Events

Seminar on Greening Education and Sustainable Development Successfully Held in Beijing

On November 1, 2024, the Seminar on Greening Education and Sustainable Development co-hosted by CEAIE and NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee was successfully conducted as part of the 25th China Annual Conference & Expo for International Education in Beijing. This seminar aimed to advance greening education by raising greater environmental awareness and promoting sustainable practices across society. Educational experts, scholars, and officials from China and abroad, gathered to discuss the concepts, approaches, and practices for greening education. Dr. Liu Limin, President of CEAIE, Mr. Nick Newland, President of the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee and Dr. Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia. Ms. Fu Bo, Deputy Secretary-General of CEAIE moderated the opening.

Dr. Liu Limin highlighted the urgent challenge of climate change and emphasized the irreplaceable role of education in preserving civilization, nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and serving society. He reaffirmed China's commitment to align with United Nations and UNESCO initiatives, underlining its efforts to develop new generations equipped with environmental awareness and a commitment to sustainable development.

President Newland commended CEAIE's active engagement as a member of the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee in supporting the United Nations' goals. He reiterated the urgence to help the younger generation understand what climate change is and improve their ability to respond to it. Non-governmental organizations and all sectors of society worldwide should take active action and cooperate widely to jointly provide suggestions and recommendations for promoting green education.

In his keynote speech, Prof. Shahbaz Khan emphasized the importance and goals of Greening Education Partnership. He noted that greening education is essential to supporting climate action, highlighting UNESCO's global initiative focused on addressing the climate crisis through education. Prof. Khan also shared UNESCO's recent achievements in greening education, including the establishment of green schools, the development of green curriculum, and greening teacher training and greening communities.

The seminar included two thematic panels, Greening Schools and Communities and Greening Curriculum and Greening Teacher Training. Experts and educators, including Prof. Li Jiacheng, Deputy Director of Shanghai Municipal Institute for Lifelong Education in East China Normal University, Dr. Wang Qiaoling, Deputy Director of Institute for Lifelong Learning and Education for Sustainable Development of Beijing Academy of Educational Sciences, Ms. Tao Lan, Founder of Green Inclusive, Dr. Mu Jianxin, Senior Consultant from UNESCO Beijing Office, Prof. Ma Hongliang, Associate Dean of Faculty of Education in Shaanxi Normal University, Ms. Liu Jing, Head of Geography Teaching and Research Group and Ms. Han Yinan, Geography Teacher both from the Affiliated High School of Peking University engaged in comprehensive discussions on practical implementation strategies, challenges, and solutions for green education. The consensus among participants was that advancing green education is a long-term effort that requires collaboration across government, education institutions, and society.

The seminar provided a valuable opportunity to promote greening education and sustainable development in China and Asia Pacific area. It also allowed participants to gain insights into the latest developments and trends in this field. Looking ahead, CEAIE will continue to make most of its membership of NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee and keep committed to close cooperation with UNESCO and other international organizations as well as education institutions at all levels, contributing knowledge and resources to further greening education and sustainable development.