Greening skills and jobs pillar of the Greening Higher Education Strategy

As part of the International Conference & POP Festival for Youth-Led Climate Action 2024, held under the theme Human Fraternity and Compassion for Universal Peace, People, and the Planet in Oaxaca, Mexico, UNESCO IESALC organized a series of workshops for youth, higher education students, civil society organizations, and NGOs. These workshops aimed to harness the power of higher education, advocate for youth- and student-led climate action at local and global levels, foster cross-sector collaboration, and promote unity through concrete actions. 

One of the workshops focused on the Greening Skills and Jobs pillar of the Greening Higher Education Strategy. The goal was to raise awareness of global and local challenges, facilitate consensus-building among participants, and engage them in dynamic problem-solving exercises to co-create innovative solutions tailored to their communities. Participants identified local challenges related to higher education and climate change and worked collaboratively to propose solutions. 

Key challenges raised included, on the one hand, deforestation driven by industrial activities, the gas industry’s contribution to environmental degradation (especially affecting water resources), and poor waste management, particularly in the textile industry. These issues highlighted the need for improved waste management systems and chemical treatment processes.

Moreover, inadequate agrochemical waste management and insufficient infrastructure for proper water use and irrigation were also cited as significant problems. On the other hand, authorities often lack the skills necessary to implement sustainable policies, and there is a gap in political commitment at both medium and higher education levels. 

Participants identified the lack of skilled personnel in decision-making roles as a major issue, with many leaders lacking the expertise to implement sustainable solutions. Additionally, they highlighted challenges such as inadequate monitoring, insufficient funding, and poor information-sharing in environmental projects. Finally, a recurring concern was the overuse of natural resources, particularly water, energy, and plastics, with inefficient water management in agriculture exacerbating resource waste. 

To address these challenges, participants proposed a wide number of solutions. Firstly, they agreed on the need for targeted training programs focused on environmental issues, emphasizing the importance of forming specialized teams to tackle climate change and its impacts while prioritizing individuals with academic backgrounds in environmental fields.

Secondly, they agreed that success will depend on strong teamwork, collaboration, and early training initiatives, such as implementing water sanitation systems in schools to install sustainable practices. Thirdly, it was suggested to conduct specific training among traditional communities to acquire a better understanding of the ecosystems of each territory and, therefore, improve its protection.

Fourthly, they addressed adopting water-efficient irrigation systems and rainwater harvesting technologies. For these interventions to be viable, a solid foundation in water management and irrigation techniques is essential, alongside government investment in critical infrastructure such as dams and water wells. Finally, one group suggested bringing fishing projects to rural communities and using their resources and traditional knowledge to improve practices in this field.

UNESCO IESALC is deeply committed to Greening Higher Education, working alongside youth and students to support their leadership in climate action. This commitment includes fostering an environment where students and young professionals are empowered to develop the skills required for green jobs, which are vital for transitioning to a sustainable economy. Community-based training and environmental education must also be integrated into basic education to build long-term environmental awareness. By prioritizing Greening Skills and Jobs, UNESCO IESALC emphasizes the importance of preparing future generations for the green workforce, ensuring that they can effectively address environmental challenges and drive sustainable development. 

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