The UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has announced the outcomes of the First Global Forum on Green Economy Learning, including the adoption of the Paris Summary Statement on Learning for an Inclusive Green Economy (IGE).
The Paris Statement outlines principles for: the meaning and value of IGE learning; increasing effectiveness and sustainability in IGE learning; promoting IGE learning at the national and local levels; and scaling up for impact.
29 January 2016: The UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has announced the outcomes of the First Global Forum on Green Economy Learning, including the adoption of the Paris Summary Statement on Learning for an Inclusive Green Economy (IGE). The Paris Statement outlines principles for: the meaning and value of IGE learning; increasing effectiveness and sustainability in IGE learning; promoting IGE learning at the national and local levels; and scaling up for impact.
During the Global Forum, participants explored the evolution of green economy learning, considering lessons learned from existing initiatives and the need to further invest in knowledge and skills development at various levels, especially in light of the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement in 2015. Focusing on developing a strategic approach to IGE education and training, the Global Forum identified opportunities for collaboration on curricula and learning activities and initiated an Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) network of learning institutions and professionals.
The Forum, held from 16-18 December 2015, in Paris, France, brought together over 100 participants representing UNITAR, the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Green Growth Knowledge Platform, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-UNEVOC International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, and more than 60 other organizations. The Paris Statement adopted by the participants will serve as a reference point for measuring green economy learning progress going forward.
The UN Sustainable Development Summit, which adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs, took place from 25-27 September 2015 at UN Headquarters in New York, US. The Paris Agreement was adopted at the conclusion of the Paris Climate Change Conference, which convened from 29 November to 13 December 2015, in Paris, France. [UNITAR Press Release] [Paris Summary Statement on Learning for an Inclusive Green Economy] [IISD RS Coverage of the UN Sustainable Development Summit] [IISD RS Coverage of the Paris Climate Change Conference]