Rabat — Morocco presented its innovative approach to climate education at COP30 on Saturday, displaying how engaging young people can accelerate the transition to low-carbon societies.
During a seminar titled “Towards Carbon Neutrality: The Stakes of Climate Education,” the Hassan II International Center for Environmental Training — part of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection — demonstrated how education and youth participation form the backbone of Morocco’s national climate strategy.
“Climate education sits at the heart of our mission,” said Ayman Cherkaoui, the center’s director. “We work with public and private stakeholders, from preschool through university, to build a lasting climate culture around oceans, climate change, and biodiversity.”
The center has integrated youth voices directly into Morocco’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution ahead of COP30. Through nationwide consultations across all twelve regions, young people identified their priorities and the actions they want to see implemented.
“We ensure every project has real on-the-ground impact, with genuine youth involvement,” Cherkaoui explained. “These consultations now form part of how we govern and track our NDC implementation, creating a direct link between public policy and citizen participation.”
The center also launched the African Youth Climate Hub in 2019, supporting entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35. The initiative has backed 30 projects across three cycles, providing training, mentorship, and market access support. A fourth cycle aims to strengthen youth capacity across Africa.
Sara González, COP30 vice president from the Dominican Republic, shared her country’s similar approach. “We’ve trained over 10,000 teachers and communication professionals to raise societal awareness,” she said. “Education isn’t a separate chapter — it’s a strategic thread woven through mitigation and adaptation.”
Denmark’s delegate Sigurd Seindal Krappe called for meaningful youth engagement beyond token participation, while Zimbabwe’s teachers’ association representative Sifiso Ndlovu stressed the need for clear, measurable goals. “What doesn’t get measured doesn’t get done,” he said.
MWN with MAP
