UNESCO climate change education and youth voice

19 March 2026 - 19 March 2026

Region(s): Wellington

Type(s): presentations

Come along to this New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO event focused on climate change education and youth voice.

This event will share outcomes from the 14th UNESCO Youth Forum which focused on the social impacts of climate change, making a clear call for climate change education and action. The aim is to create a space for reflection and connection through a panel discussion in response to global youth insights and how they can enrich local thinking on climate action in the context of consultations on the Draft Science Curriculum.

Venue: The National Library of New Zealand, 70 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington

Format: Presentations and discussion followed by light refreshments

Event Chair: Professor Gail Gillon, National Commissioner for Education

Following a keynote by Isaac Morunga, former Special Advisor Youth, sharing insights and outcomes from the UNESCO Youth Forum including a 'tohu' or call to action to educators and rangatahi our panel of experts will respond to themes such as:

• 'Action vs activity' in climate learning

• Elevating rangatahi voices

• Strengthening climate education in the Aotearoa New Zealand context

• Approaches that build genuine action competence.

Secondary schools attendees are warmly encouraged to bring two or three senior students (Year 12/13) who are interested in climate action, science, global citizenship, or leadership.

Invited from both primary and secondary schools are:

• Principals

• Science leaders and teachers

• Curriculum leaders

• Kāhui Ako and senior leadership team members

This event is designed as a chance to connect with other principals, educators, and science leaders across Wellington, share ideas, and help shape the community of practice around climate education and youth voice.

RSVP: unesco.nz@education.govt.nz by Monday 16 March 2026.