Abu Dhabi Joins UNU’s RCE Network for Sustainable Education

Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office

Abu Dhabi has been recognized by the United Nations University (UNU) as a member of the network of Regional Centres of Expertise (RCEs) on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). This makes Abu Dhabi the first center in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region focused on environmental education and sustainability.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) will take the lead in this important role through its digital platform, called naha. This platform will help bring people together to share knowledge, improve skills, and encourage the use of the best ideas and methods for education on sustainable development. The goal is to protect the environment and improve life for people today and in the future.

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Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, the Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said: “Being recognized by the United Nations University as the first regional center for environmental education in our region shows that Abu Dhabi is taking big steps forward in sustainability. It shows our commitment to increasing environmental awareness and teaching people how to take care of the environment. With the latest technology and ideas, we are continuing to lead the world in taking action for the environment.”

She added that educating people about the environment is key to protecting nature and helping communities grow in a sustainable way. By getting more people involved and working with others from around the world, Abu Dhabi is supporting the vision for a better future for generations to come.

Ahmed Baharoon, who is the Executive Director of Environmental Information, Science, and Awareness at EAD, shared that naha uses a smart approach to bring together different programs that help people get involved in protecting the environment. Some of these programs include the Sustainable Schools Initiative, which has been recognized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Sustainable Campus Initiative, and the Sahim Citizen Science Programme. By using Abu Dhabi’s natural resources, naha is helping local and global efforts to make the world more sustainable, while also training young people to become leaders who will make a real difference.

This recognition by the United Nations University builds on the success of the 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) held in Abu Dhabi in early 2024. It also supports the launch of the Abu Dhabi Roadmap for Education for Sustainable Development and shows the city’s dedication to the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration Action Plan Challenge 6.3, which called for the creation of a Regional Centre of Expertise in Abu Dhabi.

The RCE network is made up of a group of experts from different areas, including government, non-governmental organizations, universities, and international organizations. This teamwork ensures the work is successful, with everyone committed to improving education on sustainable development and restoring ecosystems.

EAD will set up a Steering Committee to help guide the center and manage its operations. This committee will be in charge of setting the goals for the center and overseeing its work. There will also be an advisory committee made up of experts and professionals who will give advice on ecosystem restoration and sustainable education.