A step towards a greener future: the 7th World Environmental Education Day

The seventh World Environmental Education Day, which will be celebrated on 14 October, reflects the crucial importance of education for a sustainable future.

Originating from the 1977 Tbilisi Conference, the Environmental Education Day unites global environmental educators to address challenges such as climate change and pollution. It invites active participation, underlining the fundamental role of individuals in building a more ecological and just world.
30 September 2023 Editorial Staff 444 Views 1 Comment climate change, Tbilisi Conference, environmental education, world day, sustainability.

The global commitment to a more sustainable environment

In an increasingly interconnected world, where human action has a direct impact on our planet, environmental education emerges as a fundamental key to addressing the complex challenges that await us. On October 14, the world celebrates the seventh World Environmental Education Day, an opportunity to reflect on the crucial importance of developing knowledge and skills for a greener and more sustainable future.

The deep roots of the World Environmental Education Day: the Tbilisi Conference

This annual event has deep roots dating back 46 years, when the United Nations Intergovernmental Conference on Environmental Education took place in Tbilisi, Georgia. Organized by UNESCO and UNEP, this conference has left a lasting impression on our understanding of the environment and the need to educate future generations.

In October, educational institutions, environmental organizations, parks, museums and many other entities will dedicate special events to raise public awareness of the importance of environmental education. The goal is to build transversal skills that help people understand the complexity of global challenges related to the environment. This profound understanding can shape human perceptions of our relationship with the natural world, thus influencing individual and collective behaviors.
The key role of environmental educators

This year’s central theme reflects the urgency of acting together for a sustainable future. Environmental educators around the world are working tirelessly to inspire and educate, transforming people into conscious change agents. This World Environmental Education Day is not only a call to action, but also a celebration of the global commitment to preserving our planet for future generations.

The event is coordinated by the global network of environmental educators, who meet every two years in the sector conferences known as WEEC, World Environmental Education Congress. These congresses offer a unique opportunity for experts to share best practices, discuss emerging challenges and strengthen global collaboration in environmental education.

Events in Italy and Canada

On the occasion of the seventh World Environmental Education Day, significant events will take place in different parts of the world. From 12 to 15 October Earth Festival is taking place on Lake Maggiore in Italy, in its third edition. The Earth Festival presents itself as an opportunity to engage in environmental protection through meetings, debates, conferences, music and shows.

The Center for Research on Environmental Education and Eco-Citizenship (Centr’ERE) at the University of Quebec in Montreal hosts Environmental Education Days, an event aimed at raising awareness and promoting action on environmental issues. During these days, Centr’ERE celebrates three symbolic dates, emphasizing our relationship with education, indigenous peoples and the environment. October 5 marks International Teachers’ Day, October 12 encourages reflection on history and connections with indigenous peoples, and October 14 marks International Environmental Education Day.

The invitation to active participation: building a more sustainable world together

As the world faces challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, environmental education stands as a beacon of hope. It is through understanding and education that we can hope to shape a greener, more livable and just future for all living things on Earth. The seventh World Environmental Education Day is a significant step in this direction, uniting people from all over the world in a common commitment to a healthier and more sustainable planet.

If you want to take an active part in this important change, we invite you to join us in celebrating World Environmental Education Day.

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Every contribution, big or small, is essential to building a more sustainable world. Together, we can make a difference and shape a future where harmony between humanity and nature is guaranteed for generations to come. Join us in doing your part for a better world!