As the world faces intensifying climate crises, poverty, and exclusion, education is an essential enabler of human resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and social mobility. Marginalised youth and women, especially in fragile and climate-affected contexts, often lack access to quality, relevant education and pathways to green jobs.

This high-level panel discussion, a collaboration between the Education Above All Foundation (EAA) and the Silver Lining for the Needy Initiative (SLNI), in partnership with UNICEF, UNDP, the Commission on the Status of Women and the Permanent Mission of the State of The Gambia to the United Nations, will feature high-level leaders, grassroots practitioners, and youth voices, discussing these interlinked issues and showcasing community-driven models that are transforming lives and building pathways for sustainable development.

Objectives

This high-level discussion will:

1. Showcase integrated education models, presenting SLNI’s literacy and vocational training and EAA Foundation’s Education for Climate Action initiatives as replicable and scalable approaches.

2. Highlight the education-climate nexus, demonstrating how climate-resilient education reduces poverty, generates jobs, and fosters social inclusion.

3. Elevate youth and women’s leadership by amplifying the experiences and solutions of grassroots leaders and young changemakers.

4. Promote innovation by exploring how AI, digital learning, and EdTech can expand access to quality education in fragile and climate-affected contexts.

5. Foster partnerships by identifying joint financing, policy, and programming pathways to scale integrated models across regions.

6. Align with the Sustainable Development Goals, advancing SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 13 (Climate Action).

Call to Action

1. Practical Recommendations: Policy and programmatic recommendations for scaling climate-resilient education and livelihoods.

2. Actionable Steps: For governments, donors, and agencies to invest in integrated approaches.

3. Strengthened Alliances: Partnerships among governments, UN agencies and NGOs