Illuminating the green future: distinguished speakers at the 12th WEEC in Abu Dhabi

With the twelfth World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) set to take place in Abu Dhabi from January 29 to February 2, the world will have the opportunity to listen and learn from a cadre of visionary experts and leaders in the environmental field. The Congress, which is already open for registrations, will serve as a catalyst for ideas and discussions aimed at shaping a greener and more sustainable future in the realm of education.

Spotlight on international visionaries

The speaker lineup comprises internationally renowned figures, experts, and industry thought leaders, all united by a common passion for environmental education and sustainable development.

H.E. Shaikha Al Dhaheri – Secretary-General, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, will be among the distinguished speakers. With a Ph.D. in Wildlife Conservation and Protection from the University of Aberdeen in the United Kingdom, she is the first Emirati woman to achieve this accolade. Her leadership is crucial for safeguarding natural resources and promoting sustainable development in the emirate.

H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak – President, IUCN

Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), brings over twenty years of commitment to a sustainable future in the United Arab Emirates. Her election as the president of IUCN in September 2021 makes her the second woman to lead the organization in its 75-year history and its first president from West Asia.

Akpezi Ogbuigwe – Chairperson, Earth Charter International Council, and Regional Advisor for Africa, UNU/RCE’s

Dr. Akpezi Ogbuigwe, a respected practitioner in environmental law and education for global futures, will be present as the Chairperson of the Earth Charter International Council. Her diverse experience includes roles at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and as Adviser for the African Region at UNU-RCE’s.

Carlos Alvarez Pereira – Vice President, The Club of Rome, Spain

Carlos Alvarez Pereira, Vice President of The Club of Rome, will contribute his over 30 years of experience in research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and business management. His keen interest in complexity thinking and transdisciplinarity is vital for exploring the cultural transformation required for equitable human well-being within a healthy biosphere.

David Orr – Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics and Senior Adviser to the President of Oberlin College

Prof. David W. Orr, a Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics and senior adviser to the president of Oberlin College, will bring his wisdom as a founding editor of the journal Solutions and as the executive director of the Oberlin Project, a collaborative effort for the resilience, prosperity, and sustainability of Oberlin.

Elizabeth Wathuti – Kenyan Environmentalist and Young Climate Leader, Kenya, and Founder of the Green Generation Initiative (GGI)

Elizabeth Wathuti, a dedicated environmentalist and dynamic young climate leader from Kenya, will be a strong voice for environmental preservation. As the Founder of the Green Generation Initiative, she played a crucial role in supporting the largest delegation of African youth at COP27 in Egypt.

Jeffrey Sachs – President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and Director of the Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University

Prof. Jeffrey D. Sachs, University Professor and Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, will bring his extensive academic and advisory experience to promote sustainable development goals.

Judy Braus – Executive Director, North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)

Judy Braus, with her wealth of experience in environmental education, assumes the role of Executive Director of the North American Association for Environmental Education. Her focus on diversity and inclusion is crucial for creating healthier and more sustainable communities through education.

Ricky Kej – Internationally Renowned Music Composer, Environmentalist and Professor

Three Times Grammy Award Winner, Awarded as the United Nations “Global Humanitarian Artist,” UNESCO MGIEP Ambassador, UNCCD “Land Ambassador,” UNICEF ‘Celebrity Supporter.’

Three-times Grammy Award-winning Indian music composer and environmentalist Ricky Kej will bring his passion through music. In addition to his musical achievements, Kej serves as a UNHCR “Goodwill Ambassador,” UNCCD Land Ambassador, and UNESCO – MGIEP “Global Ambassador for Kindness.”

Building a green future through environmental education