Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi secures Abu Dhabi's membership in United Nations University network of Regional Centres (RCEs) of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), first in the GCC
8 May 2025 16:10
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)As part of the Year of Community, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has secured recognition for Abu Dhabi as a member of the United Nations University (UNU) network of Regional Centres of Expertise (RCEs) on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). With this achievement, Abu Dhabi becomes the first centre of expertise for environmental education and sustainability in the GCC region.Through its digital platform naha, EAD will lead this regional mission, driving collective efforts to advance knowledge sharing, capacity building, and the adoption of best practices in education for sustainable development.This initiative aims to safeguard and sustain the environment, enhancing quality of life for current and future generations.Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, said, 'The recognition of Abu Dhabi by the United Nations University as the first regional centre for environmental education in the region underscores our forward-thinking approach to sustainability. It marks our commitment to strengthening environmental awareness and education for sustainable development. By harnessing the latest innovations and modern technologies, we continue to reinforce Abu Dhabi's leadership in global environmental action.''Environmental awareness and education are catalysts for conservation and development within our strategic framework. By broadening community engagement and forging regional and global partnerships, we are supporting the emirate's vision for a more sustainable and promising future for the generations to come.'Executive Director of Environmental Information, Science, and Awareness at EAD, Ahmed Baharoon, said, 'The naha platform's forward-thinking and holistic strategy seamlessly integrates a portfolio of initiatives and programmes designed to empower community participation in environmental stewardship. These include the Sustainable Schools Initiative, recognised internationally by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Sustainable Campus Initiative, and the Sahim Citizen Science Programme. Leveraging Abu Dhabi's rich natural heritage, naha plays a key role in accelerating local and global sustainability efforts while nurturing a new generation of young leaders equipped to drive meaningful change.''The acknowledgment of naha by the United Nations University as a Regional Centre of Expertise builds upon the extremely successful 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) held in Abu Dhabi in early 2024, the launch of the Abu Dhabi Roadmap for Education for Sustainable Development and demonstrates Abu Dhabi's commitment to the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration Action Plan Challenge 6.3 that called for the establishment of an RCE in Abu Dhabi.'The Regional Centres of Expertise (RCEs) on Education for Sustainable Development network operates under a multi-stakeholder governance structure, bringing together the expertise of government entities, non-governmental organisations, universities, and international organisations.This inclusive approach ensures the effectiveness of operations, with all stakeholders committed to advancing education for sustainable development and restoring ecosystems.As part of its role, EAD will establish a Steering Committee to serve as the centre's governing body, responsible for setting strategic direction and overseeing operations across multiple entities.The agency will manage daily decision-making, operational supervision, and partner coordination.
The formation of an advisory committee will bring together experts and practitioners in ecosystem restoration and sustainable education to provide specialised knowledge and guidance.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
16 hours ago
- The National
UAE President performs Eid Al Adha prayers in Abu Dhabi
Sermon at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque focuses on importance of sincerity as a spiritual and national value
Khaleej Times
17 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Eid Al Adha prayers in 'hidden' mosque in Abu Dhabi bring community to life
With the first rays of sunlight, the lengthy yard behind high-rises in Mina Street in Abu Dhabi to life. Men in traditional clothing, women in colourful abayas, and children clinging to parents or zipping by on scooters gathered for Eid prayers. Prayer mats in hand, the crowd flowed toward a humble neighbourhood mosque nestled between sand and concrete. Some arrived on foot, while others parked their cars hurriedly along the roadside. Once inside, the familiar, soothing voice of the mosque's imam echoed, delivering the Eid sermon and concluding with a heartfelt dua: "May your year be full of health, and may your Eid be blessed." As the prayer ended, some worshippers folded their mats, while others lingered, exchanging warm hugs or snapping photos in the soft, golden light of the morning. Among the early risers was the Siddiqi family: Mohamed and Nilofar, with their three daugjhters, Soha, Amna, and Manal. 'We usually go to the larger mosque on Hamdan Street, but today, we were a little pressed for time, so we came here instead.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Manal, 15, shared a lighthearted recount of the chaos that often marks an Eid morning. "This time, we fell asleep with the lights on! We were just so tired after fasting the day before. Usually, we stay up late, put on henna, prepare for the day... but this time, we all knocked out." Despite their late start, they made it. "We woke up a little over 5am, just in time for prayer," Manal added. Even though we joined a little late, it (still) felt rewarding. After the last tent nights of devotion and reflection, this prayer feels like the spiritual cherry on top. You're with family, starting the day with blessings. It's a really special feeling." The communal spirit of Eid was palpable, not just within families but among friends and even solitary worshippers. Outside the mosque, three brothers stood together, looking sharp in smart shirts and traditional wizars. Mohamed Safith, an IT professional who has lived in Abu Dhabi for nearly three years, was joined by his younger brothers, Tanwir and Abrar, who had traveled from Ajman to spend the day together. "For me, this is the closest I get to celebrating with my family back in India," Safith shared. "This is my sixth Eid away from home. I was in Dubai before, but next year, I hope to bring my family here and pray at the Grand Mosque, insha'Allah." As most worshippers began to disperse and start their celebrations, a few remained behind in quiet reflection. Ramadan Eissa, an Egyptian ceramicist, stayed seated on the mosque's carpeted steps. 'I stay after every dawn prayer to recite dhikr and make dua,' the 41-year-old said. "I pray every Eid at this mosque. It's always packed — sometimes we even pray outside.' This was Eissa's second Eid in the UAE. 'It's not the same as Alexandria, but I still feel the spirit here. I see my neighbours, my friends... it's a blessing." Nearby, Adham Mustafa, also from Egypt, sat quietly on the steps. The 38-year-old salesman explained that he had made sure to stay awake the whole night, determined not to miss Eid prayers this time after he had overslept during Eid Al Fitr. 'Last Eid, I overslept and none of my roommates woke me up,' he shared. I ended up missing the prayer. This time, I didn't take any chances. I stayed up and came straight here.' It was only his second Eid in Abu Dhabi, and he admitted he still doesn't know many people in the area yet. "I prayed, then just sat, hoping to meet someone," he said. "Hopefully, I'll make some friends this Eid."
The National
17 hours ago
- The National
Eid Al Adha 2025: Worshippers gather across the UAE for prayers
Muslims in Abu Dhabi and Dubai mark the start of Eid Al Adha with show of faith at mosques
