-
.
- Ελληνικά
Today's press conference, here, in the welcoming space of the Athalassa Environmental Education Centre, aims to inform you about two important High Level International Summits that our country will have the honour to host in ten days from today. These are the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) International Forum on Education for Sustainable Development on "Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future - Youth Entrepreneurship and Participation" and the MED9 Mediterranean Ministerial Summit on "Education for Sustainable Development and Green Growth in the Mediterranean", which will take place on 27 and 28 June, at the Parklane Hotel in Limassol.
The film entitled "GOING GREEN" that we watched just now, conveys the official message of these two important events, which is none other than the urgent need to address environmental challenges and our obligation to protect the future of our planet. In this process, our young people are at the centre and in the forefront. Through the two Summits, we see young people as leaders of tomorrow and as disruptive agents of change today.
With its rich cultural heritage and strategic geographical location, Cyprus is an ideal place for these meetings. Bringing together experts from the fields of education, innovation and entrepreneurship from three continents, we aim to harness the collective knowledge that will bring us closer to our shared vision of a sustainable planet. The two major international events we host aspire to be a bridge of cooperation and a platform for communication on the issues of Education for Sustainable Development, providing valuable information and examples for integrating sustainability practices in education. At the same time, they are important milestones in promoting discussions and the exchange of know-how and scientific data to address the multidimensional challenges of climate change and environmental degradation.
Through the two Summits, Cyprus becomes a meeting place for representatives of Governments, international organisations, NGOs and other stakeholders from the 56 UNECE and MED9 countries. The more than 400 delegates in total will have the opportunity to discuss what unites them and the joint efforts that need to be undertaken to address the global challenges linked to the 17 targets of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The importance that the United Nations attaches to the Summits is highlighted by the presence and active participation of the UNECE Executive Secretary herself, Ms. Tatiana Molkean. The Sessions will also be attended by more than 20 Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Education from UNECE and MED9 countries.
The choice of Cyprus to host the two Sessions was not made by chance. Cyprus, for the last ten years, has been an international leader in the field of Education for Sustainable Development and an example of good practice. The reforms and policies that our country has promoted constitute a reference point and transfer of know-how in many countries, while it is the only country that has established a permanent structure for environmental and sustainable development education issues to ensure the monitoring of the effective implementation of its policies and the safeguarding of institutional memory. The recognition that Cyprus has received is reflected in the fact that it leads and chairs the two major Committees on Education for Sustainable Development, both at UNECE and in the Mediterranean. It is stressed that these two Conferences are a continuation of the 9th Ministerial Conference on the Environment in Europe, which was held in Cyprus on 5-7 October 2022, with great success and the participation of over 1500 delegates, including 72 Ministers of Education and Environment.
It is obvious that the hosting of these two high-level international events reinforces the image of Cyprus as a leader in sustainability and education.
It is obvious that the hosting of these two high-level international events reinforces the image of Cyprus as a leader in sustainability and education. At the same time, it is a prime opportunity to showcase policies and reforms promoted by the Republic of Cyprus on Education for Sustainable Development, within the framework of the revised National Strategic Plan 2030.
Allow me at this point to point out that the planning, preparation and organization of both Sessions, due to the pressing timeframes, would not have been possible if a team of professionals and scientists from the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth did not work tirelessly for almost four months, fully committed to achieving the best possible outcome. I would like to thank the Director General of our Ministry, Dr. Maria Ioannou Hasapi, who had the supervisory role for the preparation of both Summits, as well as the Environment and Sustainable Development Education Unit, which had the entire responsibility for their preparation in terms of organization and content. I would also like to thank all the Ministry officials who participate as volunteers in the Summits, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Police, who have contributed substantially to make their organisation possible. I would also like to thank the Press and Information Office for its substantial support in covering and promoting the Summits.
Finally, I would like to thank all of you who represent the media and are here today. I am sure that you will support in the best possible way the promotion and promotion of Cyprus as a bridge for communication and dialogue on Education for Sustainable Development. The extensive coverage of the two Summits will raise awareness of the importance of sustainable education and its impact on future generations, promote accountability for commitments made during the events by policy makers and stakeholders, and enhance public engagement in supporting initiatives undertaken for Sustainable Development. As the Ministry, we are at your disposal to contribute to the widest and most effective media coverage of the two Summits.
IP
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
