Registration & Morning Coffee

Uniting the World for Sustainability: Championing EE and ESD

Coffee Break

Workshop: Creating Your Own Environmental Comic Strip from Scratch

Workshop: Gamification in Environmental Education: Balance Between Education and Play

On behalf of Centre Zapovedniks (Moscow based Non-governmental organization, IUCN CEC, IUCN WCPA member, Europark member) together with IUCN Commission for Education and Communication (please find a Declaration of Partnership attached) I would like to perform a workshop on games and other interactive activities in environmental education.

We would like to introduce the congress participants to some good practices in environmental education and its gamification based on hundreds of sources collected in the #NatureForAll Discovery Zone and Centre Zapovedniks library.

We'll focus on new methods that help to face the new challenges of the changing world and find a better way to communicate new generations though their values.
At the same time, we would like to learn from the participants about their experiences.

Workshop: Community Agroforestry as A Sustainable Solution for Humanity and Ecologic Crisis

Facts reveal that Timor-Leste is facing a serious ecological crisis during the last three years. In 2019 there was the warmest year where temperature increased drastically and lots of wild and domestic animals died due to water scarcity. Other case was in 2021, there was a catastrophe occurred, torrential rain and cyclone caused huge flooding in Dili and some municipalities which were affected several local habitant’s properties such homes, land and domestic properties were destroyed including the loss of 48 people (Timor-Leste National Disasters Data, 2021).

Empowering the Future: Integrating Education and Behavioral Change in Abu Dhabi's DSM Strategy for Sustainable Energy Management

YEEC Programme - Raising Eco-Conscious Kid to Become Active Global Citizens

Format: Panel Discussion (1hr)

Brief of the session: Open conversation on early education on sustainability with a group of youngsters sharing their involvement in environmental and sustainable initiatives and how they were raised to care about the environment.

YEEC Programme - Education Works?!

Format: Panel Discussion

Brief of the session: In which forms of education can affect the way we approach (or don’t) climate action.

Workshop: Building a Decade of Ecosystem Restoration Education on a Solid Foundation

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development were formally adopted by world leaders in September 2015. The UN designates specific days, weeks, years, and decades to mark particular events or topics in order to promote through awareness and action, the objectives of the Organisation. To this end, the UN declared 2005–2014 as the ‘Decade of Education for Sustainable Development’ and 2021–2030 as ‘Decade of Ecosystem Restoration’.

This paper describes the ICE principles for Education for Sustainable Development that were developed as part of the activities for the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, and the proposed responses identified under the ‘Action Plan for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, 2021-2030’, and more specifically: ‘Restoration Challenge 6 – Education.

Panel Discussion: Climate We Must Act, There is No More Time

In Honour of Professor Massimo Scalia

Round Table: Can AI promote environmental sustainability in Africa?

ChatGPT claims:
Yes, AI has the potential to promote environmental sustainability in Africa in various ways.

It is important to note that the successful implementation of AI for environmental sustainability in Africa requires considerations of local contexts, accessibility, and inclusivity. Collaboration between educational professionals, AI experts, environmental scientists, policymakers, and local communities is crucial for developing and deploying AI solutions that address the specific needs and challenges of African countries.

Overall digital literacy, hardware and internet access as well as training in the use of AI tools are all elements that must be explicitly addressed. The authors plan to use the presentation platform with African experts and audience at the conference as a feedback loop that addresses these challenges to implementation.

Round Table - Compulsory Environmental Education in the Undergraduate College Level

The United Arab Emirates University decided to add the Environmental Education (EE) as compulsory course to all undergraduate students, starting from batch 2019. The EE course is called “Sustainability” and provides the students with the principles of sustainability, in terms of science, economy and sociology. This course was added to enrich the students with the necessary knowledge regarding the environment, the country’s short- and long-term strategies, and Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). The work I present is the result of my experience as a member of the Sustainability Course development committee and as an instructor on the course for four years. The students have been exposed to sustainable buildings and projects in the country through physical visits.

Workshop: Outdoor Play and Place-based Experiential Environmental Education at Every Child Outdoors Using the Rare Chain of Learning

The rare Charitable Research Reserve is an urban land trust and environmental institute in Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada, that protects over 1,350 acres of highly sensitive lands. Our ultimate goal is to make the world a more sustainable place by stewarding a diverse network of natural landscapes for ecological integrity and for future generations through conservation, research and education. Since inception, rare has taken care of the land on behalf of the community through the use of Western tools in conservation, research and education. As rare becomes engaged in reconciliation with the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (North America), these pillars now equally include and value Indigenous ways of knowing and being — becoming three strands of a strong braid.

Workshop: Effective Citizen Science: Playing a Role in Marine Life Restoration

Current Situation:
Florida / Caribbean barrier reef has already been lost.
Great barrier reef of Australia lost around 65% of its corals , there are immense efforts exerted by Scientists and marine biologists to protect and maintain the remaining 35%.
Red Sea/ Eastern Africa and Arabian Gulf are highly threatened as well.

The philosophy of “protection is always preferred over restoration” is a luxury that no longer applies to most regions. NOW Restoration is necessary to preserve the biodiversity and functionality of reefs and ensure the sustainability of their resources.

YEEC Programme - Masterclass on Connecting Youth for Action

Format: Workshop (1hr)

Brief of the session: Environment and Sustainability Education has the potential to set in motion the power of creative thinking in our young people and in so doing we support and grow relevant skills which will help young people to cope with an ever-changing world, support youth in exploring activities that set-in motion the power of critical thinking and innovation, engage youth with learning tools that develop essential competences in environment and sustainability education. Help them adapt ideas generated in the workshop to enhance quality and relevance their own learning and taking action.

Oral communication - The Means

Contribution of Natural and Non-Natural Materials to Understandings of the Natural World in Early Childhood Education by Claudine Habak
How I Teach and Play: Wellbeing, Practices, and Growth in Early Childhood Educators by Mohammad Jubran
A curriculum of place: Facilitating school-university partnerships through a place-based STEAM semester by Kevin O'Connor

Oral communication - The Means

Role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in greening young minds: How is HCLFoundation reaching the unreached through Environment Education. by Aishwarya Balasubramanian
Informal & Non-formal Environmental Education – Valuing Community Endeavours by Jennifer Pearson
Investigating climate change narratives in fire and flood events in the media: Developing a research framework by Rebecca Keogh

Oral communication - The Means

Factors influencing Artificial intelligence (AI) products adoption for developing environmental sustainability: A literature review by Rania Mostafa
Social media, moral norm and waste behaviour——based on experimental economics by Aiqin Wang
Everglades Restoration Plan: Lessons to Learn by Hussam Alrabaiah

Oral communication - The Means

Sustainability in the Syllabus: Every Class, Every Lesson by Gunter Pauli and Charles Godwin Rodriguez (Fireside Chat) (30m)

Conservation and Education professionals working together. How lessons learned during Covid have informed and energised one environmental education programme - engaging the expertise and energy of conservation professionals has connected and involved young people and their teachers in a pan African perspective on biodiversity and nature conservation. by Penny Fraser (Presentation)

Oral communication - The Goals

Education for Sustainable Development in Teacher Training: Perceptions of Teacher Educators by Antje Goller
Empowering Youth through Climate Education and Advocacy: How climate education and advocacy will foster economic growth, opportunities for marginalized communities, and solutions to the climate crisis by Bryce Coon
Development of an Education for Sustainable Development curriculum design framework for the Technological University of the Shannon (Ireland) by Noëlle O'Connor

WEEC +20

YEEC Programme - Mermaid Diaries UAE

Format: Interactive Presentation

Brief of the session: A thought-provoking and informative online climate series that delves into the urgent issue of climate change. This series aims to deepen our understanding of the causes and consequences of climate change while highlighting the importance of individual and collective action. To learn amazing facts about our local marine wildlife corals, turtles, dolphins, seagrass, dugongs, mangroves, flamingos, whale sharks, sea snakes and more! Understand how you can support the global movement to protect at least 30% of the world’s lands, waters, and ocean by 2030, get the opportunity to learn about impactful fieldwork aimed at safeguarding and protecting areas to help ensure a healthy ocean and climate, understand why and how we can protect our Oceans.

YEEC Programme - Rethinking Environmental Education within Indigenous Communities

Format: Panel Discussion (1h)

Brief of the session: Group of youth talk about indigenous people’s role in the environmental education field. Discuss how Indigenous peoples’ contributions are essential in designing and implementing solutions to sustainability and ecosystem restoration issues, how EE communities learn from cultures and traditional practices and how values, indigenous knowledge, and culture can help connect people and create a better tomorrow, the connection of local wisdom and cultural practices with international agendas in the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Integration of indigenous knowledge systems into environmental education.

Oral communication - The Challenges

Environmental Responsibility in Architectural Education: Tackling the Planetary Crisis by Nadia Mounajjed
Citizen Science for Clean Air: Inspiring Action to Improve Air Quality through Hands-on Education by Oriol Teixido and Susannah Telfer
Biodiversity as a pathway to environmental citizenship by Silvia Sivini and Annamaria Vitale

Oral communication - The Means

Development of a Tool Towards Enhancing Early Childhood Education in Schools and at Homes Providing Basic Environmental Knowledge Using Artificial Intelligence Technology by Sabine SAAD
How Children Aged 2-8 in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi are Supported in the Development of their Environmental Awareness? Through Educational Programs by Mariam Jasem Alzaabi
Where We Want to Play and Learn: Children’s Voices in Choices of Environments in Abu Dhabi by Nahla Alsyedibrahim

Round Table: Shaping Sustainable Mindsets: Exploring Climate Change Education Practices in Riyadh Science Classrooms

Climate change has emerged as one of the global challenges of our time, with far-reaching implications for the environment, societies, and economies worldwide. As awareness of the impacts of climate change continues to grow, the role of education in addressing this issue becomes increasingly significant. Research on climate change education has predominantly focused on Western contexts, leaving a gap in understanding the practices and perspectives of science teachers in gulf region.

Round Table: Building Leadership in EE through Global Networks and Learning Communities

With today’s environmental and social challenges becoming more urgent and complex, it is essential that EE professionals across sectors have the skills, knowledge, and networks to lead lasting change across a diversity of audiences and settings. They must also be able to play an active role in building an inclusive EE movement that promotes high quality EE for all learners and communities, and be able to adapt to rapidly changing times. In line with WEEC’s Theme #3, A Worldwide Community for Sustainability as the Goal, this session will dive into the role that global networks and learning communities can play in cultivating EE leaders for the world we experience today, where cross-cultural understanding, collaboration, and adaptation, among other capacities, are key.

Oral communication, Pecha kucha - The Challenges

Łódź Schools for Climate - Shaping Habits for better future by Agnieszka Pietrzak and Anna Wierzbicka
Review Of Transdisciplinary Approaches To Food-Water-Energy Nexus - A Guide Towards Sustainable Development: Issues And Challenges by Alluri Venkata Nagavarma

YEEC Programme - Content Creation on Environmental Education

Format: Workshop

Brief of the session: Group of Content creators share their knowledge to youth about content creation and how if helps deliver a meaningful message to the community and how social media can be a tool to share environmental education. This session highlights the role of content creation in delivering meaningful, direct, and concise information to the community, particularly in the context of environmental education. It helps explore how social media can be utilized as a powerful tool to share environmental education and effectively engage with the community.

Oral communication - The Goals

Learning to Run a Sustainable Business – Use of a Green Business Simulation Game in an Undergraduate Business Communication Course by Simon Burfoot
Conservation Tales: A Collaborative Model for Developing Print and Digital Environmental Education Teaching Resources to Engage Children in STEM and Sustainable Development Goals by Tom J. McConnell
Principles of Education Practices for Sustainability in the Amami Islands -A Structural Analysis of the Amami “Environmental Culture” Education Programs of Higher Education Institutions by Yuko Oguri

Oral communication - The Dimensions

Knowledge from Below. Traditional Indigenous Knowledge on Watery Environments as Innovative Sustainable Solution to the Challenges of Modernity by Rita Vianello
Naming Our Forest: Cultural Preservation in Environmental Communication by Yun-Hsuan Chiu
Cultural Heritage and Traditional Knowledge to Create Belonging and Understanding of Our Place in Time by Maria Hofman-Bergholm

Oral communication - The Goals

Integrating Sustainability Science into School Curricula: New York Sun Works Case Study by Alex Kudyavstev
An approach to Conservation Education to act for a Sustainable Future by Antonieta Costa
Assessing Environmental Awareness and Attitudes towards Climate Change and Environmental Issues among University Students in the United Arab Emirates by Khawlah Mitib Al-tkhayneh

Oral communication - The Means

Sensibilisation du Grand Public en Plein Air: Concept du Chemin Pédagogique Spécifique au Site D'accueil by Iatimad Zair
Opération #b7arblaplastic : présentation du mode opératoire de l'opération et ses retombés sur la préservation des écosystèmes marins by Khadija Chahidi
Cultural Heritage Education as a Pillar for Sustainable Development by Mouna Belbekri

Lunch Break

Responsible Management Education and the SDGs

Oral communication - The Means

A Community Initiative to Prevent Food Waste in School Canteens: First Results of the “GINO! Let’s Play Not to Waste Food!” Project by Elena Pagliarino and Bianca La Placa
Nature Zoo Club, A Virtual Conservation Education Program for Families: Evaluation of the Effectiveness by Antonieta Costa
Urban Cohousing in Search of (Eco)Sustainability. Italian Cases by Carmine Urciuoli

Oral communication - The Goals

Mimicry of Scarcity. Reproducing Shortage (in a teaching context) as Educational Practice by Elena Bougleux
UAE Climate Change Research Network fostering research in climate action by Fatin Samara
Contribution of Abu Dhabi Houbara program to biodiversity assessment: Enhancing knowledge and awareness on arid land conservation. by Yves Hingrat

Oral communication - The Goals

Promoting Education for Sustainable Development: The Whole School Approach by Angela Lam
Evaluating Environmental Learning by David Zandvliet
Water education as a bridge between Italy and Cuba: two experiences based on the development of playful-educational materials by Elena Comino

Oral communication - The Means

Building Community Partnerships for Ecorestoration Projects in Greater Mumbai through CSR by Shubhalaxmi Vaylure M. Reddy
Exploring the value of zoo and aquarium experiences as experiential learning environments in Abu Dhabi by Anupama Chaudhari
Awakening and working with Arne Næs by Bob Jickling

YEEC Programme - Public Speaking & Advocacy

Format: Workshop (1h)

Brief of the session: A workshop on the key concepts and skills in planning and delivering effective presentations and public speeches. Each participant will give a short speech. Videoed with their own phones for review and refinement at a later date.

YEEC Programme - Global Café: Tackling Triple Planetary Crisis

Format: Global Café

Brief of the session: https://theworldcafe.com/key-concepts-resources/world-cafe-method/

Objectives: the sessions aim to bring together youth to discuss on the given topic. Also to raise awareness, foster understanding, and inspire action towards addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.

o Table 1: Nature & biodiversity: Reham Zia
o Table 2: Air Quality: Oriol Teixido Escote
o Table 3: Climate Change: Mogesh Sabapathy
o Table 4: Environmental Education: Arpan Singh

YEEC Programme - Design Thinking in Environmental Education Programs

Format: Workshop (45min)

Brief of the session: In small groups we will work on how to create an environmental education project from scratch with a creative design mindset. Always focusing on the issues and collaborative, collective and inclusive thinking.

Oral communication - The Means

Fostering Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship: A Study on Environmental Education in UAE Higher Education Institutions by Heba Aboukhousa
How to develop and deliver tailored educational content to initiate a sustainability habit-change journey? by Huda Masalmeh
Nurturing Youth Leadership in Green Transition by Katre Olmez

Round Table: Capacity building for Environmental Education in West Asia region

This session aims to highlight the need for a strategic action plan on capacity building on environmental education across the wider West Asia region. The root causes of environmental problems in the region will continue to be ignored unless people are galvanised together to take collective action.

The lack of awareness of environmental issues affects both the formal and non-formal environmental education sectors. There is an urgent need for innovative solutions to educate and engage the public in sustainable practices.

Round Table: Interdependence of Salmon forests + Cultural Restorative Practice @ Cheakamus Centre (NV Outdoor School)

For over 5 decades the Cheakamus Centre (NV Outdoor School) situated in what is presently known as Brackendale, BC, Canada, on the bank of the Cheakamus River on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Squamish people has been engaged in experiential place and nature-based learning. Victor Elderton, author and researcher, was the teaching Principal at this field school for over 25 years. From 1984 -2013, Victor taught and mentored over 130,000 students and 4300 teachers at Outdoor School. The researcher as well as these co-learners gained insights and understanding about themselves and the braiding of the salmon forest and cultural restorative practices through the program experiences and teaching at the school.

Oral communication - The Means

Engaging Students to Share ‘Stories from Our Enivronment’ through Literacy and Art Skills by Hamda Al Ameri
Early Childhood Education - The First Step That Lays The Foundation for Environment and Sustainability Questions by Ingrid Samuelsson
Pioneering wildlife conservation education program reached 6,194 students and aimed to build the very first sustainable core team to protect Pu Mat forest. by Ngo Thi Thuong

Oral communication - The Challenges

Access To Clean Water And Proper Sanitation As A Fundamental Human Right In Africa by Bruno Muyunga
Swimming Pools Or Digging Tools: Adapting Education On The Water, Food And Energy Nexus To Rich And Poor Students’ Lifestyles by Linus Bylund
Educating the Community on mining Environmental Friendly Practices towards the protection of Gishwati Forest Reserve in Rwanda: A socio-scientific approach by Florien Nsanganwimana

Oral communication - The Dimensions

التربية على الثقافة المحلية المبدعة من اجل التنمية المستدامة : الثقافة الحسانية نموذجا by Faaras Abdelaziz
الاستدامة وجهود دولة الامارات العربية المتحدة لتحقيقها by Tareefa Alsumaiti
ممارسات التربية البيئية في التراث العربي والإسلامي: تحول حضاري نموذجي by Mahmoud Mohamed Ali

Oral communication - The Challenges

The Impacts of Climate Change and Global Warming Knowledge on Youth Ecologically Sustainable Behavior: A Cross-Country Evidence by Ibrahim Niankara
NextGen4POLLINATORS: The contribution of the new generations to the protection of pollinators for the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem services by Simona Casavecchia
Climate Change Education and Policies: Gaps and Opportunities! by Judy Braus

Oral communication - The Goals

Mangrove Education at the University of Guyana: A Critical Appraisal by Paulette Bynoe
"Not so far away, not so different." The contents and attributes of Chilean Business Education. by Esteban Andrés Gómez Sotta
Every Child Outdoors and the Rare Chain of Learning: A Model for Environmental Education for a Sustainable Future by Istafa Sufi

YEEC Programme - No Limits to Learning

Format: Presentation

Coffee break

Majlis: End of the Day Wrap Up

Ethics, Emotions, and Aesthetics: Building the Emotional compass of EE and ESD

Gala Dinner

07:30PM - 08:00PM - Ayyala Welcome

8:00PM - 8:05PM - Welcome note by HE Ahmed Baharoon, Vice Chair, 12th WEEC Local Organising Committee and Executive Director, Environmental Information, Science & Outreach Management, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi.

8:05PM - 8:45PM - Networking & Entertainment: Oud Player, Henna, Falconry, Weaver, Live cooking

8:45PM - 10:00PM - Dinner

10:00PM - Closing and Departure to ADNEC

Registration & Morning Coffee

Values and Cultural Diversity in EE and ESD

Coffee Break

Workshop: The Story Asking of Ocean Plastic - A Journey Across the Curriculum

A novel method of using ocean plastic has been developed as a catalyst for student-centered learning experiences at Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue (YSWRR). Based on contemporary art-making practice, educational psychology theories, and design-thinking methodologies, plastic-asking is easily replicable, low-cost, and can be implemented according to the unique needs of learners. Considering the strengths of human-centered designers as assets for sustainable development, (i.e., empathy, tolerance for ambiguity) this method gently guides learners to connect with others through a variety of creative means.

Panel Discussion: Sustainability: A Shared Commitment. Aims and Synergies of Journals on EE

Workshop: Model Conference of Parties for Biodiversity Conservation

Young people are key stakeholders in our planet’s future and powerful agents of change. This makes it essential that their voices are heard, and they are involved in decision-making at community, regional, and national levels. This inspired WWF-India, in 2020, to launch the Model Conference of Parties (MCOP), a simulation of the global Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP). In anticipation of the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration that runs from 2021 through 2030, the MCOP programme aims to build the understanding of the young people about the importance of biodiversity and ecosystems for a sustainable world. The 3-day conference brings student leaders on one platform shaping them into environmentally conscious and active global citizens who can navigate real-world environmental challenges and lead action for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.

Workshop: Contribution à L’élaboration d’une Stratégie Nationale d’éducation Environnementale en République de Guinée

Aperçu du contexte mondial et local
C’est un euphémisme de dire aujourd’hui que le monde traverse une grave crise environnementale. En effet, après plus de trente ans de la tenue du Sommet de Rio en 1992, et la succession de rencontres mondiales appelées Conférences des Parties, cela est revenu dans toutes les déclarations et résolutions précédées de rapports et de discours d’engagement des États-Parties. Et pourtant l'environnement reste toujours menacé. D'où cette nécessité de penser à conduire l'éducation environnementale.
Vers une stratégie nationale d’éducation environnementale : principes et grands axes.
En matière de stratégie d’éducation environnementale, ce ne sont pas des expériences et des leçons apprises à travers le monde qui manquent. Elles sont nombreuses qui sont documentées et qui peuvent bien inspirer les pays qui en manquent comme c’est le cas de la Guinée.

Oral communication - The Goals

Educational Goal: The Portal for sustainability education by Gerardo Santucci and Marco Manganiello
The Gaia (Earth) Education Philosophy - A Journey Back to the Future by Darius Singh
Learning from Young People: Examining Young Ideas for Climate Change Education in Europe by Kathy Reilly

Environment, Cinema and Education

YEEC Programme - Masterclass on Connecting Youth for Action

Format: Masterclass (1hr)

Brief of the session: Environment and Sustainability Education has the potential to set in motion the power of creative thinking in our young people and in so doing we support and grow relevant skills which will help young people to cope with an ever-changing world. Aims in exploring activities that set-in motion the power of critical thinking and innovation, engage with learning tools that develop essential competences in environment and sustainability education, allow youth to adapt ideas generated in the workshop to enhance quality and relevance their own learning and taking action.

YEEC Programme - Leaving no one behind in EE & ESD

Format: Workshop

Brief of the session: Sorting Activity (Teams competition). Participants will be introduced to recycling practices in the UAE as an introduction to good waste and other waste streams. Participants will compete in sorting waste into recyclable and non-recyclable items while understanding the basics of recycling & sorting correctly in the UAE. Each player will pick one waste item from 25 items from the box, examine and select the right bin it goes into. They need to then find the ball that represents the waste item and try to score. If it ends up in the right bin, team wins a point.

YEEC Programme - Entrepreneurship for Sustainability

Format: Interactive Panel Discussion

Brief of the session: Group of Elite youth who speak about their experience on Environmental education and how it helped shape their business idea. To showcase and highlight the connection between environmental education and entrepreneurship, inspiring other youth and demonstrating the potential for sustainable business innovation. Youth attendees will have the chance to engage with the elite speakers, asking questions, seeking advice, and learning from their experiences.

Workshop: The Earth Prize - School Teams Around the World Competing for Innovative Solutions to Sustainability Problems

Oral communication, Pecha kucha - The Goals

Programa De Formación Ambiental En Reducción De Riesgos De Desastres Para Estudiantes De Universidades De Cuba, Latinoamérica Y El Caribe by Mirurgia Aguilar Velázquez
Anthropocene: Educational Research And Interventions by Raffaella Trigona
Determination of the Relationship between High School Students' Knowledge, Awareness and Attitude Levels towards Sustainable Development by Murat Genc

Round Table: Research About Students’ and Teachers’ Views on Sustainability - To Support Evidence-based Sustainability Education Development

In Hungary, ESD is increasingly being integrated into different levels of the education system through the Green Planet Pedagogical Program, which aims to highlight the connections between different areas of life, based on the everyday experiences of the students, and to encourage young people to choose a sustainable lifestyle, make conscious decisions and take actions.
In order to develop a method for international comparison research and establish further educational cooperation between the current and future collaborating countries, a representative sample survey was conducted within the framework of the Teachers and Students on Sustainability Research Programme in October 2022 among 11th-grade secondary school students in Hungary, Slovakia, and Czech Republic.

Oral communication - The Goals

Local adaptation and facilitation of global online courses for environmental educators by Bomyung Seo
FuturePitch@Smartfeld: Prototyping Tomorrow with Entrepreneurship and New Technologies by Mathias Kirf
Model My Watershed: A free professional-grade GIS watershed-modeling web app for students, community scientists, and professionals by Benjamin Dietrich

Round Table: Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) Promote Outdoor Learning and Environmental Stewardship

The goal of this session is to introduce the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) framework for designing student investigations of local environmental issues and taking action. Presenters will share the capacity building efforts in the state of Pennsylvania, U.S.A. to train formal and nonformal educators in the MWEE framework along with example MWEE units. Created by the U.S.A. National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the MWEE has the four essential elements of environmental issue definition, outdoor field experiences, synthesis and conclusions, and environmental action.

Attendees of this session will leave with resources about the MWEE framework, large-scale environmental literacy capacity building strategies, and examples of how to create and use outdoor learning spaces.

Oral communication, Pecha kucha - The Means

Eco-Écoles & Outils Pédagogiques : La Fondation et son Centre en Action pour une Éducation Préscolaire Intégrée by Faiza Baheddis
Les activités Outdoor du Centre International Hassan II de Formation à l’Environnement by Meryem Khodari
منهج السنة النبوية في غرس وتنمية قيم التربية البيئية وأثره على الأطفال by محمود علي

Workshop: The importance of the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve for the Natural History in Abu Dhabi Emirate

The Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is located just outside of the Mussafah industrial area of Abu Dhabi city. It is a blend of desert, sabkha and aquatic ecosystems. The geological outcrops are offering insights to recent climate history of the region, with conglomerates deposited from river systems that transported rock material from the Oman Mountains to Abu Dhabi (Hili Formation). The overlying fossil dunes of the Ghayathi Formation display Quaternary climate change, with dune formation during cold periods when the Arabian Gulf was dry and warmer, more humid periods when rising groundwater levels caused stabilization and weak cementation of the dunes. The inland sabkha environments can be observed in or around depressions and lakes, where the groundwater level is sufficiently close to the surface so that evaporation occurs through the capillary zone.

YEEC Programme - Environmental Education: Programs Around the World: Achievements & Challenges

Format: Global Café

Brief of the session: Environmental Education achievements from different countries and continents that aims to share knowledge. Discuss various achievements performed internationally and compare ideas, strategies, and perspectives. It is an eye-opening experience to exchange ideas from international guests and learn new ways to implement them to improve local projects and targets.

-Table 1: Shamma Alkhoori, Aysha Alsherroqi,
-Table 2: Jenna Potter, Carlos Shanka
-Table 3: Sara Syed, Manal Bidal
-Table 4: Nina Hamilton, Sara Constantino
-Table 5: Carl Alongsagay & Sneha Shahi
-Table 6: Raquel Armendariz & Alexa Rose Pettinari

Oral communication - The Challenges

Terrenesat-1 by Aysha Saif Alkaabi
Evaluating a Social Behavior Change program to reduce demand for wildlife consumption: A case study in a biodiversity stronghold in Nghe An, Vietnam by Khanh Nguyen
University Students’ Perceptions of Food Waste in the UAE by Tareefa Alsumaiti

Oral communication - The Means

Text, Video, or Podcast: Which is the Best Way to Conduct Environmental Education Online? By Vinicius Avelar São-Pedro
Awareness and sustainability. An action-research on early childhood educators and parents in the Municipality of Rome. By Chiara Minischetti
Science in the City: Building Participatory Urban Learning Community Hubs through Research and Activation by Constantinos Cartalis

Oral communication - The Dimensions

Indigenous knowledge and climate education: Synergies and challenges by David Zandvliet
Integrating Traditional Puppetry Art for Effective Wildlife Conservation Education: A Case Study from South India by Brawin Kumar
Eco-civilization and Environmental Education in China --A Case Study of Tongji University by Bin Xu, Jiaqi Shen, Ying Wang, Fangnon Firmin Fangninou, and Fengting Li

Oral communication - The Goals

Recover Consciousness Of The Impact That Our Daily Practices Have, To Reinvent Ways To Inhabit The Planet: Using A Videogame As A Tool To Raise Environmental Awareness And Change Behaviors by Catalina Ramirez
Effect on Students’ Access and Knowledge Acquisition Using a Universal Design for Learning Enhanced Watershed Curriculum for Ages 10-15: A Large-Scale Study by Nanette Marcum-Dietrich
Approaches to Teaching Ecocriticism in the Humanities by Doris Hambuch

Oral communication - The Goals

Climate Change Education for Primary School Children in Kenya by EMMANUEL GICHURU MUCHORA
Assessment of gold miners’ awareness of environmental risks in Rwanda: re-thinking the contribution of environmental education in formal and informal settings by Florien Nsanganwimana
Curating Interactive Learning Experiences to Create the Next Generation of Young Conservationists by Sarah Jizzini

Oral communication - The Dimension

Working For The Present And Future Wellbeing Of ALL Life by Anne Poelina
The role of Indigenous Knowledge and Traditional Practices in Promoting Community Resilience and Ecological Sustainability in the Face of Climate Change: The Case of Women by Mphemelang Ketlhoilwe
Tackline biodiversity loss through Saker Falcon conservation by Munir Virani

YEEC Programme - Climate Fresk

Format: Workshop (1hr)

Brief of the session: The Climate Fresk is a scientific and collaborative workshop, designed to educate about climate change. The objective is to connect 42 cards, highlighting the causes of consequences between them. The reasoning follows the scientific reports of the IPCC.

YEEC Programme - Wisdom of the Sands: Unveiling Sustainable Lessons from UAE Heritage

Format: Majlis

Brief of the session: In this session, we explore indigenous knowledge and cultural practices, drawing on insights from experts in diverse fields, including nutrition, heritage, and marine biology. A physical majlis conducted to explore sustainable lessons taugh through the UAE heritage and culture to raise awareness of local wisdoms that are being passed from generation to generation and learning how to tweak them to align with today’s needs for a sustainable lifestyle.

Round Table: Youth-Driven Sustainable Enterprise in the Middle East: Case Studies of Empowerment and Social Innovation

The Middle East stands at a crossroads, where the voices and actions of youth activists are propelling the region towards a more sustainable and inclusive future. This paper presents a collection of case studies that illuminate the dynamic interplay between youth activism and sustainable enterprise.

The purpose of this study is to delve into the motivations, challenges, and successes of youth-led enterprises. We apply a multiple case study approach and empirically analyze how activism drives innovation, fosters collaboration, and engages local communities and stakeholders, creating a ripple effect of sustainable practices and consciousness throughout the region. Our research questions are: How does youth-led entrepreneurship support region’s transformation for a sustainable development? What drives the success of sustainable youth-led entrepreneurship? How does social network theory support the phenomenon of passion-driven sustainable enterprise’s success?
These case studies showcase a range of sustainable enterprises in the Middle East, led by visionary young activists, and encompass various sectors, including:

Round Table: A Worldwide Community for Sustainability

As the climate crisis escalates, Environmental Education (EE) has found broad local and global support as a much-needed tool for addressing the environmental, economic, and social justice issues arising from the impacts of a changing climate. The range of education supporters, including environmental and education agencies/ministries, multilateral organizations, the United Nations, regional-level organizations, NGOs, and the private sector are striving to infuse, integrate, and mainstream EE and the perspective of sustainability into their work as a way to address the impact of climate change on people, the planet, and social issues. While these supporters of environmental education may have varied motivations—individual action for sustainability, behavior change, organizational change, social learning and/or workforce development, educating every citizen around the world about the need to live and work sustainably is the objective. In short, the climate crisis will not and cannot be solved without education. Robust economies and environmental justice will not and cannot be achieved without education.

Workshop: Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) - Joining an International Community

FLA – Lombardy Foundation for the Environment, organization which supports Lombardy Region in the planning and implementation of sustainable development policies, and WEEC Secretariat Permanent are organizations that promote Environmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development within project practices, scientific research and integrating those issues into policies and programs, at national and international level.

In the context of the collaboration between FLA and WEEC Secretariat Permanent, a workshop is to be organized during the WEEC Conference.
The workshop will be dedicated to the organizations representatives of EU funded projects, invited to the conference, with the goal to enhance their activities undertaken around education for sustainable development (ESD) themes, designing a project proposal at international level, taking advantage of the funding opportunities offered by philanthropic foundations, operating in non-european contexts.

Oral communication - The Means

Applying AI and Geospatial Intelligence for Environmental Awareness and Education by Raj Thouta
Design and implementation of the educational program to promote environmental civic actions in Japan by Tomoko Mori
FLOW with Nature: building experiential and positive emotional connections between young people and nature to enhance well-being by Carl Leong

Oral communication - The Goals

Leadership in the Development and Implementation of an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Curriculum Framework for Climate and Sustainability Education in England, UK by Jo Anna Reed Johnson and Sarah Marston
Using Global Learning through the Collaborative Online International Learning Model to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals by Building Intercultural Competency Skills by Kelly Tzoumis, Elena Douvlou and Mona Pearl
Establishment of Schools Supporting Environmental and Sustainable Education in Estonia - an Overview by Mihkel Kangur

YEEC Programme - Upcycling Workshop

Format: Workshop

Lunch Break

Collaborating and Networking for EE and ESD

Coffee Break

YEEC Programme - Public Speaking & Advocacy

Format: Workshop (1h)

Brief of the session: A workshop on the key concepts and skills in planning and delivering effective presentations and public speeches. Each participant will give a short speech. Videoed with their own phones for review and refinement at a later date.