What was the main event that took place in Dubai on the 7th of December?

The main event was a pivotal climate conference part of the fourth annual School Conference of Parties Exposition (SCOPE) held at GEMS Legacy School.

What is the central theme of the SCOPE initiative?

The central theme of SCOPE is "SustainXchange: Dialogues for a resilient planet," focusing on engaging students in the fight against climate change.

Who are Muneer Mohamed Rashid Saad and Eeshvi Lama Gurung, and what did they contribute to the conference?

Muneer Mohamed Rashid Saad and Eeshvi Lama Gurung are six-year-old students who captivated the audience with their concerns about the impacts of climate change, emphasizing the urgency of the climate crisis.

Young Voices, Global Impact: GEMS SCOPE 2023 Ignites Climate Action

Q: Who inaugurated the SCOPE climate conference and what was the key message?

Asha Alexander, the head of Climate Change initiatives at GEMS Education and Principal/CEO of GEMS Legacy School, inaugurated the conference with a message about integrating climate education into UAE's core strategy.

Q: What was the outcome of the SCOPE 2023 Climate Conference?

The outcome of the SCOPE 2023 Climate Conference was the successful fostering of collective awareness and commitment towards a sustainable future, evident through the participation of young students and international delegates.

The SCOPE 2023 Climate Conference, held by GEMS Education at GEMS Legacy School in Dubai, brought together educational leaders, UN-certified teachers, and students from across the globe to engage in critical discussions on climate change and sustainability. The event highlighted the importance of climate education, proactive action, and international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.

By Oneindia Staff

Updated: Friday, December 8, 2023, 12:10 [IST]

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In Dubai, a significant event marked the calendar on the 7th of December as guests from around the globe converged with educational leaders, teachers, and pupils from GEMS Education for a pivotal climate conference. This event was an integral facet of the fourth annual School Conference of Parties Exposition (SCOPE) held at GEMS Legacy School.

SustainXchange: A Dialogue for Resilience

The conference, known as "SustainXchange: Dialogues for a resilient planet," stood as the centerpiece of SCOPE, an initiative that commenced in 2020 under the auspices of GEMS Education. SCOPE epitomizes the collaborative efforts to engage students in the fight against climate change, bringing together participants from various schools throughout the UAE, alongside UN-certified Climate Change Teachers and notable speakers. This year's SCOPE held additional significance as it aligned with the COP28 climate summit at the Expo 2020 site in Dubai, integrating youthful insights and educational stances into the broader environmental discourse.

Climate Education: At the Heart of UAE's Strategy

Asha Alexander, who heads Climate Change initiatives at GEMS Education and is the Principal/CEO of GEMS Legacy School, inaugurated the conference with a powerful message. She emphasized that the UAE has integrated climate education into its core strategy, a vision that GEMS Education has adopted as well. Alexander's call to action was clear: to cultivate a future shaped by progressive actions and mindsets, fully acknowledging the imminent threats posed by climate change and the need for immediate action.

Uniting for Climate Change Literacy

Angus Mackay, a leader at UNITAR, highlighted the pivotal role of the UN CC:Learn courses in fostering global climate change awareness. Mackay lauded the efforts of GEMS Education in becoming a central hub for climate literacy, encouraging the institution for its proactive stance in making a real difference in the world. However, the conference was not only a platform for established figures but also for the youngest voices. Six-year-old students Muneer Mohamed Rashid Saad and Eeshvi Lama Gurung captivated the audience with their genuine concerns about the irreversible impacts of climate change anticipated by 2030. Their poignant questions to the adults about the legacy being left to future generations underscored the urgency of the climate crisis.

Leadership and Action

Furthering the momentum, Linda Cruse, an International Humanitarian and Founder of Race4Good, delivered an inspiring speech on cultivating the next generation of sustainability champions. Cruse's message was one of empowerment, urging attendees to become the heroes of their stories through compassion and decisive action. Notably present was Toby Gregory, an advocate for environmental conservation and founder of the Plastic Pledge, as well as a delegation from Italy, including educators and dignitaries, representing the partnership between GEMS Education and the Istituto Comprensivo di Cappella Maggiore. As the SCOPE 2023 Climate Conference concluded, it was evident that the event had successfully fostered a collective awareness and commitment towards a sustainable future. With the participation of young students and international delegates, the conference served as a beacon of hope, signaling that the path to environmental stewardship is one that transcends borders and is enriched by the voices of the next generation. The call to action remains clear: the time to combat climate change is now, and every individual and institution has a role to play in safeguarding our planet for the coming years.

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