Abu Dhabi: 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.
According to Emirates News Agency, 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.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, stated that the recognition of Abu Dhabi by the United Nations University as the first regional centre for environmental education in the region underscores their forward-thinking approach to sustainability. The initiative marks a commitment to strengthening environmental awareness and education for sustainable development, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's leadership in global environmental action.
Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environmental Information, Science, and Awareness at EAD, highlighted that the naha platform integrates a portfolio of initiatives and programmes designed to empower community participation in environmental stewardship. These initiatives, including the Sustainable Schools Initiative, the Sustainable Campus Initiative, and the Sahim Citizen Science Programme, play a key role in accelerating local and global sustainability efforts.
The acknowledgment of naha by the United Nations University as a Regional Centre of Expertise builds upon the successful 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) held in Abu Dhabi and demonstrates the emirate's commitment to the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration Action Plan Challenge 6.3, which called for the establishment of an RCE in Abu Dhabi.
The RCEs network operates under a multi-stakeholder governance structure, involving government entities, non-governmental organisations, universities, and international organisations. This inclusive approach ensures effective advancement of education for sustainable development and ecosystem restoration.
In its role, EAD will establish a Steering Committee to set strategic directions and oversee operations across multiple entities, while an advisory committee will provide specialised knowledge and guidance on ecosystem restoration and sustainable education.