ISTIC 10th Anniversary 2018: International Conference on Climate Change Education 7-9 May 2018 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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The International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation under the auspices of UNESCO (ISTIC) in collaboration with Ministry of Education, Malaysia, Akademi of Sains, Malaysia, LAMAP Foundation, UNESCO, IAP-Science Research Health, ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF) and Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable Development Organized the International Conference on Climate Change Education from 7-8 May, 2018 at Corus Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Conference mainly focused on Climate Change education and role of Women, Youth and Children in developing countries to prepare them for worst impacts of climate. Climate change education is critical to prepare them for facing the challenges of climate change in their everyday life such as violent natural disasters; food and water scarcity and job security etc. Since the Climate Change Education is the essential Goal of Sustainable Development (SDG No. 13), the conference identified the effective mechanism on how to integrate climate change education into national education curriculum, good practices on climate change education. The conference realized the urgent need and support for teacher training on Climate Change Education the Inquiry Based Science Education (IBSE) way and provided learning resources and good practices that will enhance climate change education.

The conference was attended by large number of educationist, climate change practitioners, students and households. Whereas Speakers and Moderators from all over the world participated to address and moderate the conference.

President ECOSF Prof. Dr. Manzoor Hussain Soomro moderated the 4^th Plenary Session on “Climate Change Education: Institutions and Resources”. The panelists in this session included Dr. David Wilgenbus of LAMAP Foundation “Role and Function of the Office for Climate Education”; Ms. Ganigar Chen of National Science Museum, Thailand “Role of Science Museums in Climate Change Education”; and Datin Dr. Ng Soo Boon, from Curriculum Development Division, Ministry of Education, Malaysia “Climate Change Education Curriculum Design in Crowded Curriculum”. Dr. Soomro also was one of the panelists in the last panel discussion on recommendations and the way forward, which was chaired by Dato Dr. (Ir.) Yee Cheong Lee, the Honorary Chair of ISTIC Governing Board and President of AETDEW. In his remarks, Dr. Soomro congratulated the leadership of ISTIC for holding this successful conference on one of the most pressing and emerging issues i.e. Climate Change Education. Prof. Soomro highlighted the importance of education that is a key factor to prepare societies for global changes. These trainings are essential and lead to the achievement of SDG’s and it helps build the capacity of women and children in combating the climate Change; he added.

Prof. Dr. Soomro emphasized that creation of knowledge and awareness about the impacts of climate change to masses is the key element to address the climate change globally and education plays an important role in it.  He mentioned about the Article 6 of UN framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which encourages Parties to promote, develop and implement educational, training and public awareness programmes on climate change and its effects. He further added that protecting the environment of the world is a big challenge now days. In order to improve and adapt climate change there is a need to include the climate change awareness subject in curriculum for children as they are the future scientists.  Advancement in information technology is playing a proactive role in making education and even Climate change education more effective. “Social media and other Web 2.0 tools are increasing participatory educational opportunities around the world, and they have the potential to strengthen adaptation of climate change” he enlightened.

Prof Dr. Soomro was of the view that future generations are based on what we as a society, invest in them. And, it is high time to take some measures for our children to create awareness on climate change on emergency basis. At the end he presented some key points for further action:

1. To ensure effective learning and deep understanding of the subject matter, climate change education should be integrated across education curricula at all levels
2. To promote climate change education, it is crucial to strengthen teachers’ and educators’ capacities to deliver accurate information, promote critical thinking about and take action on climate change mitigation and adaptation
3. Governments and concerned stakeholders to develop lifelong training programmes for teachers who must have the necessary skills with which to deliver education on sustainable development and climate change.
4. Develop and showcase effective national climate change education programmes
5. Strengthen partnerships and opportunities for scaling up climate change education around the globe
6. Identify innovative ways of scaling up and engaging all stakeholders
7. Solicit commitments from policy makers and the education community