Education International Asia Pacific unites South Asian educators to act on climate justice, just transition, and quality climate education for all
More than 60 education union leaders from South Asia gathered from 28-30 April 2025 for the Educators for Sustainable Development sub-regional conference, extending into a week-long series of impactful activities building union power in the sub-region organised by Education International Asia Pacific (EIAP). The conference provided a platform for education union leaders to strengthen capacities, establish networks, and develop national action plans to advocate for climate justice and advance a just transition in education.
“Climate justice is our path forward. Whether through policy advocacy, union mobilisation or curriculum adaptation, our collective actions can shape and contribute towards a sustainable future”, said Anand Singh, EIAP Regional Director.
With extreme heat gripping South Asia more frequently, worsening climate change impacts on the health of educators and students emerged as a key concern. Dr. Suvajee Good, a public health expert at the WHO, delivered a compelling presentation on the effects of heat stress in school settings. She also outlined practical, low-cost solutions to protect students and teachers against heat stress. EIAP also launched a practical infographic on managing heat stress in the classroom, which is also available in Hindi, English, Chinese, and Japanese.
As part of the Education for Sustainable Development (E4SD) program, the conference also launched a research report titled “Towards Quality Climate Education for All: A Critical Assessment of Climate Change Education Policies in India and the Philippines.” The report, written by Dr. Ranjana Das and Dr. Ruchira Das of the University of Delhi, highlights significant policy gaps and implementation challenges on climate change education, particularly from a climate justice perspective. It also provides recommendations strategies to more effectively implement climate change education policies. The study will be distributed to the EIAP regional network in June 2025; while an in-person launch will be hosted in Delhi in August 2025.
Speakers from UNESCO South Asia, WHO South Asia, UNICEF Nepal, ITUC-Asia Pacific, and national youth-led climate advocacy networks enriched the dialogues with education union leaders.
EI affiliates from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal prepared joint national plans advocating for climate literacy and climate change education in their countries, demonstrating a spirit of solidarity and cooperation.
In his remarks, EIAP Regional Director Anand Singh stressed the pivotal role of education unions in advancing climate justice:
“Let us move forward with purpose, create a legacy of action and hope, and cultivate a generation that is not only socially aware but also committed to transforming the world.”
