The Ministry of Education has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GEMS Education to foster collaboration in the realm of educational resources.
The aim is to formulate and execute initiatives promoting green education and integrating environmental sustainability subjects into UAE schools.
This effort contributes to equipping both students and teachers with the necessary skills in green education.
Key Signatories of the MoU for Green Education Initiatives
The MoU was signed by Dr Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, the Assistant Under-Secretary of the Care and Capacity Building sector at the Ministry of Education, and Mr Dino Varkey, Group Chief Executive Officer of GEMS Education.
This signing took place during the second meeting of the National Committee for Green Education, hosted by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, according to WAM.
Dr Amna Al Shamsi highlighted that this MoU aligns with the Ministry of Education’s mission to enhance the capabilities of students and educators, enabling them to play a leading role in addressing climate issues.
It also aims to establish overarching frameworks ensuring the inclusion of environmental sustainability topics within the education system, with the ultimate goal of advancing knowledge and skills in this crucial scientific area.
Al Shamsi added: “The Ministry of Education is keen to continue working to include climate agenda and sustainability concepts in the UAE’s education system, as part of its vision towards achieving sustainable development goals in line with the national policies and the goals of the UAE Centennial 2071. This MoU, which aligns with the UAE Vision 2031, aims to provide the general framework in which the Ministry and GEMS Education can achieve mutual benefit, by identifying areas of common interest, and explore the possibility of implementing agreed joint activities to build the capacities of academics and students in public and private education in the field of environmental sustainability.”
Mr Dino Varkey’s Vision for Sustainable Education
Mr Dino Varkey said: “We are delighted that the Ministry of Education has chosen to collaborate with GEMS Education to leverage our expertise and educational resources to design and implement green education initiatives, as well as highlight the essential role of promoting sustainability and the environment in the UAE’s education system, as we look forward to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), beginning next month. We also confirm the active participation of our students and teachers in this historic event that will be hosted by the UAE.”
“We are delighted to announce that more than 8,500 teachers across our schools will complete the UN Climate Change Course by the end of October, demonstrating their commitment and dedication to the development of green education,” added Mr Varkey, noting that through this collaboration, GEMS Education aims to contribute significantly to the UAE’s vision to become a leader in sustainable education globally, while raising a generation of responsible citizens who understand the importance of the environment and engage effectively in initiatives that positively impact our planet.”
Ministry of Education’s Commitment to Environmental Education
According to the MoU, the Ministry of Education has a pledge to establish effective communication with educational institutions across the country to back GEMS Education’s efforts in the realm of environmental sustainability and climate education.
Furthermore, they are committed to facilitating students and educators’ participation in both national and international events and conferences centred on sustainability and climate education, involving them as speakers and participants in training sessions and dialogues.
GEMS Education: Fostering Sustainability Through Education
GEMS Education, on the other hand, is dedicated to implementing the Virtual Schools Climate Change Training Programme, which focuses on educating educators about climate change and environmental sustainability.
This program also involves sharing educational materials that align with the Curriculum Framework for Environmental Sustainability.
Moreover, GEMS Education supports students with exceptional writing abilities by operating the Environmental Writer Program, which enables the publication of their stories on the official GEMS Education website.
Additionally, GEMS is actively involved in the twinning project, which connects GEMS’ prominent sustainability-focused schools with state schools in public and private education.
This initiative is carried out in collaboration with the Emirates Schools Establishment.
