The Aga Khan Foundation, in partnership with the Kyrgyz Ministry of Education and Science, is welcoming 250 education system stakeholders to Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic from 11-13 June for the Schools2030 Global Forum.

The theme for the third annual forum is Teacher Leadership for Climate Resilience: How to Transform Learning through School and System Pathways for the Future of the Planet. Delegates will address the critical topic of climate and education, and explore how Schools2030’s model for driving impact through school-led innovation can strengthen the world’s educational response to the climate emergency.

The three-day Forum will cover how to advance holistic learning outcomes, improve learning environments and strengthen learning systems. With delegates including teachers, school leaders, youth, civil society, international organisations, funders and government partners, it seeks to generate new insights, partnerships and action steps to promote green education and climate resilience.

The Forum coincides with the Kyrgyz Republic’s centennial celebration of its education system. With a deeply ingrained connection to nature shaped by nomadic culture, green education has quickly become a key focus across the country.

Eco-innovations in the classroom

“Teachers have been focusing on integrating climate-related topics into the curriculum, adopting innovative teaching methods, offering extracurricular opportunities and engaging with the community,” says Nazira Zholdoshbekova, Programme Manager for Education at Schools2030 in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Innovations range from planting seedlings and trees in preschool gardens, introducing hydroponic gardening into classrooms to develop problem-solving skills and understand mathematical concepts, and initiating waste reduction and recycling programmes to instil a culture of environmental responsibility and collective ownership in children.

One school in the Kara-Kulzha district has even challenged students to combine their environmental concerns with their need to develop mathematical skills. Addressing poor air quality caused by the burning of fuels for heating during the bitter winter months, students researched different fuel types and calculated carbon dioxide emissions. They discovered an alternative option called eco-firewood, made from compressed sawdust, leaves and waste paper. The students also set up a small hub at their school to produce eco-firewood and run advocacy campaigns. In doing so, they enhanced their mathematical and scientific knowledge and developed a sense of responsibility in combating climate change.

“The Schools2030 Global Forum is a vital event, providing an opportunity for the global community to unite in the face of climate challenges. We are honoured to host it in the Kyrgyz Republic this year,” says Kasymaliev Muratbek Usonakunovich, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic.

“By bringing together global leaders in education, we are taking significant steps towards a future where our schools become hubs of innovation and resilience, equipping our youth to tackle environmental challenges. As we celebrate 100 years of the Kyrgyz education system, this forum highlights the importance of climate education and teacher leadership for both our country and the world.”

Find out more and register for the livestream.