Why is COP30 relevant for you?

What is COP30 and why it is relevant for you

The Conference of the Parties, or COP, is the annual global meeting held under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It brings together governments, scientists, and civil society from nearly every country to assess progress and agree on future climate action. This year, COP30 took place in Belém, in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon.

Education at COP30

Ahead of the summit, UNESCO announced that '96,000 schools across more than 93 countries have adopted green practices' reflecting a growing global momentum for climate-responsible schooling. This points to a broader recognition that effective climate action depends on informed learners, skilled workers, and teachers who can guide communities through rapid environmental change. 

According to Dijan Sadadou, Head of International Relations at the Office for Climate Education, who was present in Belém, confirmed - in an Education for Climate Talks episode (currently in post-production) - that education received greater visibility at COP30 than in previous years. While it is not yet a formal negotiation track, education featured prominently in ministerial meetings, expert panels, and national statements. 

Thea above, dear community, is a clear signal that the everyday actions taken by communities like ours are actually making a difference. 

Additionally, the Ministerial Roundtable on Greening Education, hosted by UNESCO and the Greening Education Partnership, underscored the need for education systems to prepare young people for a climate-affected future. 

Relevance for the Education for Climate Community

Many moments at COP30 spoke directly to the priorities of our community. The renewed emphasis on teacher training mirrors our work to strengthen the confidence and capacity of educators. The growing focus on green skills within just transition discussions reflects the need to prepare learners for the low-carbon jobs that are rapidly emerging. Conversations that brought scientific findings into public dialogue underlined the importance of connecting science with education. Sessions on adaptation and resilience repeatedly emphasized the importance of awareness and behavioral change as essential tools for climate readiness. 

The TeachersCOP

The TeachersCOP at COP30 celebrated outstanding climate-related teaching from around the world. Like our annual Education for Climate Day, it showcased how educators can translate scientific knowledge into practical learning and community engagement. So look out for next year's TeachersCOP when OCE starts their call for projects around May 2025 — like our Annual Call. 

What’s Next

The next major global meeting is the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) in Nairobi, Kenya, between 8 to 12 December. While UNEA focuses primarily on environmental governance, it regularly includes side-events and sessions on youth participation, environmental literacy, and capacity building—all of which are relevant to our work. Updates and further information can be found on the official UNEP website: https://www.unep.org/environmentassembly/unea7