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Blue Mediterranean Partnership. Spain pledges €8.5M to multi-donor sustainable blue economy fund

11 June 2025/in Senza categoria/by WEEC Network

The UfM (Union for the Mediterranean) high-level session was held on Tuesday 10 June in the framework of the Mediterranean Day at the Third United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice (France).

The session focused on the leading role of the Mediterranean in promoting a sustainable blue economy. Among the main points was the formal commitment of Spain to contribute 8.5 million euros to the Blue Mediterranean Partnership (BMP), a multi-donor fund promoted by the UfM that mobilises investments in sustainable blue economy projects in the Southern Mediterranean and Red Sea areas. The first projects that will be developed are the Morocco’s first offshore windfarm, the restoration of a coral ecosystem in Jordan and the development of a wastewater treatment facility in Egypt.

“Charting the path towards sustainable blue economy: the Mediterranean leading the way” is a Union for the Mediterranean-led event on the region’s role in advancing the sustainable use of marine resources to promote socioeconomic development.
Government officials, development agencies, regional networks, private sector actors, and civil society showcased innovative financing mechanisms, cutting-edge technologies and replicable initiatives.
The event highlighted priority areas for cooperation among the 43 UfM Member States, including maritime clusters, decarbonisation, marine biodiversity, blue jobs, renewable energy, sustainable tourism, pollution prevention, and circular economy enterprises. More than €500M euros have been mobilised for over 250 regional projects in these domains since the first UfM Ministerial Declaration on Sustainable Blue Economy in 2015.
Among the speakers were European Commissioner Cóstas Kadis, Spanish Minister Sara Aagesen and UfM Secretary General Nasser Kamel.

“The Mediterranean sea plays a key role in setting the path towards a sustainable blue economy and can act as a model for other sea basins,” said EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis. “The Ocean Pact, just adopted by the Commission, underscores the importance of unlocking financial support from both private and public sources to boost investments in ocean related actions, supporting EU blue economy and innovation.”

“Since the inception of this initiative in 2015, the Sustainable Blue Economy has emerged as a transformative force for regional cooperation and partnership. It serves as a key to unlocking a wealth of environmental, social, and economic benefits across our basin. This is why the UNOC ‘Med Day’ provides an ideal platform to highlight our achievements and ongoing efforts,” said Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority Commissioner Aiman Soleiman of Jordan.

“The Mediterranean Sea is not just a body of water—it’s a cradle of civilisation, a hub of biodiversity, and a vital source of livelihood for millions. The Mediterranean Sea shapes our past, present and future history, economy and identity,” said Spanish Minister for Ecological Transition Sara Aagesen.

“Our rich sustainable blue economy community undoubtedly serves as inspiration for other parts of the world,” said UfM Secretary General Nasser Kamel. “The UfM has played a pioneering role in establishing and strengthening the political and technical dialogue on Sustainable Blue Economy at regional level”.

Speaking 4 the Planet: creativity, courage, and a call for change

8 May 2025/in Senza categoria/by WEEC Network

Speaking 4 the Planet (S4P) is an arts-based approach to sustainability education that empowers young people to become informed, passionate advocates for the Earth and its many species. Launched in 2013 as a competition for secondary school students, S4P has since evolved into a global platform where students express environmental concerns and hopes through creativity, critical thinking, and evidence-based advocacy.

Designed to celebrate youth voices on issues affecting the planet and their future, S4P invites participants to blend the humanities and sciences, to reflect on the philosophical dimensions of human impact, and to imagine a better world grounded in scientific understanding.

Over time, the initiative has expanded to include primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, offering competitions in a variety of expressive formats—public speaking, art, writing, drama, video, memes, and STEM. These events not only help students develop their skills, but also emphasize the importance of having a voice and using it for change. S4P values creativity, critical inquiry, and unconventional solutions to some of the world’s most urgent environmental challenges.

Importantly, S4P helps young people recognize that they are not alone in their concern for the future. It builds local and global networks of students, schools, and communities united by a shared commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

A timeline told through posters

Each year, the competition is shaped by a new theme, as illustrated in its visual archive of event posters:

2021: “Rewind the Clock – Reverse Ecosystem Degradation” encouraged students to reflect on the importance of ecosystems.

2022: With events such as “Only One Earth… so don’t waste it!” and “One Planet, One Pedder”, the focus shifted to waste reduction and ecosystem restoration.
2023: “One Planet. Our Future: Consume with Care” addressed sustainable consumption, while Kids 4 the Planet continued engaging younger students.

2024: The largest S4P to date was held in Vietnam, giving voice to wildlife and biodiversity. In Uganda, the first African edition mobilized over 200 students from 11 school clubs, showcasing solutions through performances, displays, and debate.

2025: “Greenhouse Gases = Climate Calamity”, hosted in Sydney, focused on air pollution and climate action through speaking, writing, visual and recycled art.

These posters not only capture annual themes—they mark the growth of a movement that continues to adapt to local contexts while remaining rooted in a shared global vision.

An invitation to join the movement

Educators, students, and organizations around the world are invited to take part in future editions of S4P. The project offers guidance and support for those interested in hosting their own competition, helping local communities create engaging, meaningful, and youth-driven sustainability events.

For more information, contact: phil@speaking4theplanet.org.au

Visit: https://speaking4theplanet.org.au

Let the next generation’s words, images, and ideas speak for the planet.

Join the IUCN CEC 2025 Global Survey on Education for Biodiversity

28 April 2025/in Senza categoria/by WEEC Network

We invite you to participate in the IUCN Commission on Education and Communication (CEC) Survey on Education for Biodiversity 2025, led by the IUCN CEC Task Force on Nature-Based Education.

This marks the first global survey dedicated entirely to the educational aspects of:

Biodiversity conservation
Climate action
Sustainable development
Nature-based learning

The aim of this survey is to assess and document ongoing educational initiatives, identify current needs and opportunities, and exchange best practices and insights from across the globe.

Survey link: https://rb.gy/c6winm

Deadline: May 10, 2025

We encourage you to complete the survey. Your feedback is crucial in shaping the future of global nature education.

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

Education, youth empowerment, and global partnerships at the heart of biodiversity action

12 November 2024/in News, Press/by WEEC Network

by Jason J. Pitman

As the world continues to confront the urgent challenges of biodiversity loss and environmental degradation, the importance of education as a key driver for change has never been clearer. At 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP16), held in Cali, Colombia in October, the global community came together to reaffirm the vital role of education in advancing the conservation goals outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. With an eye toward 2026, this momentum will carry forward into the 13^th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC), hosted in Perth, Western Australia, where key themes around transformative educational approaches will be explored.

On Wednesday, 23^rd October, the spotlight at COP16 was firmly on education, with a dedicated Education Day at the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Pavilion. This event responded directly to the May 2024 request from the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Subsidiary Body on Implementation, who called for a Global Plan of Action for Education on Biodiversity. The day brought together over a hundred education experts, leaders, and importantly young people, from across the globe to discuss the essential frameworks, activities, and partnerships required to advance biodiversity education at local and global levels.

The Education Day underscored a clear message. Education is not a luxury, but a fundamental tool for achieving global biodiversity targets. The discussions highlighted how embedding education into national biodiversity strategies, curricula, and policies will be crucial to ensuring the long-term success of biodiversity conservation efforts. From formal to non-formal education, the call was made for all systems to integrate biodiversity education across every level of society, from classrooms to community spaces.

One of the most powerful moments of the day was the release of the Global Child Biodiversity Declaration, crafted by youth delegates from over 25 countries. The Declaration, produced as part of the EducationNatureNexus (#ENN) program run by the Centre for Global Education. In preparation for the Declaration, over 600 children aged 6-18 from around the world participated in a Global Student Environment Survey, sharing their personal experiences with nature, environmental education, and government policies. This Declaration represents a powerful call to action for the world to listen, and act upon, youth voices in the fight for biodiversity preservation. In their declaration, youth demanded government policies ensure every child’s right to high-quality biodiversity education, integration of Indigenous knowledge, and transformative curricula to encourage hands-on, nature-based learning.

The declaration also highlighted the rising tide of eco-anxiety among young people, with nearly 80% of students globally report feeling a deep concern for the planet’s future. But this also demonstrates their readiness to engage in transformative solutions as witness by the young people who spoke clearly and confidently in announcing the Declaration to an international audience. The energy and passion of these young changemakers will form the foundation for future efforts, including the call to action for education to become central in achieving the ambitious biodiversity targets set by COP16.

A major takeaway from the Education Day discussions was the power of partnerships. Educators, governments, organisations, and youth must work together, pooling resources and knowledge to drive the educational reforms needed for biodiversity conservation.

This spirit of collaboration will carry over into the 13th World Environmental Education Congress in 2026, where participants will continue to explore how partnerships can foster interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches in education, enabling global cooperation for a more sustainable and biodiverse future. The next WEEC will be a platform for showcasing successful examples of cross-sector partnerships in education, and for inviting global partners to unite behind shared goals of educational transformation.

As momentum builds, the 13th WEEC 2026 in Perth will focus on two critical international calls to action address the needs identified at COP16. The first call, Empowering Learners as Change Agents will seek to inspire educational reforms to build agency in learners, enabling them to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills to actively participate in societal change and tackle environmental challenges. As witness in the Declaration prepared and voiced by international youth. The second call, Interdisciplinary Approaches for a Sustainable Future, will continue to amplify the need for education systems to integrate interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches, breaking down silos between subjects, and fostering a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of biodiversity, climate, and sustainable development. Through these actions, communities will be better equipped to respond to the multifaceted challenges of the biodiversity crisis.

As COP16 draws to a close, we have two years in preparation for the 13th WEEC 2026. With this, there is a growing call for global partners to get involved and continue in these critical conversation. Governments, NGOs, educational institutions, and the private sector all have a role to play in advancing education for biodiversity. However, perhaps the most important partners are young people. They are the future stewards of the planet, and their voices must be heard in every conversation about environmental education and action.

The Youth Environmental Education Congress 2026 will take place in conjunction with WEEC, and its sole-purpose is to amplify the diverse youth voices in environmental education. Further reigniting the need and call for young people to globally unite with educators, policymakers, and thought leaders to explore intergenerational wisdom and create space for youth-led solutions including:

Bridging the gap between youth and elders for educational transformation.
Challenging conventional educational structures and embracing ecological perspectives.
Ensuring inclusivity and amplifying marginalised or under-represented voices in educational spaces.
Pioneering change into the broader sustainability agenda.

As the global community continues critical conversations outside of the confines of conference walls, the action from COP16 is clear: we must prioritise education for biodiversity conservation, empower youth to take a leading role, and foster collaborative partnerships to achieve shared environmental goals. The declaration from youth at COP16 provides a powerful roadmap for the future of education and biodiversity, and the work will continue at 13^th WEEC 2026, where we will collectively chart the path toward a more sustainable and biodiverse world. Therefore, we invite global partners, educational institutions, youth organisations, and environmental leaders to join us in this transformative journey. Together, we can create an educational ecosystem, one empowering learners, fosters collective action, and delivers tangible solutions for the planet’s future.

The 12th WEEC’s legacy: a commitment to sustainability

16 January 2024/0 Comments/in News, Press/by WEEC Network

The 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) is unwavering in its commitment to sustainability, with the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) playing a central role in championing green practices.

In the realm of sustainable event design, the WEEC adheres to ISO guidelines 20121:2012, incorporating practical strategies such as QR codes for menus, promotion of healthier options, and the use of eco-friendly materials for event accessories. Menus are thoughtfully crafted to be low in carbon emissions through comprehensive life cycle assessments.
ADNEC stands out as an institution committed to renewable energy utilization, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A power-down plan further contributes to energy conservation, aligning with the event’s eco-conscious approach.

Delving into nutritionally optimal menus, the WEEC ensures a balanced culinary experience with fresh ingredients, emphasizing low salt, sugar, and unnecessary fats for overall well-being. Sustainable food sourcing is a priority, with an emphasis on locally sourced produce and the inclusion of vegan options, thereby reducing environmental impact and fostering shorter supply chains.
Collaboration with the local community fosters a circular economy and reduced food miles, exemplified by a focus on seasonal local cuisine to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
Eco-friendly operations extend to biodegradable packaging, the conversion of used cooking oil into biodiesel, and campaigns aimed at eliminating plastic straws and reducing the use of disposable cups, showcasing a comprehensive approach to minimizing the ecological impact of the event.

Going beyond reduction efforts, the WEEC has engaged specialist consultants to monitor the carbon footprint of all delegates, encompassing travel and accommodation. This data will inform the planting of mangroves post-event to offset calculated carbon footprints.
This mangrove planting initiative serves as a tangible part of the WEEC’s legacy, aligning with the event’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Moreover, involving local schools provides students with a unique learning opportunity, engaging them in site selection, planting, and long-term monitoring of the mangroves.

Beyond environmental considerations, the WEEC prioritizes social sustainability by ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. The event’s website complies with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 – W3C, while plenary sessions feature interpreters proficient in both Arabic and English sign language. Rigorous risk assessments at ADNEC ensure independent navigation for all participants, and individuals with special needs, referred to as “Persons of Determination“, actively contribute to the congress as speakers and workshop attendees.

In conclusion, the 12th WEEC is not just an event; it is a legacy in the making, integrating environmental and social considerations into every facet of its planning and execution. This discursive approach emphasizes the holistic commitment to sustainability that defines the essence of the congress.

WEEC Network is granted consultative status at the UN

6 July 2022/in Press/by WEEC Network

Have you heard the incredible news?! WEEC Network has officially been granted ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) Consultative Status with the United Nations!

From now on WEEC Network has the special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council at the UN. The consultative status is the core of a formal relationship between the UN and social organizations, which is also a key approach for social organizations to take initiatives and to be engaged in activities of the UN and international communities.

As a member of the WEEC Network, you can also take part in the initiatives: keep reading to find out more.

Become a representative at ECOSOC!

As NGO with ECOSOC status, WEEC Network can choose delegates to be represented by in the various occasions. If you are interested, apply to be a delegate, representing one of the most worldwide organizations in environmental education.

The Economic and Social Council of the UN (ECOSOC)

Article 71 of the United Nations Charter, which established the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), states the following:

The Economic and Social Council may make suit able arrangements for consultation with non-governmental organizations which are concerned with matters within its competence. Such arrangements may be made with international organizations and, where appropriate, with national organizations after consultation with the Member of the United Nations concerned.

— United Nations Charter, Chapter X, Article 71

One of the six principal organs of the UN, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is the central UN forum for international economic and social issues. The Council coordinates the economic and social work of the UN system, which engages 70 percent of the system’s human and financial resources. All of the UN specialized agencies (e.g., the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization), as well as all of the UN programs and funds (e.g., UNICEF and the World Food Program), report to ECOSOC.

The ECOSOC Council has eight functional Commissions:

Commission on the Status of Women
Commission for Social Development
Commission on Population and Development
Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
Commission on Narcotic Drugs
Commission con Science and Technology for Development
Statical Commission
United Nations Forum on Forests

ECOSOC Regional Commissions:

➤ Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)

➤ Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

➤ Economic Commission for Europe (ECE)

➤ Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)

➤ Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)

Other bodies:

Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Sessional and standing committees
Expert, ad hoc, and related bodies

What we gained as NGO in consultative status

The ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31 specifies the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Consultative Status are entitled to:

Attend international conferences and events.
Make written and oral statements at these events.
Organize side events.
Enter United Nations premises.
Have opportunities to network and lobby.

NGOs that are accredited with ECOSOC can participate in a number of events, including, but not limited to, the sessions/meetings of ECOSOC, its functional commissions and its other subsidiary bodies. At these events, NGO may:

Attend official meetings
Submit written statements prior to sessions
Make oral statements
Meet official government delegations and other NGO representatives
Organize and attend parallel events that take place during the session; and
Participate in debates, interactive dialogues, panel discussions and informal meetings.

Click Here to learn more about what ECOSOC is

Click Here to learn about ECOSOC 2021 goals:
https://www.un.org/ecosoc/en/events/2021/ecosoc-high-level-segment-including-three-day-ministerial-segment-hlpf-convened-under

13th WEEC2026: the Call for bids is open!

29 April 2022/in Press/by WEEC Network

Who will be the host of the 13th WEEC in 2026?

The Call for Bids to submit the application is open and the deadline to submit the application is 30^th September 2022.

The Permanent Secretariat would like to remind you that only the public or private non-profit organizations (universities, foundations, associations, …) can apply the candidacy of their own country as the seat of the 13th WEEC in 2026.

The candidatures will be assessed mostly according to the following criteria:

1. Having preferably close relationships with the WEEC congresses and the Network in the past, and, in any case, joining the Network and endorsing its mission, vision and strategy.
2. Guaranteeing the quality of the contents and the cultural project of the Congress, in continuity and total agreement with the heritage and the spirit of previous Congresses and in close cooperation with the Permanent Secretariat that will supervise and co-chair the congress.
3. Designing the final call for the congress and the programme according to the guidelines and the advice of the Secretariat and the International Socio-Scientific Committee established by the Secretariat.
4. Demonstrating they have relevant experience in the field of environmental education.
5. Demonstrating they have adequate experience in organizing events at local, national, regional, and international levels.
6. Demonstrating they have adequate congress facilities.
7. Demonstrating they are skilled in creating networks at different levels and getting various institutions and organizations (national authorities, local institutions, Higher, Secondary and Primary education institutions, parks, museums, NGOs, mass media, etc.) to be involved in the organization and participation to the Congress.
8. Demonstrating their ability to ensure broad national and international participation at the Congress.
9. Engaging to strengthen the WEEC International Network, inter alia by allocating a budget for the network’s activities.
10. Demonstrating they can mobilize the necessary resources at the local and national level (and possibly at the regional and international level as well) to guarantee the financial sustainability of the Congress.
11. Demonstrating their commitment to contain the costs of participation to the Congress and facilitate the participation of people from disadvantaged countries or categories (e.g. young people and students), by reducing the costs of participation and overnight stays as much as possible.
12. Engaging to offer sponsorships to an adequate number of delegates from developing countries (if the bidder is in a developed country).
13. Guaranteeing the cultural diversity and facilitating participation, also thanks to the use of several languages as English, French and Spanish at least both for the web site and during the Congress.
14. Guaranteeing the ecological consistency of the Congress by taking every measure to minimize the ecological/carbon footprint of the event and assuring its socio and eco-sustainability both as venues and as other aspects (i.e. accommodation, social program outside, and so on).
15. Accepting the time schedule proposed by the Permanent Secretariat.

The winner will be assigned indicatively by 31^st December 2022.
The official announcement of the 13^th WEEC will be at 12^th WEEC 2024 in Abu Dhabi, on 1^st February 2024

Please ask for the official application form to: secretariat@weecnetwork.org
or download it here:

Call for bids_2026

WEEC 2026_application form

Nature in Mind: the value of biodiversity

28 April 2022/in Press/by WEEC Network

“By Leaves We Live”
“This is a green world, with animals comparatively few and small, and all dependent on
the leaves. By leaves we live. Some people have strange ideas that they live by money.
They think energy is generated by the circulation of coins. Whereas the world is mainly a
vast leaf colony, growing on and forming a leafy soil, not a mere mineral mass: and we
live not by the jingling of our coins, but by the fullness of our harvests.”
(Sir Patrick Geddes, 1854-1932)

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Convention for Biological Diversity, signed on May 22 nd, 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Italian environmental police force, in collaboration with WEEC Network, wants to celebrate, with a 2-day International Conference – Nature in mind – the value of biodiversity in the name of a greener and more sustainable future.

International Day for Biological Diversity is the occasion to reflect on our responsibilities towards the environment and to consider the possibility of creating a new culture of nature.
The scientific comprehension of natural processes and the new awareness about the importance of the compliance of our behaviours with the law are two equally important and strictly integrated elements which aim at the conservation of nature.

Environmental education thus becomes education to environmental “legality”: a set of knowledge that becomes “culture”, environmental culture, that has to represent the fundamental part of the most deeply rooted education of citizenship, necessary to build a better future for the next generations.

The Conference Nature in Mind, which will be held in a mixed form (in person and remotely), will address various topics thanks to the interventions of distinguished Italian and international speakers
following the ideal path of seven Sessions:

Opening Session
One Health – Nature and Well-being
At the Nature School
Education and Nature
School, city, territory
Education, infosphere, mass culture and Nature
Voices from the world

For the registration, have a look here.

UNRWA: Enhance students’ awareness towards environment

26 April 2022/in News/by WEEC Network

For the World Health Day, UNRWA celebrates Ms. Obeid, named the 2022 Earth Prize Educator of the Year. Ms Obeid, a teacher at the UNRWA Sweileh Preparatory Girls’ School in Jordan, was selected by the WEEC’s Secretary General Professor Mario Salomone.

Dr Oroba Labadi, Chief pf the UNRWA Field Education Program, underlines the importance of raising students’ awareness towards global environmental causes, “which is not limited to provide basic education but also in enhancing their knowledge, skills and build positive trends towards global environmental causes”.

Indeed, what encouraged Ms Obeid to take part in the competition together with her students was her belief that Palestine refugee students can participate in international competitions and affect change in both local and international communities.

”This award shows the impact of the professional in-service trainings that UNRWA regularly provides to us.” Ms Obeid Said.

UNRWA and SDG 13 – Climate Action

Across its fields of operation, the UNRWA plays a key role in addressing environmental protection issues within the Palestine refugee community and has an obligation to minimize the negative environmental impact of its own operations. In addition, the Agency is prioritizing a range of environmental protection efforts that include for instance the installation of energy saving equipment, such as solar panels, water heaters and LED fittings, in a number of schools, health centres and other installations, as well as safe disposal of medical waste.

Measures to protect water resources and improve environmental health in Palestine refugee camps are also being undertaken including the development of an integrated solid waste management system that will serve all Palestine refugee camps in Lebanon and the installation of solar power systems in 80 schools and six health clinics in Gaza.

The Agency is also exploring current environmental behaviours and teaching practices in its schools and classrooms in order to see how to strengthen and build upon these practices in a coordinated and coherent way. Developing capacity of Palestine refugee youth in the design, manufacture and servicing of renewable energy technology and energy efficiency devices is important for job creation and stimulating the green economy. UNRWA has recently introduced courses on energy efficiency at its vocational training centres in Gaza and will look to expand these to other fields based on lessons learned.

About UNRWA

Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, UNRWA was established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) of 8 December 1949 to carry out direct relief and works programmes for Palestine refugees. The Agency began operations on 1 May 1950.

In the absence of a solution to the Palestine refugee problem, the General Assembly has repeatedly renewed UNRWA’s mandate, most recently extending it until 30 June 2023

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN Member States. UNRWA also receives some funding from the Regular Budget of the United Nations, which is used mostly for international staffing costs.

The Agency’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance and emergency assistance, including in times of armed conflict.