COP 28 in Dubai UAE
As I stood at the threshold of COP 28 in Dubai UAE, a sea of thoughts swirled in my mind, posing a simple yet profound question: "Why am I here, particularly against such daunting odds?" I had been wrestling with a severe illness, embroiled in a grueling battle to regain my health. Yet, in the face of this adversity, I had made a deliberate choice to be there, to stand among the crowd, to be visible.
The decision was not without its risks. It could be misunderstood, even criticized by some. But beneath this choice lay a deeper calling, a sense of purpose that refused to be silenced. It stemmed from an understanding that often, school teachers like myself are shadows in these grand narratives, seldom given a chance to step into the light, to share our insights and perspectives. In a world where education plays a pivotal role in shaping responses to climate challenges, our voice mattered.
The launch of UNESCO's Greening Education Partnership had shed light on the critical intersection of Climate Education and Sustainability Education. Here, policymakers and authorities unveiled their strategies and visions. NGOs, brimming with knowledge and experience, shared their expertise and insights. In this milieu, everyone's contributions mattered, painting a vibrant mosaic of ideas and solutions.
My days at the conference were an emotional rollercoaster. Each day brought with it waves of frustration. High-level meetings, often echoing the same old rhetoric and recycled knowledge, left me feeling drained and exasperated. But amidst this sea of familiar narratives, there were islands of hope and joy. Whenever I interacted with NGOs, witnessed innovative initiatives, or spoke with individuals deeply committed to climate action and sustainability education, my heart swelled with hope. These moments were the silver linings, reminding me of the potential for real change.
As the conference days melted into each other, I found myself in a reflective state. What would I take away from this experience? What impact would it have on me, both as an educator and an individual? While the answers to these questions were still nebulous, one truth stood out with unyielding clarity: there is immense power in showing up, in being present. Our small steps, our efforts to be part of the conversation, to contribute in whatever way we can, are not just symbolic—they are the building blocks of change. And in that realization, I found a sense of peace and purpose, a belief that every voice, every action, however small, is a step towards a more hopeful, sustainable future.
Inshaallah