Education – Knowledge Sharing Platform

In light of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), which will take place for the first time in the Amazon region in Brazil this November, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, sent a letter to UN CC:Learn Partnership and its community. In his message, he stressed the urgent need to mobilize leaders, businesses, and citizens on the crucial role of climate education in addressing the global climate crisis.

Capacity building and climate education will be one of the areas highlighted in this year’s conference, particularly under the Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) framework. At COP, UN CC:Learn is widely known for its Climate Classroom sessions, a short and focused learning event that provides delegates, observers, and anyone interested in climate-related topics with essential knowledge on complex negotiation topics. This year, UN CC:Learn will deliver a series of online Climate Classrooms open to anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of key issues of climate change.

Beyond education, COP30 will also be a critical milestone for assessing global progress towards the 1.5 °C target and updating the nationally determined contributions (NDCs). It will build on the outcomes of COP29 in Baku, where countries agreed on a new global climate finance goal. One of the main tasks in Belém will be to advance the so-called Baku to Belém Roadmap, which seeks to scale up climate finance flows to USD 1.3 trillion to developing country Parties to support low greenhouse gas emissions and climate resilience pathways through public and private alliances.

Parties are also expected to deepen the discussions on biodiversity, climate finance, and, adaptation, topics that will be featured in this year’s edition of the Climate Classroom.

Read the full message from the UN Secretary-General below and visit the official UN CC:Learn channels to register for the upcoming online Climate Classroom sessions.

Photo credit: UNFCCC/Kiara Worth

Ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, UN CC:Learn and CIFAL Curitiba engaged students in an interactive session on climate change and international diplomacy.

Read on to find out more.

As the world prepares for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, from 10 to 21 November 2025, young people in the country are already engaging with the fundamentals of climate change and the role of diplomacy in shaping global climate policies.

In collaboration with the International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders in Curitiba (CIFAL Curitiba), the Green Development and Climate Change Programme (through UN CC:Learn) delivered an interactive learning session to students from the Escola Sesi de Referência Internacional de Londrina and the Colégio Sesi Internacional. The presentation was led by Ms. Cristina Rekakavas and Ms. Lisa Maina, both from the programme, who guided students through the science and history of climate change, its framing as a global challenge, and the international system set up to address it.

The session introduced students to the history of climate negotiations and the main treaties that underpin international climate cooperation, including the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement. Students also explored how diplomacy works at the COPs, learning about negotiating groups, the role of youth, and the issues expected to take center stage in Belém this year, such as raising ambition, protecting forests, mobilizing finance, and ensuring inclusive participation.

To bring these lessons to life, students engaged through quizzes and exercises, stepping into the shoes of global leaders to debate and decide on climate action plans. This hands-on approach helped them experience firsthand the challenges of balancing diverse national priorities with the urgent need for collective action.

By equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and global perspectives to engage with climate diplomacy, the session highlighted the importance of youth in international climate processes and inspired them to see themselves as contributors to global solutions.

The Quito Botanical Garden was the venue for the official presentation of the National Strategy for Action for Climate Empowerment 2026–2035 (ENACE), a milestone in the country’s climate policy aimed at strengthening the capacity of civil society and institutions to adapt to and respond to the impacts of climate change.

The ENACE is the result of a process that began in 2024, with the technical support of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and UNICEF and NDC Partnership as strategic partners of the Government of Ecuador, through the Ministry of Environment and Energy. Drawing on its expertise in training, education, and international cooperation, UNITAR directly supported the identification of capacity gaps in climate empowerment, ensuring that the strategy responds to the day-to-day needs of citizens and the country.

The drafting process entailed a participatory approach involving more than 400 national stakeholders, including children, adolescents, young people, indigenous communities, academia, the private sector, public institutions, and civil society organizations. Notably, 62% of participants were women, reaffirming the inclusive and diverse nature of the initiative.

The Minister of Environment and Energy, Inés María Manzano, highlighted in her remarks:

The ENACE is not just a document; it is a climate policy of engagement that reflects the diversity, youth, and capacity of our country to face the great challenges of climate change. Today we reaffirm that climate action is also a social, educational, cultural, and human cause.

From the international cooperation perspective, Giuliano Montanari, UNITAR Regional Coordinator, emphasized:

ENACE is an example of how knowledge, cooperation, and the participation of multiple actors can transform climate action into an inclusive, enabling, and sustainable process. For UNITAR, accompanying Ecuador on this path represents a commitment embraced with conviction.

The event also featured an innovative and cultural component. As part of the presentation, a local artist performed a theatrical monologue, portraying a schoolteacher who explained in a creative and relatable way the importance of ENACE for present and future generations. This performance brought smiles and reflections among attendees, reminding everyone that climate action can also be conveyed through art, education, and emotions.

In addition, a symbolic vow was carried out by the authorities of government institutions directly responsible for implementing the strategy, including the Ministry of Education and the Secretariat for the Intercultural Bilingual Education System, among others. Each institution publicly reaffirmed its responsibility to contribute, within its mandate, to the implementation of ENACE’s six pillars: education, training, awareness, access to information, public participation, and international cooperation.

With this launch, Ecuador reaffirms its commitment to the Paris Agreement and other international instruments such as the Escazú Agreement, to promote a just, inclusive, and sustainable transition. The ENACE represents a national roadmap to ensure that citizens have the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to adapt, reduce risks, and protect the planet, while also balancing economic growth, social well-being, and environmental conservation for present and future generations.

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

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.

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.

Last week, the UN CC:Learn e-learning platform received its 1,000,000th registration. This significant achievement highlights the growing importance of UN CC:Learn as the go-to place for high-quality and up-to-date learning on climate change, green economy and circular economy.

Read on to find out more.

UN CC:Learn is thrilled to announce a landmark achievement: over 1,000,000 people have registered on our e-learning platform! Since its launch in 2015, the platform has grown to become a global hub for climate change education, with over 60 courses in up to 15 languages. This milestone reflects the platform’s success in empowering individuals worldwide with the knowledge and skills to take action on climate change.

A Gateway to UN Knowledge

The UN CC:Learn platform is supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and other partners, particularly from the UN system. It leverages the vast expertise of the United Nations to offer free, self-paced e-courses on a diverse range of climate change topics. From sustainable development to climate negotiations, the platform ensures that learners everywhere can access high-quality education tailored to their needs. By making its courses engaging and free of charge, UN CC:Learn has made learning accessible to individuals from all walks of life, particularly in developing countries.

Driving Real-World Impact

The impact of UN CC:Learn’s courses goes far beyond the virtual classroom. According to the 2023 Impact Survey, an impressive 96% of learners reported gaining the necessary skills and knowledge to take climate action, while 93% felt more confident advocating for climate change solutions. The program has also recognized 33 UN CC:Learn Champions—individuals celebrated for their outstanding contributions to climate action. Here’s what some of our learners had to say:

“As a result of the course, I designed and implemented a community-based adaptation project in my community by leading water harvesting and planting fruit trees in my area.”

“Through a course on climate change and children, I have been able to run a successful climate literacy project in 5 schools, educating and training learners and teachers on climate change, how to mitigate and adapt using locally available resources, and the linkages between climate change, safety, and health.”

“I have worked with Rwandan youth volunteers to educate people about sustainable development and we did work on roads cleaning and planting trees.”

A Growing and Diverse Community

The platform’s success is rooted in its diverse and inclusive community. In 2024, over 54% of registrants were women, reflecting a commitment to gender equality in climate education. This dedication is also reflected in courses that explore the intersection of climate action and gender equality, such as the Open Online Course on Gender and Environment and the Gender Equality and Human Rights in Climate Action and Renewable Energy. Additionally, the majority of learners come from developing countries.

Beyond the Courses: A Network for Change

UN CC:Learn’s impact doesn’t stop with its courses. The growing UN CC:Learn Alumni network offers exclusive opportunities for continued engagement, such as Fireside Chats and the Climate Classroom, which help learners deepen their knowledge and connect with experts and peers worldwide. These initiatives promote collaboration and inspire innovative solutions to tackle climate challenges.

A Celebration of a Collective Achievement

This milestone is a testament to the dedication of the global UN CC:Learn community, including alumni and partners. Each registration represents a step toward a more informed and empowered world, ready to face the challenges of climate change. As we celebrate this achievement, we look forward to continuing our mission of making climate education accessible to all.

Join the movement by visiting www.unccelearn.org!

CYNP participants at COP29. Aerial view.

In 2024, UN CC:Learn and the Future Leaders Network trained young negotiators through the Climate and Land Youth Negotiator Programmes. These initiatives prepared youth for key roles at COP29 (UNFCCC) and COP16 (UNCCD), equipping them with essential skills and knowledge.

Read on to find out more.

2024 was a remarkable year for UN CC:Learn’s partnership with the Future Leaders Network to deliver two unique and dedicated training programmes for young negotiators around the world. The Climate training programme focusing on negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) ran for its third year with UN CC:Learn as a partner. We welcomed the pilot Land Youth Negotiator Programme that focused on negotiations under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in collaboration with the UNCCD Secretariat.

Both the Climate and Land training programmes ran in parallel from June – November/December 2024 and offered a unique opportunity to explore the synergies between 2 of the 3 Rio Conventions and build the skills of young negotiators to navigate the complex and fast-evolving multilateral landscape, with a vision to enhance the critical role that the youth play in the decision-making process at a global level. The aim was to prepare young negotiators with mandates within their national delegation for the upcoming negotiations at the 29^thUNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP29) in Baku and the 16^th UNCCD Conference of Parties (COP16) in Riyadh, combining an intensive and engaging programme with pre-learning courses, expert online workshops, community building sessions and knowledge repository in the UN CC:e-learn platform.

Youth Negotiators at COP29. Photo credit: Future Leaders Networks

This year’s Climate Youth Negotiator Programme (CYN) saw 257 young negotiators take part across the fundamental and Advanced training tracks, with 111 of them being integral members of their official negotiating teams at COP29. The first-ever Land Youth Negotiator Programme (LYNP) also engaged young negotiators from 35 countries in the Fundamental training track, and several took part in the COP16 negotiations.

With a growing number of well-equipped young negotiators, there is no doubt that the time to invest in our youth is to build intergenerational climate justice through dedicated training programmes like the CYNP and LYNP to secure our combined futures.

Photos can be found on the social channels here.

Climate Youth Negotiator Participants at COP29, in front of COP29 sign.

Climate Youth Negotiator Participants at COP29. Photo credit: Future Leaders Network.

Discover how art can transform ocean governance in the new e-learning course, Art and the Stewardship of the Ocean. Developed by UN CC:Learn and the One Ocean Hub, this course examines how art can amplify marginalized voices, connect diverse stakeholders, and address critical ocean challenges.

Read on to find out more!

The health of our ocean is integral to all life on Earth, yet it faces immense threats such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Fragmented regulations and insufficient stakeholder inclusion further exacerbate these challenges, leaving many ocean-dependent communities excluded from decision-making. The e-learning course, “Art and the Stewardship of the Ocean,” developed by UN CC:Learn and the One Ocean Hub, explores how art can address these complex issues by fostering dialogue, connecting diverse stakeholders, and bridging gaps in understanding, making it a valuable tool for transformative ocean governance that is fair, equitable and sustainable.

This course highlights art’s innovative potential in amplifying marginalized communities’ voices and uncovering creative solutions to ocean-related challenges. It addresses the pressing issue of heightened vulnerability among marine life and coastal and island communities. Through engaging modules featuring videos, reflection points, and interactive quizzes, the course offers an enriching experience for learners who wish to deepen their understanding of ocean-related challenges and possible solutions.

What will you learn?

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

Discuss threats to ocean health and the challenges faced by ocean-dependent communities.
Identify the potential roles art can play in decision-making processes, particularly in relation to ocean governance.
Outline the key steps and identify entry points for implementing art and art-based approaches in decision and policy-making processes.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for a diverse audience, including:

Artists, youth, and researchers interested in leveraging art for social and environmental change.
Members of ocean-dependent communities looking to amplify their voices in governance processes.
Policymakers, non-state actors, and other stakeholders seeking innovative approaches to address ocean-related challenges.

Will you get a certificate?

Each module concludes with a quiz designed to assess the achievement of key learning objectives. Participants who score at least 70% on the quizzes earn badges for each module. Upon completing all three modules and earning the respective badges, participants can download a UNITAR-One Ocean Hub digital Certificate of Completion. This certificate recognizes their commitment to advancing innovative and inclusive ocean governance practices.

Take the e-course today!

Group picture with participants during the workshop in Quito.

With participation of more than 100 stakeholders from diverse sectors, Ecuador takes a significant step toward strengthening capacities to tackle climate change, consolidating efforts in education, awareness-raising, and international cooperation.

Read on to find out more.

In November 2024, Ecuador advanced its commitment to climate action by initiating the co-creation of its National Strategy for Action for Climate Empowerment (ENACE). A series of participatory workshops brought together a diverse array of voices from across the country, underscoring Ecuador’s dedication to building a society resilient to the impacts of climate change and actively engaged in shaping its future.

Workshops were held in Tena, Guayaquil, and Quito, representing the Amazon, coastal, and Andean regions, respectively. These gatherings were complemented by a virtual webinar and an online survey, ensuring a broad and inclusive consultation process. In total, more than 100 individuals from 70 organizations and institutions took part, spanning public and private sectors, national and international NGOs, academia, and indigenous communities. This diversity of participation highlighted the inclusive spirit of the ENACE and its focus on capturing the perspectives of all sectors of society.

Participants at the workshop in Quito.

The ENACE is more than just a strategy; it represents Ecuador’s ambition to empower its citizens with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to climate action. It builds upon the pillars of education, training, awareness, access to information, public participation, and international cooperation, creating a comprehensive framework that addresses both the causes and consequences of climate change. By doing so, the strategy complements existing national mitigation and adaptation plans, bridging the gap between policy and practice.

For instance, ENACE’s emphasis on education aims to integrate climate change topics into formal and informal educational systems, equipping young minds with the tools to build a better society. Its training initiatives focus on enhancing technical capacities in key sectors, fostering innovative solutions to climate challenges. Awareness campaigns will inspire behavioral changes at all levels, while improved access to information ensures that decision-making is transparent and inclusive. Public participation, particularly from historically marginalized groups such as indigenous peoples, is central to the strategy, ensuring that their voices and traditional knowledge shape the path forward. Finally, the strategy strengthens Ecuador’s ties to international networks, promoting the exchange of ideas and resources to tackle shared global challenges.

This collaborative effort, led by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition (MAATE), in partnership with UNICEF and UNITAR through the One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:Learn), places Ecuador among regional leaders in climate empowerment. Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina have already developed similar strategies, and Ecuador is now poised to join their ranks, signaling a strong commitment to regional solidarity in addressing the climate crisis.

As the ENACE moves from consultation to drafting, the insights gathered during this process will lay the foundation for a policy that not only reflects Ecuador’s diverse realities but also serves as a model for collective climate action. By fostering a culture of empowerment and cooperation, Ecuador is taking a significant step toward a sustainable and equitable future for all its citizens.

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Ecuador officially launches its National Strategy for Action for Climate Empowerment 2026–2035

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

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

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

UN CC:Learn celebrates a major milestone: 1,000,000 registrations!

A Gateway to UN Knowledge

Driving Real-World Impact

A Growing and Diverse Community

Beyond the Courses: A Network for Change

A Celebration of a Collective Achievement

Empowering Young Negotiators: Building Skills for Climate and Land Solutions

New Course Explores Art’s Role in Transforming Ocean Governance

What will you learn?

Who is this course for?

Will you get a certificate?

Ecuador Advances in Building its National Strategy for Action for Climate Empowerment