State of Qatar organizes event on sidelines of 2024 high-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development

The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations organized a side event on the sidelines of the 2024 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development titled 'Education to Combat the Climate Crisis,' at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, in collaboration with Education Above All Foundation (EAA), United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Green Climate Fund, and Generation Unlimited initiative.

Deputy Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Mohammed Khalifa Al Nasr highlighted in his speech at the event the damages of climate change and its impact on education, including infrastructure destruction and limiting teachers' and students' access to schools. He explained that the State of Qatar is committed to investing in education and providing children and youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to build a sustainable future.

Al Nasr also noted the work of Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council, pointing out that the Council provides university students with opportunities to participate in research programs, enriching their experiences in climate change and environmental research, which aids in achieving the goals of Qatar's National Environment and Climate Change Strategy launched in 2021.

Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Qatar Fund for Development Sheikha Haya Abdulrahman Al-Thani highlighted the process by which Qatar Fund for Development selects active partners to implement targeted goals and initiatives related to education worldwide. She emphasized the ongoing collaboration between the State of Qatar and the United Nations Development Programme, UNICEF, and the Global Green Growth Institute to assist those affected by the impacts of climate change and reach the most vulnerable populations globally.

Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Qatar Fund for Development said that combating climate change requires collective effort, with education at its core, noting that empowering our youth and communities with knowledge and tools can build a more resilient and sustainable future.

In turn, Executive Director of Protect Education in Insecurity and Conflict (PEIC) at EAA Maleiha Malik urged the international community to recognize the vital role of education in combating climate change, adding that the 2024 High-level Political Forum presents an opportunity to mobilize support and accelerate efforts towards transformative education strategies that can mitigate climate risks, while also encouraging innovative approaches aimed at achieving sustainable educational and environmental outcomes.

She emphasized that EAA places significant importance on empowering and enhancing the capabilities of youth, particularly those impacted by climate change, to take necessary actions in the best interest of current and future generations.

The side event, which witnessed significant attendance by UN officials and representatives of participating member states, focused on the role of education in addressing the impacts of climate change, as well as the importance of investing in new technologies and industries aimed at mitigating its effects.