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Abu Dhabi / WAM
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) will host the 12th World Environment Education Congress (WEEC) in Abu Dhabi in 2024, it was officially announced at the end of congress’ 11th edition held in Prague, Czech Republic.
The congress themed ‘Connecting People, Creating Tomorrow’ will take place from January 29 to February 2, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EAD.
It is the first time that the conference is taking place in the region, and is planned in collaboration and coordination with the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
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. We all know that the potential to instigate change in any society begins with the adoption of environmentally responsible behaviour, which can only be accomplished through environmental education. We are fortunate to live in an era where governments have begun to establish policies and plans that prioritise the environment at the top of their 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 also contributes towards the exchange of local, regional, and global educational experiences, to promote a competitive economy based on innovation, whilst encouraging investment in the country’s youth. 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 and Outreach Management, EAD, commented, “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, “Events like WEEC facilitate the development of policies and initiation of projects that can help us protect nature.”
WEEC held every two years is one of the most important global events that bring together environmental educational experts on an international level. They meet to review best practices, experiences, and research on environmental education methods and outcomes under the supervision of a scientific committee representing all continents and with the help of a national committee from the host country.
Since 2003, the network has hosted ten worldwide conferences, with thousands of participants from over 100 countries, including university professors, government officials, international organisations, journalists, political representatives, foundations, and NGOs.