Abu Dhabi: The COP28 Presidency and Coursera, a global online learning platform, have joined forces to offer 5,000 free licenses for a curated program of climate-focused online courses and certificate programs.
The collaboration, announced on International Youth Day, will empower young people through education and capacity-building opportunities to meaningfully contribute to climate decision-making processes. The program of more than 100 courses covers a range of topics essential for climate literacy across mitigation, adaptation, finance, and loss and damage.
The distribution of these licenses will be facilitated through UNFCCC constituencies, the University Climate Network, comprising 24 UAE-based universities and higher education institutions, and various other youth activist groups.
Young people have repeatedly raised the fact that capacity building is a key priority for their meaningful participation during our global youth consultations. This partnership responds to that clearly identified need. COP28 and Coursera’s collaboration on climate education demonstrates our commitment to empower the younger generation and foster their active involvement in tackling the global climate crisis.
Ms. Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, UAE Minister of Community Development, shared.
Mr. Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO of Coursera, commented that “Coursera is honored to partner with COP28 in the fight against climate change. Through education, we aim to empower thousands of young people to learn about climate issues and play a role in shaping sustainable solutions. This partnership reflects our commitment to making climate literacy accessible to all and nurturing a generation that will lead us toward a sustainable future.”
The Youth Climate Champion is a new role introduced by the COP28 Presidency to mainstream youth participation and voice in the COP process while mobilizing substantive youth policy inputs and outcomes.
As part of the COP28 two-week thematic program, December 8 is dedicated to ‘Youth, Children, Education, and Skills’. The day will highlight the need to empower children and youth to be a part of climate solutions proposed at every level.