UAE: School heads welcome announcement of calling 2023 the ‘Year of Sustainability’

Head teachers highlight how students are already empowered to take charge of their future by combatting climate change as institutions provide a platform for them to learn, share and grow through a plethora of school programmes.

A variety of interesting initiatives provide narratives of different contexts and countries that offer a ‘kaleidoscopic view’ of the environment and the challenges it faces.

Helen Al Uzaizi, Director of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Social Impact, GEMS World Academy – Dubai says, “Sustainability is a prerequisite to doing business and living in today’s world. It is no longer an optional add-on, it needs to be intrinsically built into daily habits and practice. This applies to schools, companies and individuals alike. Today, sustainability is not a question of whether we recycle plastic bottles, it is all about our choices – our energy consumption, our retail choices, and our food choices. According to a recent article published by World Economic Forum [see here], 75 per cent of millennials and Gen-Zs would choose sustainable brands.”

Shedding light on some of the best practices, Al Uaizi adds, “Reducing our energy consumption has been at the forefront of our move towards becoming a fully sustainable school. We also continue to strive towards a zero-plastic and paper-free academy and have installed water dispensers/coolers throughout to reduce single-use plastics in school, alongside holding ongoing recycling drives. In addition, we were the first school in Dubai to sign the UNSDG Global Schools programme, which has allowed us to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals into our curriculum at all levels, from KG up to Grade 12.”

Emma Shanahan, Principal, Aspen Heights British School, says, “In the buildup to COP 28, we welcome the announcement that His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has declared 2023 The Year of Sustainability. As an eco-school, rather than looking at sustainability as a separate entity, we believe it has such a high priority that it is taught both implicitly, and explicitly. We consider sustainability to be as important as personal and social development because it is critical for all our futures.

Teaching about sustainability is part of our moral duty as humans; caring for our planet is critical for all our futures. Children are taught about these important issues as we know it is the younger generation who will hold adults into account. They can positively influence and challenge adult behaviours, and they must! Scientists globally agree - countries must commit to lowering Co2 levels and act to become carbon neutral in order to try to reverse the impact of global warming.”

Principals also underline how from a young age, children are taught the importance of caring for the environment, recycling and re-using materials.

Schools reiterate how they are, especially committed to ensuring that their students understand the role in creating a more sustainable world

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