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UNESCO Doha Office and GORD join forces towards Climate Action

On 27 October 2019, UNESCO Doha Office and the Gulf Organization for Research & Development (GORD) signed a letter of Intent during Qatar Sustainability Summit. The aim of this collaboration is to capitalize on expertise and network of both organizations to foster the role of educational institutions in contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, with focus on SDG 13 to take urgent actions to combat climate change as well as SDG 12 to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
GORD is a non-profit organization and a member of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company. Through their network of Centers of Excellence, GSAS Trust, GORD institute, Global Carbon Trust and the Global Sustainability Academy, the organization focuses on promoting knowledge sharing and exchange of best practices in (i) green building standards development, (ii) multi-disciplinary applied research, as well as (iii) raising awareness through education and outreach activities.
Recognizing the role of education as key enabler for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of 2030 Agenda, UNESCO has been promoting Education for Sustainable Development through its extensive network of UNESCO Affiliated Schools (ASPnet), UNESCO Chairs and UNITIWIN program, category I and II centers, as well as throughout more than 2,000 UNESCO designated sites around the world. The objective of Education for Sustainable Development is to empower everyone to be able to reflect on their own actions, taking into account their current and future social, cultural, economic and environmental impacts, and to become key players in creating the change towards a more sustainable future.  
Moreover, since one of the key thematic areas of Education for Sustainable Development is climate change, UNESCO Doha Office and GORD decided to join forces and build on their extensive networks. This collaboration will mainly focus on (i) enhancing knowledge on climate change, impact of pollution, and sustainable consumption practices, and (ii) raising awareness and fostering the role of educational institutions in responding to climate change challenges and impacts on people’s lives and the planet.
“We are delighted to sign this agreement with GORD at such an important event. The objective of our partnership is to further leverage the role of educational institutions and the civil society in contributing to the implementation of the 2030 agenda and specifically the Sustainable Development Goal 13 for Climate Action. We are really looking forward to the prospects of long-term partnership and successful joint initiatives with GORD”, said Anna Paolini, Director of UNESCO Doha Office and Representative to the countries of the Gulf and Yemen