Ei-iE

Ahead of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP 30), which will take place in Brazil in November 2025, education unionists came together to discuss the priorities of the global education union movement for this event, as well as the way forward beyond COP30.

Unions advocating for a just transition at COP 30

Addressing Education International’s Climate Network meeting on October 9th, Patrick Rondeau, Director of the Environment and Just Transition Service of the Workers’ Federation of Quebec (FTQ), stressed that COP is not an isolated event but part of a continuum of work that is developed every day around the world.

While geopolitical tensions are making COP negotiations difficult, unions are working to put the spotlight on a just transition focused on workers’ rights as a global imperative. The leadership of Brazil’s President Lula provides valuable momentum in this direction. Rondeau expressed confidence that the union delegation is in a good position to make progress at COP 30. Unions stand ready to hold governments accountable for the commitments made at COP, advocating for promises to be turned into public policies and actions.

Education on the climate agenda

Education will also be on the agenda at COP 30. A joint ministerial session will bring together Ministers of Education and Ministers of Environment, reported Dijan Sadadou from the Office for Climate Education (OCE). Climate education will also be the focus of a high-level event between the OECD, the OCE, and Minister of Education of Brazil. Efforts continue to integrate education in countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions and climate strategies.

On November 15, the Teachers’ COP will see 10 teachers presenting their climate projects to a live audience at COP and online. Organised by the Office for Climate Education, the event will demonstrate that while negotiations are slow, educators are taking the lead to deliver climate education. Governments must catch up and support educators for climate action.

Supporting governments to empower teachers

Another important moment for education at COP 30 will be the launch of the teacher policy tool developed by the UNESCO Greening Education Partnership. The reflection tool aims to support Ministries of Education in strengthening the climate resilience of their education systems by enabling educators, school leaders, and education support personnel to deliver continuous, equitable, and quality education even amid climate disruptions.

As a member of the Greening Education Partnership, Education International ensured that the experience of unions and teachers around the world informed the development of the policy tool.

Education International key messages to COP 30

1. Education is climate action!

Transforming education is essential to fighting climate change and building a sustainable future.

2. Students deserve climate literacy

Every student has the right to learn how to protect the planet and thrive in a green economy.

3. Teachers are catalysts

Quality climate education starts with trained, empowered, and supported educators.

4. School communities must lead

Learning environments should be climate-resilient and sustainable.

5. COP30 must centre Indigenous voices

Indigenous Peoples protect 80% of the world’s biodiversity. Their leadership is not optional – it’s essential.

6. Traditional knowledge is climate science

Indigenous food systems, forest stewardship, and ecological wisdom must shape climate policy.

7. Governments must act now!

It’s time to fulfil promises made in the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda.

Educators mobilised to Teach for the Planet

At COP30 and beyond, teachers and their unions are determined to ensure climate education as an adaptation measure and an essential way to achieve climate justice for all.

Composed of EI member organisations, the Climate Network is part of EI’s Teach for the Planet campaign which aims to ensure that climate education, based on science and with a civic action focus, becomes as fundamental as teaching reading and writing.

Sign the Teach for the Planet Manifesto and join the mobilisation!