abdul-Majeid Haddad, Deputy Regional Director, UNEP, West Asia O¬ce, Lebanon, emphasized the importance of educators having an environmental spirit and transferring it to education. He discussed the role of educators as custodians for laws, needing to provide incentives for environmental education through both formal and informal approaches. Formal education would involve legal frameworks, while informal education would inspire youth to become champions and educators themselves.
Panelists:
H.E. Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, United Arab Emirates.
Dr. Al Shamsi emphasized that environmental education is not solely the responsibility of educators but of everyone. She highlighted the power and connectivity of education, reaching every household. To integrate environmental education into daily life, it must be instilled as part of people’s values, especially considering they are the future educators and scientists.

H.E. Mamo Boru Mamo, Director General, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya.
Mr. Mamo discussed the need to supervise and coordinate environmental issues in Kenya due to limited resources. He emphasized the importance of laws and regulations in the constitution to manage and protect the environment. Addressing environmental quality should be both an individual and collective effort.
Lorenzo Fioramonti, Former Education Minister, Italy.
Mr. Fioramonti shared his experience encouraging students to strike for better education. He highlighted the difficulty of changing school curricula but stressed the importance of introducing environmental sustainability as an experiential subject. Investing in education is crucial for building a strong economy, with children being fundamental ambassadors of change.
Ginger Potter, Senior Education Specialist, Environmental Protection Agency – USA.
Ms. Potter addressed the challenge of environmental education not being mandated by the constitution in the USA, leading to only half of the states incorporating it into their curriculum. She emphasized the need for government investment and laws to ensure every student learns about the environment, framing it as a national security issue.

WEEC kicks off with great success and will continue until February 2, 2024. The World Environmental Education Congress represents a crucial catalyst for inspiring, empowering, and embracing the new economy, continuing to play a fundamental role in promoting a sustainable future through environmental education.

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Leveraging COP 28 consensus for inclusive socio-environmental transformation

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Brazil and paths after COP 28

by Dra. Vanessa Sousa de Oliveira, Dr. Marcos Vinicius Campelo Junior

Between November 30 and December 12, 2023, the 28th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The 195 participating countries discussed strategies to reduce, mitigate, and control the emission of greenhouse gases, responsible for climate change.

The Conference of the Parties (COPs) is the most important international meetings to discuss climate change. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) agreement establishes commitments and obligations for the signatory countries, where strategies to curb the acceleration of climate change are discussed and negotiated.

The final document of COP 28 can be analyzed from different perspectives. When assessing global responses to climate change, the goal of uniting efforts to ensure the stabilization of the planet’s warming at 1.5°C, as defined in the Paris Agreement, identified significant omissions in the commitments made, especially by developed countries. The existing advancements were considered timid and disjointed.

For the first time, the overall balance of the Paris Agreement explicitly addresses the reduction of production and consumption of fossil fuels, ensuring global consensus on an energy transition and assigning greater responsibility to developed countries. However, the reduction values and funding sources for decarbonization of energy systems were not defined.

Another achievement is the connection with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) through issues directly related to the conservation of biodiversity, its sustainable use, and the fair and equitable sharing of genetic resources in the three levels categorized in the CBD: ecosystems, species, and genetic resources.

In its participation, Brazil focused on mediating consensus between developed countries and those that can develop in setting goals and fulfilling them in addressing climate change. It is certain that to achieve environmental justice, one must consider the historical gap between rich and poor nations. Proportionally, nations with greater economic power must initiate the process of abandoning fossil fuels, thinking about decarbonization within the set goals.

Given Brazil’s socio-environmental importance on the international stage and anticipating its role as the host country for COP 30 in Belém do Pará (PA) in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon in 2030, how can Brazil use the current established consensus to strengthen its actions domestically and present itself as a leader in the global environmental context with internal proposals that go beyond reducing deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest?

Brazil, as a strategic environmental actor, plays an important role in this context and can contribute with successful experiences and new models of socio-environmental management. These biomes present a significant representation of sociobiodiversity: forests, wildlife, and the presence of people who inhabit these spaces, such as quilombolas, indigenous peoples, riparian dwellers, rubber tappers, and others.

We believe that Brazil’s significant contribution to the international decarbonization process lies in public policies focused on resolving internal conflicts that directly affect the existence of indigenous and traditional peoples, as well as the quality of life in urban centers. Reducing socio-environmental inequalities, ensuring fundamental rights, and protecting biomes that are directly related.

Ensuring the legal protection of indigenous and quilombola lands and their way of life integrated with nature; Expediting agrarian reform, which constitutionally revolves around the social use of land. Expanding successful experiences of sustainable agriculture and livestock farming carried out by social movements in rural areas; Incorporating clean technologies produced in universities into urban mobility structures, construction, and educational processes for new generations.

Finally, it will be necessary to unite governments, civil society, researchers, and others in this endeavor, which may be our last chance to “postpone the end of the world” (a reference to the title of Ailton Krenak’s book). Thus, social justice, climate justice, and the reduction of inequalities form an inseparable triad that will underpin the processes of economic, social, and symbolic decarbonization. Above all, we need to decarbonize our thinking!

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The programme of WEEC2024: everything you need to know

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The 12th World Environmental Education Congress in Abu Dhabi, from January 29 to February 2, 2024 is about to be an incredibly meaningful and exciting experience for all Environmental Education enthusiasts attending. 5 days of presentations, discussions,  learning and networking opportunities, educational field trips and much more: we are looking forward to meeting in the capital city of the UAE in the name of sustainability. Let’s delve into this rich and articulate programme: here’s everything you need to know before the 12th WEEC Congress.

The Congress Sessions
During the congress, 287 sessions will take place. This number includes both plenary and parallel sessions: the former being important collective moments of discussions with some of the most esteemed personalities in the EE field, such as the opening session with Secretary General of WEEC Network, Mario Salomone and Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri; the latters comprising all of the different sessions where delegates will present their abstracts and works. The Parallel Sessions are divided into the four thematic groups: the Challenges, the Goals, the Dimensions and the Means. 

YEEC Congress
The Youth Environmental Education Conference (YEEC) is a dedicated program for participants aged 13–30 from around the world. Aligned with the WEEC Congress, this unique platform caters to youth interested in environmentalism, categorizing them into three groups: Youngsters (13–17 years), Young Adults (18–21 years), and Young Professionals (22–30 years). Here, participants have the opportunity to express their thoughts, articulate ideas, and contribute new energies to discussions on environmental education and sustainability. This setting also facilitates networking and connections with fellow environmental enthusiasts from various countries.

Honourable Speakers
In the history of the WEEC Congress, our network has consistently had the honor of hosting distinguished personalities in the field who share their insights with the Congress audience. This year is no exception: our esteemed panel of Honourable Speakers will provide unique and significant perspectives on Environmental Education throughout the entire duration of the Congress. The lineup includes young and passionate activists like Elizabeth Wathuti, esteemed and recognized professionals such as Lorenzo Fioramonti, influential authors like Gunter Pauli, and renowned artists like Ricki Kej. This diverse and eclectic group of speakers will shed light on the importance of environmentalism and education across various fields and sectors

Side events
Book launches, interactive activities, workshops, and engaging dialogues with other environmental organizations—these Side Events at WEEC2024 form a vibrant platform that illuminates the collaborative endeavors of diverse global organizations in the field of environmental education. The lineup of speakers, including students, spans across different regions and represents academia, intergovernmental bodies, governments, national and international institutions, and schools. This convergence serves the purpose of showcasing and celebrating the multifaceted initiatives undertaken to promote environmental education and awareness on a global scale.


Educational Field Trips
Integrating theory with hands-on experiences, the educational field trips during WEEC2024 offer an exciting opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and environmental education landmarks in and around Abu Dhabi. Participants can tailor their experience by selecting from a variety of morning, afternoon, or full-day activities to actively engage in environmental education. Options include visits to breathtaking sights such as the Jubail Mangrove Park or Samaliya Island, or delving into the country’s efforts to preserve local flora and fauna at places like the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Centre. Each field trip promises to be a thrilling and informative experience, contributing to the overall impact of WEEC2024 and ensuring it becomes an unforgettable educational journey for all participants.

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The 12th WEEC’s legacy: a commitment to sustainability

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The 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) is unwavering in its commitment to sustainability, with the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) playing a central role in championing green practices.

In the realm of sustainable event design, the WEEC adheres to ISO guidelines 20121:2012, incorporating practical strategies such as QR codes for menus, promotion of healthier options, and the use of eco-friendly materials for event accessories. Menus are thoughtfully crafted to be low in carbon emissions through comprehensive life cycle assessments.
ADNEC stands out as an institution committed to renewable energy utilization, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A power-down plan further contributes to energy conservation, aligning with the event’s eco-conscious approach.

Delving into nutritionally optimal menus, the WEEC ensures a balanced culinary experience with fresh ingredients, emphasizing low salt, sugar, and unnecessary fats for overall well-being. Sustainable food sourcing is a priority, with an emphasis on locally sourced produce and the inclusion of vegan options, thereby reducing environmental impact and fostering shorter supply chains.
Collaboration with the local community fosters a circular economy and reduced food miles, exemplified by a focus on seasonal local cuisine to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
Eco-friendly operations extend to biodegradable packaging, the conversion of used cooking oil into biodiesel, and campaigns aimed at eliminating plastic straws and reducing the use of disposable cups, showcasing a comprehensive approach to minimizing the ecological impact of the event.

Going beyond reduction efforts, the WEEC has engaged specialist consultants to monitor the carbon footprint of all delegates, encompassing travel and accommodation. This data will inform the planting of mangroves post-event to offset calculated carbon footprints.
This mangrove planting initiative serves as a tangible part of the WEEC’s legacy, aligning with the event’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Moreover, involving local schools provides students with a unique learning opportunity, engaging them in site selection, planting, and long-term monitoring of the mangroves.

Beyond environmental considerations, the WEEC prioritizes social sustainability by ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. The event’s website complies with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 – W3C, while plenary sessions feature interpreters proficient in both Arabic and English sign language. Rigorous risk assessments at ADNEC ensure independent navigation for all participants, and individuals with special needs, referred to as “Persons of Determination“, actively contribute to the congress as speakers and workshop attendees.

In conclusion, the 12th WEEC is not just an event; it is a legacy in the making, integrating environmental and social considerations into every facet of its planning and execution. This discursive approach emphasizes the holistic commitment to sustainability that defines the essence of the congress.

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Call for Papers: Kurdish Studies journal welcomes submissions for 2024 issue

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The editorial team of Kurdish Studies journal is delighted to announce the Call for papers for the first issue of 2024. With ISSN 2051-4883, the journal invites scholars, researchers, and practitioners from diverse disciplines to contribute their original research, theoretical insights, and critical perspectives to enrich the field of Kurdish Studies.

About the journal: Kurdish Studies journal is a multidisciplinary platform dedicated to the exploration of Kurdish studies. Covering aspects such as history, culture, society, politics, language, literature, arts, economy, and diaspora, the journal welcomes contributions from anthropology, history, sociology, political science, linguistics, literature, gender studies, migration studies, human rights, business studies, and social sciences.

Submission guidelines: Original research articles, review articles, book reviews, and opinion pieces are invited for submission. Manuscripts should be in English, adhering to the journal’s guidelines available on the website. A stringent double-blind peer-review process will be conducted to uphold scholarly standards.

Important dates:

  • Deadline for submission: 15th January 2024
  • Notification of acceptance: Within one week
  • Expected publication date: January 2024

Submission process: Manuscripts can be submitted electronically via email to submissions@kurdishstudies.info. The editorial team will assist authors throughout the submission process, providing updates on the progress of their submissions.

Publication and open access: Kurdish Studies is an open-access journal, ensuring the broadest possible dissemination of scholarly research. Published articles will be freely available worldwide, promoting accessibility and impact.

Contact information: For inquiries or additional information, please contact the editorial team at submissions@kurdishstudies.info.

We eagerly anticipate your valuable contributions and active participation in advancing the diverse field of Kurdish studies. Submissions can be made following the guidelines on our website: https://kurdishstudies.net/.

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Integrating artificial intelligence in global environmental education: insights from COP28 and prospects at WEEC12

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The recent COP28 held in Dubai has raised concerns within the environmental education community due to the absence of the term “education” in the discussions and strategies outlined. It is crucial that the concept of education be meaningfully integrated into global climate strategies, and the opportunity to do so presents itself tangibly at the 12th World Congress on Environmental Education (WEEC12) to be held in Abu Dhabi.

In particular, special attention is sought for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the field of environmental education. The transformative potential of this technology in enhancing the effectiveness of global climate education is clearly evident. Events related to COP28 have preluded this discourse, highlighting the fundamental and innovative role of AI in making sustainability approaches accessible and engaging.

The debates arising from events connected to COP28 clearly demonstrate that AI can play a crucial role in making environmental knowledge more widespread and engaging. Collaboration between environmental education experts and technology developers can contribute to the development of innovative educational tools and resources that fully leverage the potential of AI.

WEEC12 represents a unique opportunity to place the central role of environmental education on the agenda, with a specific emphasis on the integration of Artificial Intelligence. Addressing this issue proactively and collaboratively could shape a more sustainable future, where environmental knowledge becomes a driving force in the global fight against climate change.

Join our network and become part of the conversation on COP28! Send your contributions to secretariat@weecnetwork.staging.19.coop and help shape the environmental dialogue.

COP28 reminds us all of the urgency to attend WEEC12 in Abu Dhabi!

by Dr. Costis Toregas, The George Washington University

Left – right: Gerry Cunningham (EAGLES 2030) , Pat Cummens (Esri), Sean Breyer (Esri), Lee Mallon (Humanity), Erwin Rose (US State Dept), Valerie Hawley (Sorbonne Univ.)

The text that emerged from the lengthy discussions during COP28 just concluded in Dubai was hotly debated, and engaged the participants in difficult discussions of what language to include and which to exclude… and for some in the Environmental Education (EE) community, it rang a warning bell!  A quick key word search revealed that the word “Education” did not appear even once!  Of course no one will argue that education should be part of any global solution to climate change and the challenges of sustainability.  However, the modalities and strategies that will bring education as a supporting platform to the vital COP28 action verbs of Finance, Capacity Building and Technology Transfer must be rapidly deployed, discussed and agreed upon by relevant stakeholders.

And what a better place to do so than at WEEC12 in Abu Dhabi on January 29 through February 2, 2024!

To align the education agenda to the Technology Transfer actions, we can focus on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Environmental Education (EE), catalysing climate action  and contributing to environmental education.  In recent years the role of artificial intelligence (AI) has gained significant attention across the environmental and academic community.  The world is facing the triple planetary crisis – climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution – and technology and innovation has a key role to play in addressing these challenges.  There is an urgent need for innovative solutions to educate and engage the public in sustainable practices. This pathway will be amply demonstrated at WEEC12, with three sessions dedicated to the role of AI in enhancing the effectiveness of environmental education irrespective of geographic location, language barriers or technical infrastructural constraints.

To foreshadow these panels and underline the importance of EE, there were events at COP28 that addressed AI’s role in promoting new ways and tools for educators.

“AI is emerging as a powerful tool for how we learn about and interact with the environment, particularly through repackaging information and enhancing personalized learning experiences” said AI expert Lee Mallon, CTO of Humanity, Abu Dhabi at a COP28 side event on AI (see photo).  “Artificial Intelligence possesses the remarkable capability to transform extensive, 100-page reports on positive climate action into finely detailed narratives. This approach ensures that every individual across the globe can grasp the necessary steps for climate action. It tailors the information to align with the media channels that resonate most effectively with each person, enhancing their understanding and engagement in impactful environmental action”.

Other participants in the side event included US representative Erwin Rose who laid out a clear path for AI’s introduction as a powerful tool to support sustainability through the Climate Technology Centre and Network, eSRI representatives detailing location-based AI advances and EAGLES2030 chair Gerry Cunningham who offered practical strategies for implementation through collaboration.

International Secretariat

Corso Moncalieri, 18
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tel.+39 0114366522
secretariat@weecnetwork.org

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