The World Environment Education Congress, (WEEC), will discuss the role and importance of education in environmental work and sustainability at all levels in both formal and informal education.
The congress in 2024 is a forum for exchanging knowledge, discourse, and networks among individuals, institutions, network, and alliances that are involved in environmental education.
WEEC, which takes place every two years, is one the most important global events that brings together educational experts from all over the world.
They meet to share best practices, experience, and research on environmental education methods, with the support of a national committee from their host country.
Under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD), Abu Dhabi will host the 12th World Environment Education Congress (WEEC).
The congress was organized in coordination with the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau of Culture and Tourism.
WEEC, which is one of the most important events and conferences in the field of environmental education in the world, will take place from January 29 until February 2, 2024, under the theme ‘Connecting People, Creating Tomorrow.’ The hosting of the congress by EAD was officially announced during the 11th edition of WEEC in Prague, Czech Republic, in March 2022.
The congress is an international event of great importance for those who work in the field and have an interest in sustainable development and environmental education.
It provides researchers, educators and students with the chance to learn about a wide range of topics related to sustainable development and the environment.
The congress will feature many speakers from all over the world who will discuss environmental issues. This will provide a valuable opportunity to present or share your work. The congress will also help increase investment in information technology in areas such as open education, distance learning and knowledge dissemination for everyone.
Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD said: “We are honoured to represent Abu Dhabi in hosting the 12th World Environment Education Congress, a significant event that brings together a diverse group of experts and professionals committed to disseminating environmental education ideas. Environmental education is essential to promoting environmentally responsible behaviour. This is how we all know the potential for society change. We are fortunate to live in an age when governments have established policies and plans that place the environment at their top of the national agenda. We are also fortunate that more members of the community are becoming conscious of the need of environmental preservation to rescue the planet.”
She added: “This conference gives an opportunity to activate and strengthen EAD’s position in the field of environmental education, as well as to activate environmental and sustainable development policies. In line with the UAE Centennial 2071 the congress contributes to the exchange of educational experiences from local, regional and global levels, in order to promote a country with a competitive economy that is innovative, while encouraging youth investment. This will equip them with skills and knowledge that respond to rapid changes and transform educational institutions in the country into global research centres.”
Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director, Environmental Information, Science & Outreach Management: “I am extremely grateful that the Organising Committee of WEEC selected my country, the UAE for the momentous occasion of hosting WEEC 2024. We are thrilled that an event as significant as WEEC will be on our home turf, and we will work endlessly to ensure that it is a huge success and inspiration for positive action towards the conservation of the environment.”
He added: “We respect and encourage the exchange of information and dialogue between experts and those who are interested in the field of environmental education, whether they work on an individual or institutional level. We recognize the vital role education plays in raising awareness of important topics that are threatening our planet. Education is the only way we can reduce negative behaviours that directly harm our precious environment. This is the role of all those who work in this field. Events like WEEC facilitate the development of policies and initiation of projects that can help us protect nature.”
The network has hosted ten international conferences since 2003. There have been thousands of participants from more than 100 countries, including government officials, journalists, political representatives and foundations. TradeArabia News Service