Climate Change – Knowledge Sharing Platform

GEMS Legacy School in Dubai has been ranked the 1st green school in the UAE, proving that climate action and quality education go hand in hand. Under Ms. Asha Alexander’s leadership, students gain climate literacy through UN CC:Learn courses, turning knowledge into measurable action. Learn how this school is inspiring the next generation of climate leaders.

GEMS Legacy School in Dubai has achieved a remarkable milestone, securing the first rank in the National Green School Ranking 2025 of the UAE, unveiled on World Environment Day. This recognition confirms the school’s climate leadership under Ms. Asha Alexander, a 2020 UN CC:Learn Champion, who has made climate change education central to the school’s mission. Through her commitment, climate literacy has become an integral part of everyday learning for both students and teachers, inspiring them to take climate action in their school and community.

As a UN CC:Learn Champion, Ms. Alexander has actively worked to embed climate literacy into the curriculum by ensuring that her staff and students complete at least six UN CC:Learn courses. From tackling food waste to promoting sustainable diets, students at GEMS Legacy School are well-equipped with the knowledge that empowers them to identify issues and lead initiatives that reduce environmental impact in practical, measurable ways.

The National Green School Ranking specifically highlighted the school’s achievements across eight sustainability pillars: Green Curriculum, Biodiversity Conservation, Energy Efficiency, Water Management, Waste Reduction, Sustainable Transportation, Innovation & Research, and Monitoring & Reporting. By systematically integrating these pillars into its teaching and operations, the school has significantly reduced its environmental footprint while demonstrating that quality education and climate action can go hand in hand. The ranking also recognized that such efforts contribute directly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 13 (Climate Action).

Ms. Alexander’s vision extends beyond the walls of GEMS Legacy School. As the Executive Leader – Climate Change at GEMS Education, she has encouraged 46 GEMS Education schools in the UAE and several other schools globally to adopt UN CC:Learn courses to build climate literacy among both educators and students. From organizing the world’s first School Conference of Parties in 2020 to collaborating with schools across continents, she is building a network of schools that understand climate challenges and are prepared to act on them, ensuring that climate education is not an isolated effort but a global movement.

“At GEMS Legacy School, we see climate literacy as a core future fluency—essential for navigating an increasingly complex world. Our mission is to nurture informed, compassionate changemakers who don’t just understand the science of climate change, but are equipped to lead with courage, innovation, and purpose. This recognition affirms that education, when rooted in relevance and responsibility, has the power to shape a more sustainable, equitable future for all. This is why at GEMS Education we are driving change through upskilling our educators through the UNCC: Learn platform.” — Ms. Asha Alexander, Executive Leader – Climate Change, GEMS Education

In recognition of this achievement, Ms. Alexander and GEMS Legacy School have been invited to attend and present their work at the 9th NYC Green School Conference at Cornell University in September 2025, against the backdrop of the Climate Week NYC and the United Nations General Assembly. By equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and address climate change, the school is cultivating the next generation of climate leaders in the UAE, demonstrating that consistent, informed action within education systems can drive the change our world urgently needs.

All 570 GEMS Legacy School students who completed 6 UN CC:Learn courses with Ms. Asha Alexander. Photo Credit: GEMS Legacy School, Dubai

The flagship “A Participant Guide of the UN Climate Change Process” affiliated e-course is now available in Arabic, French, and Spanish. Read on to find out more about the course!

To support greater access to climate change knowledge, the popular e-course “A Participant Guide to the UN Climate Change Process” is now available in French, Spanish, and Arabic. Originally developed by the UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat, the course was made accessible on the UN CC:Learn e-learning platform through its Affiliation Programme, which promotes high-quality e-learning products developed by trusted partners.

The course offers a comprehensive introduction to the international climate change regime and the workings of the UNFCCC process, making it ideal for Party and non-Party stakeholders, civil society actors, and anyone interested in understanding global climate governance. Since its launch in November 2023, over 3,200 learners from different walks of life have completed the course in English, demonstrating the topic’s international appeal. With its new multilingual offering, even more learners worldwide can now benefit from this unique learning opportunity.

Course at a glance

The e-course includes two interactive online modules and a quiz that take an average of two hours to complete. The learning experience is dynamic, allowing learners to learn from videos, infographics, images, and more.

Module 1: Overview of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Process
Module 2: The Negotiations and Rules of Procedure of the Intergovernmental Climate Change Process

Who is this course for?

This course is open to everyone who wishes to learn more about the UNFCCC process, including Party and non-Party stakeholders and the civil society.

What will you learn?

After completing this course, you will be able to:

Present the international climate change regime, including:
- the three instruments of the UN climate change regime – the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement.
- how the UNFCCC operates through the COP process and major COP accomplishments.
- the organization and administration of the annual COPs.
- The institutional arrangements for the climate change intergovernmental process.
Describe and analyse the draft Rules of Procedure of the Conference on the Parties, including:
- responsibilities and operating procedures of governing, subsidiary, and other decision-making bodies.
- the process for Parties to come to a consensus on the issues under negotiations.

Will you get a certificate?

Participants who successfully pass the quiz with a minimum grade of 70% within three attempts will get an official UN Climate Change certificate.

Explore the course in Arabic, English, French, or Spanish.

Discover how the world of sports is rising to the climate challenge. Explore two new free e-courses that empower individuals and organizations to take meaningful climate action, on and off the field.

The impacts of climate change are being felt across every aspect of society, and the world of sports is no exception. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation are disrupting training schedules, damaging infrastructure, and affecting athletes’ performance. At the same time, the sports sector itself contributes approximately 1% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions. With its broad appeal and influence, sport holds unique potential to lead by example and mobilize collective action for the planet.

“Sport reminds us of our collective ability to overcome the seemingly impossible.” – Patricia Espinosa, former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change.

Recognizing this, the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework was launched in 2018 to guide environmental sustainability efforts within the sports sector and leverage its global reach to raise awareness and drive climate action. Towards this goal, two new e-learning courses have been launched as part of the Sports for Climate Action e-learning series. Developed in partnership between UNITAR (through the UN CC:Learn programme) and UN Climate Change (UNFCCC), and powered by adidas, the courses aim to empower individuals and sports organizations to take meaningful climate action – both on and off the field.

The first course, Introduction to Sports for Climate Action, is designed for anyone interested in understanding how sports and climate change intersect. It explores how sports contribute to climate change, how they are affected by it, and what actions can be taken to build a greener and more resilient sports sector. Comprising four short modules, the course takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete, using interactive lessons, videos, quizzes, and practical activities to guide learners through the essentials.

The second course, Sports for Climate Action, takes the learning further. Targeted primarily at staff of sports organizations, it builds on the foundational knowledge from the introductory course and provides actionable strategies for integrating climate considerations into operations, business planning, and stakeholder engagement. With five in-depth modules, the course takes approximately 4 hours to complete and features real-world case studies, interviews with industry professionals, and practical exercises to help learners apply what they’ve learned.

Both courses are fully online, self-paced, and free of charge. Participants who successfully complete them will receive an official certificate of completion from the United Nations – a valuable credential for professionals and organizations looking to lead the way in climate action within the sports sector.

Whether you’re a coach, event organizer, athlete, fan, or decision-maker in a sports organization, these courses offer essential insights and tools to help you make a difference. By taking part, you’ll not only increase your own knowledge, but also contribute to a growing global movement for climate action and resilience in sports.

Ready to take action? Take the courses today.

UN CC:Learn has reached a major milestone—500,000 certificates of completion issued to learners worldwide! This achievement reflects the growing global commitment to climate education and action. Keep reading to learn more about this milestone and its impact!

Read the article in French or Spanish.

UN CC:Learn has reached another major milestone: 500,000 certificates of completion issued to learners worldwide.

This significant achievement reflects the ongoing global commitment to climate education and action. It would not have been possible without the dedication of learners worldwide who continue to trust and engage with UN CC:Learn’s mission of building capacities on climate change, green economy, and circular economy.

Over the years, UN CC:Learn has significantly expanded its course portfolio to provide a comprehensive, 360-degree approach to climate action. One of its latest offerings, the “Becoming a Climate Champion” course, developed with the UNFCCC, equips learners with the five key skills necessary to bring their climate action projects to life. Additionally, new courses like “Mastering International Climate Negotiations,” also developed in partnership with the UNFCCC, offer a deep dive into the international process of climate negotiations, empowering learners with the knowledge needed to navigate and contribute to this critical global effort.

Multilingualism, accessibility, and tailored content remain at the heart of UN CC:Learn’s approach. The e-learning platform is available in multiple languages, including Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. With a growing catalogue of over 120 courses, many of which are offered in two or more languages, learners can access high-quality climate education in their preferred language. The flagship “Climate Change: From Learning to Action” course, for instance, is available in English, Spanish, French, Russian, and Chinese.

Beyond course offerings, UN CC:Learn continues to build a vibrant community of alumni. Participants are invited to join events like the Fireside Chats and take part in initiatives such as the UN CC:Learn Champions, where they can further engage with course topics and inspire action within their communities.

The impact of UN CC:Learn courses is clear. The latest impact survey revealed that 82% of respondents frequently or occasionally apply the knowledge and skills acquired through the courses. Additionally, 94% stated that participating in a UN CC:Learn course provided them with the necessary skills and knowledge to take climate action.

Looking ahead, UN CC:Learn remains committed to expanding its portfolio, including developing new courses and making them available in various languages. By continuing to enhance climate literacy worldwide, UN CC:Learn ensures that more people are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to face up to the significant challenge of climate change.

On this International Women’s Day, we’ve put women-led and gender-responsive climate action in the spotlight.

Read on to find out how we can strengthen and increase women’s participation in climate solutions.

Photo Credit: Panos Pictures.

Read in French or Spanish

Today is International Women’s Day. To celebrate this important date, we invite you to reflect on the role of women in addressing climate change.

Women are often overlooked in climate policy, even though they are the ones suffering the most from the consequences of climate change.

According to UN Women:

“The climate crisis is not “gender neutral”. Women and girls experience the greatest impacts of climate change, which amplifies existing gender inequalities and poses unique threats to their livelihoods, health, and safety.”

How can we ensure that women and girls take part in climate-related decisions that produce effective and inclusive solutions to climate change?

To answer this question, we listed below three ways that could help improve gender-responsive and women-led climate action.

Implement community-led and gender-responsive climate solutions.

Encouraging women’s participation and women-led climate solutions results in better, more efficient, and inclusive outcomes.

In many rural communities, for instance, women are responsible for collecting water for their families and, over the years, have gained a unique understanding of changes to rainfall patterns, as well as water harvesting and storage.

These women are uniquely placed to inform adaptation strategies and develop tailored and inclusive solutions.

Access to tailored financial resources and resource management.

Women manage households and account for a big chunk of the labor force. Nonetheless, they often find themselves without the means to provide for themselves and their families, or without the right incentives to do so.

In Côte d’Ivoire, for example, women account for 70% of the agricultural sector but own only 3% of the land they cultivate. This UN Women project in the country has empowered Ivorian women to increase their incomes through improved efficiency and greater agricultural output.

By providing them with the right resources, including financial ones, they can build more tailored and climate-resilient communities, greatly contributing to climate adaptation and mitigation.

Climate action for all.

Investments in gender-inclusive climate action have far-reaching, society-wide benefits, such as environmental conservation and poverty reduction.

As the UNFCCC put it:

“By tackling climate change with a gender lens, we can also address women’s rights and promote greater gender equality.”

Women play a key role in building climate-resilient societies.

Interested in learning more about the interlinkages between gender and climate change on International Women’s Day?

Take our free gender-related e-courses.

The new Climate 101, inspired by UNDP’s Climate Dictionary, is now available with 27 key climate change terms, from mitigation and adaptation to carbon markets and a just transition. Read on to find out more about this fun and interactive resource.

Understanding climate change terminology can be challenging. From mitigation to just transition and carbon markets, these concepts are central to climate action but often difficult to grasp. To make these key terms more accessible, UN CC:Learn and UNDP Climate Promise have launched Climate 101: An Interactive Dictionary about Climate Change—a new interactive resource designed to demystify climate jargon in a fun and engaging way.

Inspired by UNDP’s Climate Dictionary, Climate 101 covers 27 essential climate change terms, offering straightforward definitions alongside interactive learning tools such as case studies, videos, exercises, and more. The resource also adopts the Climate Dictionary’s unique branding, featuring visually striking collages that bring these terms to life.

Collage representing Climate Adaptation by UNDP.

Collage representing Climate Adaptation. Credit: UNDP

This initiative is the result of a collaboration between UN CC:Learn and UNDP Climate Promise, with the two organizations working together since early 2024 to develop this tool. The goal is to provide learners—whether students, professionals, policymakers, or the general public—with an accessible way to navigate the language of climate change and understand its implications for climate action.

Collage representing the Paris Agreement. Credit: UNDP.

Since its launch, Climate 101 has already attracted over 1,000 views in just three weeks, reflecting a strong interest in making climate knowledge more accessible. Throughout the learning experience, users are also encouraged to dive deeper into each term through additional resources from UN CC:Learn and UNDP Climate Promise, helping them build a more comprehensive understanding of climate action.

Start exploring Climate 101 today and take your climate knowledge to the next level!

Access Climate 101 here.

Access UNDP’s Climate Dictionary here.

Presentation during the St.Gallen student's visit.

Sixteen students from Kantonsschule am Burggraben St.Gallen visited UNITAR as part of their annual trip to International Geneva, and engaged in a series of activities with UN staff.

Read on to find out more.

Last week, UNITAR’s Green Development and Climate Change Programme (GCP) and the Communications and IT Support Unit (CITSU) welcomed 16 students from Kantonsschule am Burggraben St.Gallen. This visit marked the sixth time the school brought its students to the UNITAR office as part of their annual two-day trip to International Geneva, where they explore global governance through UN simulations and interactive sessions.

The students spent two dynamic hours with Mr. Lucas Terra from GCP and Ms. Sophie Mills from CITSU, engaging in a series of activities designed to introduce them to the work of the United Nations and UNITAR. The session kicked off with an introduction to the UN’s mission, followed by an interactive SDG game. Using a spinning wheel featuring all the Sustainable Development Goals, students took turns answering questions about different SDGs. Each correct response earned them points and small rewards to keep the energy levels high.

Presentation by Mr. Lucas Terra and Ms. Sophie Mills. Photo credit: UNITAR.

Student spinning the SDG wheel during the SDG game. Photo credit: UNITAR

Following the SDG game, the students participated in a speed networking session with five UNITAR staff members from different departments. Divided into small groups, they had five-minute discussions with each professional, asking questions about their careers, experiences, and insights into working at the UN. This fast-paced exchange allowed the students to gain diverse perspectives on career paths within the organization and beyond.

Speed networking session. Photo credit: UNITAR

The visit wrapped up with a hands-on problem-solving exercise, where students tackled real-world challenges that UNITAR staff encounter in their work. Split into two teams, they brainstormed solutions and presented their ideas to their peers, simulating the kind of strategic thinking and collaboration essential in international organizations.

Before leaving, the students gathered for a group picture, marking the end of another visit. Their time at UNITAR provided a valuable glimpse into the work of international organizations, including cooperation and diplomacy, inspiring them to pursue a career in this field.

Group picture - St. Gallen Students and UNITAR staff

Group picture with the students, Mr. Lucas Terra and Ms. Sophie Mills. Photo credit: UNITAR

On 05 February 2025, UN CC:Learn organised the 10th edition of its Fireside Chat series. This edition focused on climate finance and brought together over 200 alumni to get insights into this topic from a UNDP expert.

Read on to find out more.

The first UN CC:Learn Fireside Chat of 2025 brought together 218 alumni for an insightful conversation on climate finance with Asad Maken, Regional Public Climate Finance Advisor at UNDP. This exclusive event, part of the ongoing Fireside Chat series, provided a unique opportunity for participants to hear directly from an expert with over 25 years of experience in public finance, climate policy, and development planning. Moderated by Lisa Main from UNITAR, the session explored Asad’s career journey, the evolving landscape of climate finance, and the key challenges and opportunities in mobilizing funds for climate action.

The discussion covered pressing questions from participants, including why climate finance often remains a small portion of national budgets, how governments can engage private sector investors, and whether debt-related financial instruments like green and blue bonds should be prioritized over grant-based funding. The interactive nature of the event allowed alumni to engage with Asad and each other through the chat and via a dedicated Q&A function, making for a dynamic and enriching discussion.

Beyond exploring the broader climate finance landscape, the event also marked the official launch of the Scaling Climate Finance e-course, a new self-paced learning opportunity developed by UNDP Asia-Pacific’s Climate Finance Network in collaboration with UNITAR. The course is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of climate finance, whether they work in government, the private sector, or international organizations. Asad highlighted the motivations behind the course’s development, its intended audience, and the key takeaways learners can expect.

This Fireside Chat was not only a milestone as the 10th edition in the series but also a testament to the growing engagement of UN CC:Learn alumni in deepening their expertise on climate-related topics. By providing a platform for direct exchanges with leading experts, the series continues to support professional growth and capacity-building for individuals working to advance climate action worldwide. Stay tuned for the next edition as we bring more voices and perspectives to the forefront of critical climate discussions!

Discover how climate finance can drive meaningful climate action with the new Scaling Climate Finance e-learning course. Designed by UNITAR and UNDP’s Asia-Pacific Climate Finance Network, this free, self-paced course equips professionals and citizens alike with the knowledge and tools to mobilize finance for climate action.

Read on to find out more.

The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat—it’s here, causing devastating impacts on communities around the globe. Addressing this urgent challenge demands bold climate action supported by significant financial investments. While the need for climate finance is immense, the good news is that opportunities to mobilize resources have never been greater. To help unlock these opportunities, UNITAR and UNDP’s Asia-Pacific Climate Finance Network, with support from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Government of Sweden, have launched the Scaling Climate Finance e-learning course.

This free, self-paced course aims to equip professionals from governments, the private sector, civil society, and beyond with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the intricate world of climate finance. Structured into four interactive modules, it helps learners identify key climate finance sources, instruments, and mechanisms while exploring innovative approaches to accessing new capital for climate action, including from the private sector.

In just five hours, participants will gain practical insights into mobilizing both public and private finance, applying innovative tools, and promoting inclusive, gender-responsive climate investments. Upon completion, learners will receive an official UN Certificate, showcasing their expertise in scaling climate finance—a critical skill set for driving climate action.

Find out more about the course below.

What Will You Learn?

This 5-hour, self-paced e-learning course aims to enhance participants’ knowledge and understanding of the climate finance system. By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Identify key climate finance sources, instruments, and mechanisms, and explain how these interact to support climate action for mitigation and adaptation
Explain the roles and responsibilities of different actors and stakeholders within the climate finance system
Outline measures, tools, and approaches to coordinate public climate finance more efficiently and effectively
List innovative sources, mechanisms, and instruments that can unlock new pools of capital for climate action, including from the private sector
Explain how applying a gender equality and social inclusion lens to climate finance ensures investments reach at-risk and vulnerable populations

The course is designed with a strong focus on gender equality and social inclusion. Through real-world case studies, examples, and stories, learners will see how these principles can be embedded into climate finance planning, budgeting, and decision-making for both mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Who Should Take This Course?

Many actors play a role in scaling finance for climate action. While the course presents tools and approaches primarily through a government or public sector lens, it is relevant to a wide range of stakeholders, including:

Policy, planning, and technical staff managing or mobilizing climate finance at national and sub-national levels (e.g., from central finance or planning ministries, line ministries, sub-national governments, and parliamentarians)
Individuals from quasi-governmental organizations, including state or central banks, state-owned enterprises, parastatals, supreme audit institutions, and securities or exchange commissions
Private sector stakeholders and market facilitators involved in climate-aligned investments
Practitioners from non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, think tanks, and educational institutions focused on climate-related issues
Citizens interested in understanding how finance drives climate action and holding relevant actors accountable

While many case studies are drawn from the Asia-Pacific region, the tools, instruments, and approaches presented are applicable to individuals and organizations worldwide.

Will You Get a Certificate?

Yes! To earn a certificate of completion, participants must pass the final quiz with a score of 70% or higher within three attempts.

Take the course today!

UNITAR, in collaboration with GIZ and BMZ, has launched a new self-paced e-course on Strengthening Climate Adaptation and Resilience to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to integrate climate adaptation into planning, budgeting, and financing.

Read on to find out more!

As climate change accelerates, governments and communities worldwide face increasing challenges in adapting to its impacts. From extreme weather events to shifting agricultural patterns and heightened risks to public health, the need for effective climate adaptation strategies has never been more urgent. Recognizing this, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has launched a new online course: Strengthening Climate Adaptation and Resilience.

This self-paced, three-module e-course takes between 4 and 5 hours to complete and is designed to equip policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to integrate climate adaptation into planning, budgeting, and financing.

This e-course was developed in the framework of the Strengthening Climate Adaptation and Resilience (SAR) Project, which aims to improve climate adaptation measures in Pakistan, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations, including women. While the course features case studies from Pakistan and other Asia-Pacific countries, its core content is globally relevant, providing participants with a solid foundation in climate risk assessment, policy integration, and innovative financial solutions for adaptation. Through interactive lessons, real-world case studies, and self-assessment quizzes, learners will gain practical insights into implementing effective climate resilience strategies at various governance levels.

Designed to accommodate the busy schedules of professionals, this flexible e-course allows participants to learn at their own pace while deepening their expertise in climate adaptation. Get more information about the e-course below.

Who should take this course?

While the course was initially developed to support the Pakistan government in enhancing climate adaptation and resilience, it will be of particular interest to:

Civil servants in planning and development departments of various line ministries such as environment, agriculture, industry, finance, development, etc., at the local and national levels, and
Stakeholders from non-governmental organizations and community groups focused on climate change adaptation and resilience.

What will you learn?

The core objectives of the e-course include enhancing knowledge on integrating climate change into planning, budgeting, and decision-making in an inclusive manner, while also strengthening individual capacities within governments to implement nationally appropriate adaptation strategies. Additionally, the course provides insights into innovative financial instruments for funding climate adaptation.

Designed and developed through a gender-sensitive lens, the course takes an integrated approach, featuring case studies that highlight how climate change impacts different groups in distinct ways. This reinforces the importance of considering all community members when addressing climate adaptation challenges.

Will you get a certificate?

The successful completion of the course rewards the learner with a certificate. To complete the course, the learner must complete all three modules and pass each associated quiz with a minimum grade of 70% from no more than three attempts.

Take the course today!

GEMS Legacy School Tops UAE Green School Rankings, Powered by Climate Literacy

Unpack the International Climate Change Process in Arabic, French and Spanish

Course at a glance

Who is this course for?

What will you learn?

Will you get a certificate?

Sports for Climate Action: Two New Courses to Drive Climate Action in Sports

UN CC:Learn Reaches 500,000 Certificates: A Milestone in Global Climate Education

Three Ways to Ramp-up Women-led Climate Action.

Implement community-led and gender-responsive climate solutions.

Access to tailored financial resources and resource management.

Climate action for all.

Climate 101: An Interactive Dictionary About Climate Change is here!

A Day at UNITAR: A Hands-On Experience for St.Gallen Students

UN CC:Learn alumni engage in Fireside Chat on climate finance

Scaling up for impact: A new e-course to unlock climate finance opportunities

What Will You Learn?

Who Should Take This Course?

Will You Get a Certificate?

Learn how to mainstream climate adaptation into policy and finance with our new course

Who should take this course?

What will you learn?

Will you get a certificate?