Cop28 and Coursera launch UAE climate literacy drive

• Over 100 climate literacy-related courses offered
• 24 UAE colleges and universities involved
• Students encouraged to join policy talks

UAE education providers will offer online courses on climate change mitigation, adaptation, finance and other topics through a partnership between e-learning provider Coursera and Cop28‘s organising body.

A curated programme of more than 100 courses in climate literacy will be offered in the run-up to and beyond the United Nations conference in Dubai later this year. 

Climate literacy is defined as an understanding of the climate’s influence on people, society and the environment, and vice versa.

Universities and other educators will be able to apply for one of 5,000 free licences to run the courses. 

The licences will be distributed by Coursera and Cop28 via non-profit organisations affiliated to the Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The University Climate Network, which represents 24 UAE universities and higher education institutions, and various youth action groups will also offer licences. 

Youth inclusion is one of the strands of Cop28’s action strategy. This year’s host country the UAE has said it wants to empower young people to contribute to the climate change policy and decision-making process. 

Shamma Al Mazrui, the UAE’s minister for youth affairs and Cop28’s youth climate champion, said: “Young people have repeatedly said that capacity-building is a key priority for their meaningful participation during our global youth consultations. This partnership responds to that.

“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.”

Coursera has partnerships with various UAE education institutions and government bodies for e-learning provision. Its latest deal was with the Emirates’ Ministry of Health and Prevention. Its staff will have access to specialised educational courses and workshops to support the ministry’s digitalisation process. 

Cop28 will be held in Dubai between November 30 and December 12.

As part of the two-week programme, December 8 is dedicated to discussions – via conference sessions and activities – on youth, children, education and skills.