Ministry of Environment and Water signs MoU with Ministry of Education to raise students' environmental awareness

United Arab Emirates, October 10, 2015 – The Ministry of Environment and Water recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education at the former’s headquarters in Dubai as part of the implementation of the National Environmental Education and Awareness Strategy. The Strategy aims to strengthen the community’s commitment to sustainability and environmental protection as well as educate the youth so they can lead the UAE towards a sustainable future. The initiative is in accordance with the Ministry of Environment and Water’s mission of disseminating and promoting environmental awareness in the state.

H.E. Abdel Rahim Mohammed Al Hammadi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Environment and Water, and H.E. Marwan Al Sawaleh, Undersecretary for Academic Affairs, Ministry of Education, signed the MoU. 

H.E. Al Hammadi said the agreement forms part of the Ministry’s goal of enhancing its strategic partnership and coordination with the Ministry of Education for increased environmental awareness among students attained through various school activities, with the view that the young will lead the UAE towards the path of a more sustainable future. 

H.E. Al Sawaleh, for his part, noted that one of the Ministry of Education’s top priorities is to inculcate among students the importance of environmental sustainability and wildlife preservation in a bid to establish a sustainable environment for succeeding generations.

The Undersecretary also pointed out that this requires concerted efforts and a unified vision among institutions, as well as increased awareness among individuals on the importance of environmental protection. The MoU between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Environment and Water seeks to activate and implement the National Environmental Education and Awareness Strategy, thus achieving the desired goal of producing a more environmentally aware generation who will preserve the environment and promote sustainability. 

To achieve the requirements of the National Environmental Education and Awareness Strategy, both parties agreed to establish, develop and launch environmental awareness programs and initiatives that support the sustainability objectives of schools operating in the UAE. In addition, they will coordinate on the implementation of educational campaigns, activities and exhibitions for enhancing environmental awareness and environmental behavior in society.