December 8, 2023
BANGKOK – A green education that makes children more economically conscious of the environment is an investment in the future of humanity, according to a senior UN agency official in Bangkok.
Kirimoke Drollett, chief of administration and finance unit, of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, spoke to The Nation at the launch of its Green Education Initiative, partnering Huawei and Thailand’s Ministry of Education.
Recent reports indicate that only 12% of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are on track to be achieved by 2030. Notably, SDG13, focusing on climate action, is regressing not only in Thailand but across Asia and the Pacific, Drollett said.
Thailand ranked 50th out of 163 countries in 2021 for children most at risk from climate change impacts.
Recognising the critical need for local action, the education initiative aims to tackle the pressing issue of climate change by fostering environmental education in the region.
Drollett said the initiative targets three crucial areas:
Green schools: Implementing practices promoting water security, clean energy, biomass production, and waste management within educational institutions.
Green skills: Developing and enhancing skills among students, educators, and communities to foster a culture of environmental responsibility and sustainability.
Green communities: Engaging local communities to create awareness and promote the adoption of green practices beyond the school environment.
The digital bus is set to play a pivotal role in educating students on the green initiatives while also serving as a classroom on wheels where students can engage in digital lessons.
The project has started in Nakhon Nayok province. Drollett revealed plans for a nationwide expansion after discussions with the Ministry of Education.
Despite potential challenges, collaboration with the ministry has been overwhelmingly positive, with everyone contributing wholeheartedly to the cause, Drollett said.