The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations organised an event on the sidelines of the 2024 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development on *Education to Combat the Climate Crisis, at the UN Headquarters in New York, in collaboration with the Education Above All Foundation (EAA), UN Development Programme, UN Children's Fund (Unicef), Green Climate Fund, and Generation Unlimited initiative.
The deputy permanent representative of Qatar to the UN, Mohamed Khalifa al-Nasr, highlighted in his speech the impact of climate change on education, including infrastructure destruction and limiting teachers' and students' access to schools.
He said that 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 the Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), saying that the QRDI provides university students with opportunities to participate in research programmes, 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.
The manager of Strategic Partnerships at the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), Sheikha Haya Abdulrahman al-Thani, spoke of the process by which QFFD selects active partners to implement targeted goals and initiatives related to education worldwide.
She emphasised the ongoing collaboration between Qatar, Unicef and the Global Green Growth Institute to assist those affected by the impacts of climate change and reach the most vulnerable populations globally.
Sheikha Haya 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.
The executive director of Protect Education in Insecurity and Conflict (PEIC) at the EAA, Maleiha Malik, urged the international community to recognise the vital role of education in combating climate change.
She said that the 2024 High-level Political Forum is an opportunity to mobilise 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.
Malik said that the 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 saw significant attendance by UN officials and representatives of participating member states.
