Harnessing Education and Mobilizing Youth for Effective Climate Action in Our Communities

September 04, 2023

Pakistan Coalition for Education, in partnership with the Indus Valley School for Art and Architecture's Continuing Education Programme (IVS CEP), organized a Youth Dialogue on September 4th, 2023. The conference aimed to facilitate a comprehensive discussion on climate-related challenges, particularly within the context of education. The event took place at the IVS and brought together youth to explore ways to make education more resilient to climate change in their communities.

Objectives

The key objectives of the Youth Dialogue were as follows:

To engage youth in meaningful discussions about climate-related challenges in Pakistan.
To mobilize young people to take action and create a more climate-resilient education system.
To encourage open dialogue and the exchange of ideas among participants.

Keynote Speakers and Main Messages

Ms. Memona Saeed - Director IVS CEP

Ms. Memona Saeed opened the dialogue by welcoming the participants and providing an overview of both Pakistan Coalition for Education (PCE) and IVS CEP. She emphasized the importance of collective action, youth involvement, and the power of art in conveying messages.

Ms. Ayman Babar - Program Coordinator for Advocacy and Research at PCE

Ms. Ayman Babar introduced the panelists and served as moderator. She highlighted the inadequacy of our current educational systems in addressing climate-related issues and stressed the significant impact of larger systems in promoting a lack of concern for the environment.

Mr. Muhammad Faheem - Founder of Mehrdar Art & Production

Faheem, the founder of Mehrdar, discussed the challenges faced by marginalized youth in Pakistan, particularly their lack of awareness about their history and identity. He emphasized the role of education in filling this gap and stressed the importance of tolerance, empathy, and community engagement. Faheem shared his experiences in using local languages and documentary films to educate communities about climate-related issues. He also emphasized the need for the education system to practically link students with the communities and the strong role of community involvement in addressing climate-related challenges.

Amna - Joint Faculty at IVS and member of Center for Social Innovation in Developing Countries

Amna, with a background in education psychology, emphasized the need for deeper engagement with students on climate-related issues. She highlighted that the National Climate Policy did not prioritize education as a key concern. She highlighted the gaps and deficiencies of the system in Pakistan. Amna called for incorporating indigenous knowledge and engaging students directly in climate action. She also discussed post-flood trauma among school children and the importance of making them resilient in the face of disasters.

Key Takeaways

There is a need to engage students in climate-related issues and mobilize them for climate action.
Indigenous knowledge and local languages should be incorporated into the education system.
Community engagement and active participation are crucial for addressing climate challenges.
Climate education should focus on practical aspects and engagement with local communities.
The importance of creating a sense of agency among youth to motivate them for climate action.
The role of language in conveying climate-related messages effectively.

Conclusion

The Youth Dialogue served as a platform for youth to engage in critical discussions about climate challenges in Pakistan and the role of education in addressing them. The event highlighted the need for a more inclusive and resilient education system that empowers students to take climate action. The insights and recommendations shared during the dialogue will contribute to ongoing efforts to mobilize youth for effective climate action in communities across Pakistan.

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