News – weecnetwork

The WEEC community shapes the future: from 2026 to 2028, new events and initiatives for the global EE network

30 April 2026/in News/by WEEC Network

After the cancellation of the meeting expected for next September in Australia because of the huge geopolitical crisis, the worldwide community of practice and research in environmental education continues its engagement, its work and its stewardship in favour of an education that is not only a discipline or a field of research, but a lighthouse in times of troubles, growing challenges, and increasing threats to humans and the Planet.

We regret the cancellation of the 2026 meeting, but we have new initiatives, meetings, partnership opportunities, and publications.

We have some important news.

First, the next congress is ready to collect the international community of practice and research for the environment and sustainability. You are invited to attend the next WEEC congress, to be held in Bilbao (Spain), 21-25 March 2028. Further information is coming soon.
Second, the international initiative “No Limits to Hope”, on learning challenges, launched jointly with the Club of Rome and The Fifth Element, is underway.

We will inform you soon about the launch event for the first book, born of contributions from all over the world.

Further publications will be issued gradually, and the online forum remains open on the WEEC website (https://weecnetwork.org/no-limits-to-hope/). Send us your contributions!

Finally, we remind you of the World Environmental Education Day, celebrated each year in October, around the anniversary of the UN-UNESCO Conference in Tbilisi (14 October 1977). On the WEEC website, you can find and download the official logo, available in many languages (https://weecnetwork.org/world-environmental-education-day/).

You can promote seminars, conferences, workshops, and so on. The network will collect the initiatives, publish them online, and announce them through newsletters and social media.

Follow the agenda on this website and on social media!

WEEC is partner at the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress.

10 October 2025/in News/by WEEC Network

The panel No Limits to Hope: the state of learning (Monday 13^th October, 2pm, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi) aims to give voice to various case histories from different parts of the world to strengthen the role of learning as a vehicle for human improvement.

WEEC is proud to announce to be at the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, October 9-15, 2025 as official partner of the Nature-based Education Pavilion organized by the IUCN Commission on Education and Communication. The Pavillion hosts thematic days led by experts from formal and non-formal education sectors advancing climate education and biodiversity education around the world.

On October 13, in conjunction with the World Environmental Education Day, WEEC, the Club or Rome, the Fifth Element and the Environment Abu Dhabi Agency present the panel No Limits to Hope (NLTH): the State of Learning.

No Limits to Hope is a significant new initiative led by a flagship programme of the Club of Rome, The Fifth Element, and the WEEC Network (World Environmental Education Congress). This project marks the 45th anniversary of the influential No Limits to Learning report. It aims to unlock the full potential of learning to create positive changes for people and the planet.

The panel held in Abu Dhabi aims to share insights, present cutting-edge research, and engage in dialogue on the current and future landscape of learning worldwide

The speakers

Bianca La Placa, WEEC Network, executive manager
Richard Perry, Adviser Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
Rami Beiram, Associate Provost for Research at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU),
Toni Chalah Head of Capability and Competency Development Division Ekthar
Kotoko Yadomaru President, NatureLit

The World Environmental Education Day was established on October 14th in order to celebrate the first intergovernmental conference on environmental education, organized by UNESCO and UNEP, held in Tbilisi (Georgia) from October 14th to 26th 1977. The coordination of the World EE Day is taken care of by the WEEC Network.

Why Participate?

Engage with a global network of educators and practitioners
Showcase your research to an international audience
Contribute to shaping global learning agendas
Explore future collaborations and research opportunities

More info https://iucncongress2025.org/programme/weec-no-limits-hope-and-13weec-2026

Registration Now Open for the NAAEE 2025 Conference and Research Symposium

1 October 2025/in News/by WEEC Network

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) is excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 NAAEE Annual Conference and Research Symposium, taking place online from October 30 to November 6, 2025.

This year’s theme, “Forward Together,” invites educators, researchers, and changemakers from around the world to explore how environmental education can help build a more collaborative, resilient, and equitable future.

A Global Gathering for Environmental Educators

The NAAEE 2025 Conference and Research Symposium will bring together hundreds of participants for an inspiring virtual experience that celebrates learning, community, and action. With more than 200 sessions, including keynote addresses, workshops, symposium panels, and discussions, the event will highlight innovative strategies to advance environmental literacy, foster civic engagement, and strengthen connections between people and the planet.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

Engage in rich conversations and interactive sessions with leading voices in environmental education.
Explore practical tools and strategies to enhance teaching, research, and community engagement.
Connect and network with a diverse global community of educators, students, and practitioners.

Accessible and Inclusive for All

NAAEE is committed to making the 2025 virtual experience accessible and inclusive by offering reduced registration rates for anyone who needs them—no application required.

Event Details

Research Symposium: October 30, 2025
Annual Conference: November 3–6, 2025
Location: Online

Learn more, explore the full program, and register today at conference.naaee.org

The Big Idea Oration 2025

11 August 2025/in News/by WEEC Network

On 5 September 2025, at 5:30 p.m., Currumbin RSL will host The Big Idea Oration 2025, an unmissable event for educators, professionals, and sustainability enthusiasts.

The evening will feature Dr. Sue Elliott and Dr. Glyn Thomas, two leading figures in environmental and outdoor education.

The event can be attended in person (ticket: $95) or followed for free via live online streaming, with the option to watch the recording afterwards.

Sue Elliott – Adjunct Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at the University of New England – will address the question: “Are environmental and outdoor educators ready to welcome children who are environmentally aware?”
Since 2024, sustainability has been a new principle in the Australian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), and nature play programs have been expanding nationwide. Elliott will invite educators to be ready to welcome children who are already skilled, knowledgeable, and active, and who have the right to express their views on their sustainable future.

Glyn Thomas – Senior Lecturer in Outdoor and Environmental Studies at the University of the Sunshine Coast – will explore the topic: “Can outdoor environmental education make a unique contribution to preparing people for life in the digital age?”
With an extensive academic and professional background, Thomas will examine how experiential learning in nature can strengthen skills and resilience, even in an increasingly technological world.

Event Information and Registration:
📅 When: Friday, 5 September 2025, 5:30 p.m.
📍 Where: Currumbin RSL (in person) or online via live stream
💵 Cost: $95 in person – free online
🔗 Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-big-idea-oration-2025-tickets-1489786675049?aff=oddtdtcreator

PolyCIVIS Issues Dakar Communiqué to Strengthen Europe-Africa Climate Cooperation

9 August 2025/in News/by WEEC Network

The PolyCIVIS Alliance has released the Dakar Communiqué, a key outcome of the PolyCIVIS Agora Forum held in Dakar, Senegal, on April 23, 2025. The high-level forum brought together academics, practitioners, civil society representatives, and policymakers to address the theme “Strengthening Europe-Africa Cooperation on Climate, Environment, and Energy Transition in a Polycrisis Era.”

The Dakar Communiqué captures the main insights, recommendations, and shared priorities that emerged from the discussions. It forms part of PolyCIVIS’ ongoing policy work, which also includes a series of Policy Briefs designed to inform decision-making and foster equitable Euro-African cooperation in climate governance and environmental resilience.

PolyCIVIS is a network of 21 European and African universities committed to advancing dialogue, research, education, and action on pressing global challenges, with a strong focus on climate and environmental crises. The initiative is co-funded by the European Union as a Jean Monnet network.

For more information and to access the Dakar Communiqué, visit PolyCIVIS website.

Please read the Dakar Communiqué in English and in French

Proceedings of the 12th WEEC in Abu Dhabi now officially published

29 July 2025/in News/by WEEC Network

We are pleased to announce that the proceedings of the 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC), organized jointly with the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency, held in Abu Dhabi from January 29 to February 2, 2024, have been published and are freely available online.

📥 Download the full proceedings here:
👉 WEEC 2024 Proceedings PDF

About WEEC 2024

WEEC 2024 reaffirms the critical role of Environmental Education (EE) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in humanity’s transformation toward a more sustainable world.

Held in Abu Dhabi, the Congress offered meaningful opportunities to connect educators, researchers, policymakers, and activists from across the globe to share, learn, and engage in dialogue around the latest developments in environmental and sustainability education.

The event explored education at all levels —formal, non-formal, and informal — and welcomed a rich variety of contributions. In addition to academic and practitioner abstracts, the Congress also embraced creative and interactive formats, including fiction, performances, games, and participatory workshops that reflected the diversity and innovation within the EE and ESD fields.

About the Proceedings

The published proceedings span over 400 pages, showcasing the intellectual and creative contributions that made WEEC 2024 such a dynamic event.

The document is structured around four thematic clusters:

The Challenges: addressing the triple planetary crisis—climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss—and the water-food-energy nexus.
The Goals: highlighting global and local strategies for sustainability education, including school-based initiatives, ecosystem restoration, and engagement with the SDGs.
The Dimensions: exploring values, cultural diversity, indigenous knowledge, and the emotional and aesthetic dimensions of environmental education.
The Means: focusing on tools and strategies, such as artificial intelligence, early childhood education, and innovative technologies for environmental learning.

Each section includes a range of case studies, academic papers, and experiential learning models, offering both theoretical insights and practical applications from diverse global contexts.

Recognizing the Socio-scientific Committee

A special acknowledgment goes to the International and Local Socio-scientific Committee, whose dedicated work was instrumental to the success of WEEC 2024.

Their efforts included:

Reviewing over 700 submissions;
Acting as national and international liaisons;
Defining the Congress’s thematic structure;
Coordinating thematic niches and parallel sessions to ensure coherence and inclusiveness.

Their guidance greatly contributed to the scientific depth and overall coherence of the Congress, as clearly reflected in the breadth and quality of the published proceedings.

We hope this publication will serve as a valuable resource for educators, researchers, institutions, and all stakeholders committed to advancing sustainability through education. It is a testament to the global community’s shared commitment to ecological awareness, knowledge exchange, and transformative learning.

Stay connected with the WEEC Network as we continue moving forward — toward WEEC 2026 and beyond.

Train Yourself… in the Second Half of 2025 with Ifrée!

15 July 2025/in News/by WEEC Network

The second half of the year is the perfect time to take stock, reflect on your professional practices, and develop or strengthen key skills. Whether you’re leading environmental transition projects or simply looking to enrich your approach, Ifrée’s training courses are here to support your initiatives and boost your expertise.

Supporting the Ecological Transition

Understanding and responding to the emotional and social dimensions of environmental change:

From Eco-Anxiety to Eco-Resilience
Tuesday, October 7 and Wednesday, October 8 in Poitiers (86)
➤ NEW DATES
Change: Methods and Mindsets (Level 2)
From Tuesday, November 25 (2:00 p.m.) to Thursday, November 27 in Niort (79)

Introduction to Participatory Approaches

Learn to build dialogue, facilitate group work, and sharpen your active listening skills:

Designing and Facilitating Territorial Dialogue
October 7–9, then November 12–14 in Bordeaux
Tools for Facilitating Group Work
November 25–28 in Niort (79)
➤ NEW DATES
Strengthening Your Active Listening Practice
Thursday, December 4 and Friday, December 5 in Angoulême (16)
➤ NEW DATES

Nature and Environmental Education

For professionals who want to ground their educational practices in nature and field-based approaches:

Early Childhood and Nature-Based Environmental Education
September 16–18 in Villiers-en-Bois (79)
Building Your EE Practices: Educational and Pedagogical Fundamentals
Monday, September 22 (2:00 p.m.) to Friday, September 26 (12:00 p.m.) in Angoulême (16)
“Art and Nature” Approach in Environmental Education (Level 1)
October 14–17 in Angoulême (16)
Sensitive Approaches: Reconnecting with Nature
November 18–21 in Villiers-en-Bois (79)

Trainings Open to All

Educators, trainers, teachers, technicians, civil servants, elected officials, volunteers, project leaders, and nonprofit professionals—Ifrée’s trainings are open to anyone committed to ecological and educational transitions.

Trainings Designed for Real-World Impact

Developed based on real needs identified by professionals and organizations.
Featuring active learning methods: practical exercises, peer collaboration, and real-world case studies.
Designed to ensure effective transfer of learning into participants’ daily work.
Diverse participants = enriched exchanges and varied perspectives.
Expert trainers selected for their extensive field experience and hands-on knowledge.

Ifrée: Training for Territory-Based Action

Ifrée (Institute for Training and Research in Environmental Education) is a certified Qualiopi training provider that brings together public institutions and nonprofits to support actors working in ecological and educational transitions.

For over 20 years, Ifrée has developed training, resources, tools, and participatory approaches to empower those who bring change to life across communities.

📥 View the Full Program
👉 Click here for the full program

📝 Register Now
👉 Click here to register

Our Ocean, Our Action: 10th Our Ocean Conference launches today in Busan, Republic of Korea

28 April 2025/in News, Our Action: 10th Our Ocean Conference, Our Ocean/by WEEC Network

Today, April 28, 2025, marks the opening of the 10th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) in Busan, Republic of Korea, bringing together more than 1,000 leaders, policymakers, scientists, youth representatives, and advocates from across the globe to accelerate ocean action and climate solutions.

Under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Action” the conference reflects on a decade of progress in ocean protection and looks ahead to the urgent challenges still facing the marine environment. Participants will share successful initiatives, evaluate the impact of commitments made over the past 10 years, and forge new alliances for the decade to come.

“The tenth Our Ocean Conference offers a vital opportunity to celebrate achievements and chart a new course for stronger international cooperation,” said Do-hyung Kang, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, during the opening ceremony.

Since its inception in 2014, the Our Ocean Conference has generated over 2,600 voluntary commitments, contributing to the creation of marine protected areas, the fight against illegal fishing, and the promotion of a sustainable blue economy. Nearly half of the world’s marine protected areas were first announced at OOC events.

For the first time, a full analysis of these commitments will be presented, with a report by the World Resources Institute showing that more than $133 billion in funding has already been mobilized out of the $160 billion pledged. These investments support critical efforts such as marine biodiversity conservation, combating illegal fishing, and ocean-climate solutions that contribute to reducing global emissions.

The conference comes at a crucial time. Despite major achievements, ocean ecosystems continue to suffer from climate change, overexploitation, and pollution. Scientists warn that immediate action and greater investment are essential to reverse the damage and ensure the ocean’s vital role in climate regulation, food security, and economic development.

The Republic of Korea recently became the 21st country to ratify the High Seas Treaty, a milestone agreement aimed at protecting international waters. Building on this momentum, the Busan conference is expected to energize global efforts ahead.

For more information:
https://ourocean2025.kr
www.ouroceanconference.org

Press contact details:
Our Ocean Conference: ourocean2025media@korea.kr
Patricia Roy: patricia@communicationsinc.co.uk, Tel: +34 696 905 907

Turin hosts the 15th Conference of Environmental Sociologists. Deep Transition? Wars, conflicts and socio-ecological transformations

25 February 2025/in News/by WEEC Network

From September 8 to 10, 2025, the University of Turin will become a focal point for scientific debate on contemporary environmental and social challenges as it hosts the XV Conference on Environmental Sociology at the Luigi Einaudi Campus. Organized by the Department of Cultures, Politics, and Society, the event will explore “Deep Transitions” — the profound societal transformations driven by wars, conflicts, and ecological crises.

A timely and crucial theme

The 2025 conference will examine the complex interplay between ecological transitions, armed conflicts, and socio-economic changes, investigating how these factors influence one another at both local and global levels. A call for abstracts, set to be released in the coming months, will invite researchers, academics, and professionals to contribute their perspectives across a range of disciplines.

Objectives and key themes

The conference aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, generating fresh insights into how conflicts and crises shape ecological transitions. The main thematic areas will include:

Energy transitions and geopolitical conflicts: exploring how the competition for natural resources intensifies international and local tensions.
Climate crisis and forced migrations: analyzing migratory flows triggered by extreme weather events and environmental degradation.
Circular economy and alternative development models: proposing pathways toward post-growth and post-carbon societies.
Social movements and environmental justice: investigating the role of civil society in influencing public policies for sustainability.
Global governance and environmental policies: examining the role of international institutions in addressing environmental challenges and fostering cooperation.

A platform for international exchange

The conference will welcome leading scholars and researchers from universities and research centers worldwide. The program will include plenary sessions, thematic panels, roundtables, and participatory workshops, offering participants a rich opportunity to engage deeply with various aspects of socio-ecological transitions.

Among the expected speakers are experts in political ecology, environmental sociology, conflict studies, and sustainability sciences, who will share their research and help shape a constructive debate on future trajectories.

Bridging research and action

One of the conference’s key strengths will be its emphasis on translating academic research into practical recommendations for policymakers and environmental activists. By facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experiences, the event aims to identify innovative solutions to pressing environmental and social issues, encouraging collaboration between academia, institutions, and local communities.

An essential event for scholars and society

The XV Conference on Environmental Sociology offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the role of sociology in understanding and navigating ecological transitions and global conflicts. The event aspires to stimulate critical knowledge production and promote more just and sustainable social and ecological practices.

For those eager to contribute, the upcoming call for abstracts will provide a platform to present research proposals and innovative projects. Details on submission deadlines and procedures will soon be available on the university’s official website.

In an era marked by unprecedented environmental challenges, moments of collective dialogue like this are vital for imagining and constructing alternative futures.

Save the date and join us for an event poised to leave a lasting impact on both the scientific community and society at large.

👉 For more information and to participate in the call for abstracts, CLICK HERE to download the full document.

Rey Juan Carlos University to host the VII International Congress on environmental education: advancing sustainability and ecological transformation

18 February 2025/in News, Press/by WEEC Network

VII Congreso Iberoamericano sobre Educación Ambiental para la sustentabilidad

13-16 de Marzo 2025 | Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Fuenlabrada, Madrid)

“Educación Ambiental para la transformación social y ecológica: de la conciencia a la acción. Sembrando cambios, cultivando futuros”.

From March 13 to 16, 2025, Rey Juan Carlos University in Fuenlabrada, Madrid, will host the VII International Congress on Environmental Education, held in conjunction with the VII Ibero-American Congress on Environmental Education for Sustainability. The event, titled “Environmental Education for Social and Ecological Transformation: From Awareness to Action. Sowing Change, Cultivating Futures,” aims to provide a collaborative platform for participants and partner organizations to discuss and promote environmental education and sustainability strategies.

Objectives of the VII International Congress on Environmental Education

The congress will focus on several key objectives, including:
Raising public awareness and fostering citizen participation in building a sustainable future.
Highlighting the connection between human health and the environment while promoting sustainable lifestyles.
Strengthening the professional role of environmental educators as essential agents of ecological transformation and sustainable development.

Evaluating the current status of environmental education in the education system to identify challenges and needs.
Encouraging collaboration and networking among local and international organizations to address the eco-social crisis.
Organizers and ParticipantsThe congress is organized by the Spanish Association for Environmental Education (AEEA) in partnership with Rey Juan Carlos University. It represents a significant opportunity for researchers, educators, and professionals to engage in meaningful discussions on sustainability and eco-social transformation.

The scientific committee is chaired by Dr. Aurelio Santiesteban Cimarro from the Autonomous University of Madrid and includes distinguished experts from various institutions such as the Complutense University of Madrid, the University of Valencia, the University of Granada, the University of Valladolid, UNICEPES in Mexico, and Enrique José Varona University in Cuba. The organizing committee is led by María Roca Carrera, supported by a team of dedicated professionals.

The inaugural speech will be delivered by María Novo from the UNESCO Chair on Environmental Education and Sustainable Development at UNED, who is also a member of the WEEC network.

Key topics and activities

The congress will address critical topics such as:
Circular economy and responsible consumption.
The link between environmental health and human well-being.
Integrating environmental education into school curricula.
The active role of citizens in environmental protection.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in plenary sessions, interactive workshops, expert presentations, and discussions featuring leading educators and researchers. The event’s comprehensive program will facilitate knowledge exchange and foster collaboration in building a more sustainable future.

Registration and additional information

For further details and to register for the congress, visit the official event website. The VII International Congress on Environmental Education promises to be a landmark event, inspiring actionable change in environmental education and sustainability efforts worldwide.