In partnership with the Tunisian National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture, the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (Secretariat of the Executive Board and General Conference - National Commissions Section) organized, on December 17-18, 2024 at its headquarters in Tunis, the “First Arab Forum for the Network of Affiliated Schools, Clubs, and Chairs”.
The Forum was held under the theme of “The Role of Youth Leaderships and Civil Society in Climate Change Response in the Arab Region”. It was attended by representatives of Schools, Clubs, and Chairs affiliated to ALECSO, along with experts in environmental policies, civil society representatives, and specialists from international and regional organizations.
The forum was also attended by representatives from five National Commissions (Tunisia, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, and Egypt); representatives from Arab educational institutions (University of Tunis El Manar, Yarmouk University in Jordan, and Mohammed V University in Rabat); and representatives from the Tunisian Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Environment, the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, the Banking and Financial Council, and the National Environment Protection Agency. International and regional organizations, such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Family Health International (FHI360), and the Heinrich Böll Foundation, took part in the Forum.
Representatives from ALECSO-affiliated Chairs, Clubs, and Schools offered presentations on environmental projects being implemented under their supervision.
The Forum addressed several key themes, including:
- The role of youth leaderships and civil society in climate change response and mitigation;
- National experiences in enhancing climate change adaptation capacity, such as the "Integrated Program for the Clean-up of Lake Bizerte" in Tunisia and the Schools' Experience in Achieving SDG in Jordan;
- Presentations by representatives of ALECSO Chairs on issues such as environmental arbitration, media role in climate change awareness, and environmental resilience-building;
- Strengthening local innovation and circular economy in response to climate challenges;
- Youth experiences in environmental awareness, sustainable mobility, and community-based climate action;
- Presentations by ALECSO Clubs and Schools on youth projects and initiatives, with recommendations for improvement.
The Forum featured fruitful discussions and presentations of significant experiences from the participating countries. Practical recommendations were put forward to strengthen regional cooperation and support youth-led innovative solutions, with emphasis on the durability of climate initiatives and partnerships among all parties.
The Forum concluded with recommendations to foster the role of youth in climate action, urge governments and relevant institutions to support environmental projects, and strengthen the role of National Commissions in supporting ALECSO's Network of Clubs, Schools, and Chairs, in pursuit of a more sustainable future for the Arab region.
