Laos Takes Bold Step Toward Climate-Resilient Education

Vientiane, 11 Nov 2024: As global leaders gather for COP, Laos is making strides to address the critical intersection of climate change and education. This week, the kickoff meeting for the Climate Smart Education Systems Initiative (CSESI), supported by Global Partnership for Education (GPE), co-chaired by the Minister of Education and Sports and Save the Children in Lao PDR, marked a historic achievement in mainstreaming climate adaptation and environmental sustainability into the education sector. 

Why Now? 

Laos is among five Asian countries chosen for GPE’s Technical Assistance initiative. This opportunity enhances national capacities to embed climate change and sustainability into education plans, budgets, and strategies. With education being a key vehicle for long-term climate resilience, this initiative highlights the nation’s vision for a future where schools and communities are better prepared for climate impacts. 

Key Areas of Focus: 

- Curriculum Integration: Collaborating with UNESCO and UNESCO-IIEP to identify gaps in curricula, teacher training, and pedagogy to prioritize climate and environmental education. 

- Capacity Building: Equipping educators, curriculum developers, and school leaders with the tools to foster climate resilience. 

- Infrastructure Support: Strengthening education facilities to be safer and more climate-resilient. 

- Cross-Sector Coordination: Enhancing collaboration among ministries and partners to align climate policies and strategies with education needs. 

Children’s Voices at the Forefront 

As children’s voices echo at Mini-COP led by Generation Hope Child Advisor, young climate-led campaigner inspires us: 

"I want to see our schools and communities safer from the impacts of climate change. Integrating climate education into school curricula will help every child address climate issues sustainably."

Looking Ahead 

Save the Children remains committed to supporting the Ministry of Education and Sports in accessing financing for climate-resilient education systems, creating safer schools, and integrating sustainability into teacher training and student learning environments. 

#ClimateEducation #COP28 #SaveTheChildren #GSESI #LaosLeads #ClimateResilience