UNESCO At COP31: Putting Education At The Centre Of Global Climate Action

COP31 is set to mark a significant milestone for the UNESCO-led Greening Education Partnership (GEP), with countries and partners expected to discuss the next phase of global efforts to strengthen climate education and make education systems more environmentally sustainable.

Ahead of the Partnership’s fifth anniversary in 2027, COP31 will provide a platform to advance discussions on climate education, accelerate efforts to green education systems and strengthen the broader Education for Sustainable Development agenda.

Focus On GEP 2.0 And Country-Level Action

A key focus of the discussions will be the structure and priorities of the Partnership’s next phase, known as GEP 2.0. The initiative is expected to place greater emphasis on country-level implementation and regional cooperation.

The Partnership’s Monitoring and Evaluation Working Group will also be launched in collaboration with Türkiye’s Ministry of National Education and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The group will work to strengthen data, evidence and accountability, including through the GEP Global Tracker, a global observatory focused on climate change education.

Discussions will also examine the role of education in responding to climate-related crises and emergencies, alongside longer-term efforts to build more resilient education systems.

Children, Youth And Teachers At Centre Of Discussions

Children, young people and teachers are expected to remain central to the COP31 discussions on climate education.

Their participation is considered important in shaping education systems that can better respond to climate change while preparing students with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to sustainable development.

Greening Education Partnership Reaches 100 Country Members

COP31 will also mark another milestone as the Greening Education Partnership reaches 100 country members, with the Republic of Türkiye becoming its 100th member.

Launched at the 2022 UN Transforming Education Summit, the Partnership has grown into a global alliance focused on climate education. It now brings together 100 countries and more than 2,000 organisations.

The initiative supports countries in integrating environmental sustainability across schools, curricula, teacher development and communities, with the broader goal of ensuring that learners are prepared to respond to climate challenges.

“As we prepare to host COP31, Türkiye is joining the UNESCO Greening Education Partnership as its 100th country member. We see this as an important step, it will allow us to share with the world the work we have pursued with determination for many years and to build on it through new partnerships,” Türkiye’s Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin said.

Building Momentum Towards 2027 UNESCO Conference

The outcomes and commitments emerging from COP31 are also expected to contribute to the wider Education for Sustainable Development agenda.

The discussions will help build momentum towards the UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development, scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from January 13 to 15, 2027.

The conference is expected to provide another platform for countries and education stakeholders to advance efforts to integrate sustainability and climate action into education systems worldwide.