Caroline Rennie, Head of School at Green School, New Zealand, delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the importance of integrating climate action into curricula and teaching methods. Rennie stressed the joy and significance of connecting students with nature while fostering academic rigor and environmental awareness.

During the seminar, a panel of experts from organizations such as Save the Children, WWF, UNESCO, UNICEF, and various embassies, shed light on the challenges and future prospects of green schools. They shared country-specific experiences and lessons from Pakistan, Australia, India, Norway and Bangladesh. In a seminar on Sunday titled “Green School: Education for a Sustainable Planet,” held in Kathmandu and hosted by Kathmandu University School of Education (KUSOED), experts from diverse backgrounds gathered to discuss the urgent need for implementing the “green school” concept. The event attracted over 70 participants, both in person and virtually, from Nepal and other South Asian countries.

Manjali Shakya Bajracharya, Deputy Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, expressed her commitment to incorporating the “green school” concept in upcoming policies and plans. By prioritizing ecology and transforming existing development models, she aims to protect the planet for future generations.

Rudra Adhikary, Deputy General Director of the Centre for Education and Human Resource Development, highlighted the importance of green schools as places that promote a clean, healthy, and green environment while conserving energy and natural resources. He emphasized the need for schools to engage with the community and involve community members in environmental sustainability initiatives.

The Government of Nepal has already taken steps to promote environmental conservation education in public schools through initiatives such as the Green School Program Implementation Directives and Green School Resource Handbook. These documents encourage the integration of school gardens as living laboratories, enabling students to actively participate in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr. Bal Chandra Luitel, the Dean of KUSOED, discussed their plans to forge partnerships with institutions and communities to foster sustainable teaching practices. This reflects their commitment to eco-justice and experiential learning beyond traditional classroom settings.

The seminar aimed to raise awareness of best practices related to green schools, climate change, and education for a sustainable future in Nepal and South Asia. Dr. Raj Kumar Dhungana, a faculty member at KUSOED, emphasized the opportunity for collaboration and future initiatives, fostering dialogue among educators, policymakers, and environmental organizations.

The seminar organized by KUSOED and the MPhil Development Studies 2023 Batch showcased the growing momentum of the green school movement. It not only addresses climate change but also aims to transform education, fostering a sustainable and resilient future for communities across the region.