Declaration: common agenda for education and climate change as a central tool to rally political support

COP29 has concluded after several days filled with discussions, expert panels, and exchanges aimed at securing a more sustainable future for all.

A key highlight of the event was the first-ever Human Development Day, which placed education at the forefront and emphasized its critical role in raising awareness about climate change, while also building the capacity needed to take meaningful action.

We commend the GPE youth leaders who shared their personal stories and insights, empowering communities and representing GPE on panels co-hosted by the Education Above All Foundation, UNESCO, UNDP, and the British Council.

Ruth Kagia, GPE’s high-level envoy, represented the organization at the Ministerial Roundtable on Greening Education, alongside partners like The World Bank, UNICEF, and UNESCO. The event underscored the Declaration on the Common Agenda for Education and Climate Change, which aims to rally political support for recognizing the connections between education and climate action.

Additionally, through GPE’s virtual reality film Education in the Eye of the Storm, visitors were able to experience the impacts of climate change on education, witnessing firsthand the devastating effects when extreme weather disrupts classrooms.