• Curriculum spans preschool to university, emphasizes climate skills and awareness
• New climate target: 53% emissions cut by 2035, up from 45.5% by 2030
  

Morocco outlined a comprehensive strategy to integrate youth into its climate policies during a COP30 side event on Saturday. The country is positioning education as the cornerstone of its transition to a low-carbon economy.

The Hassan II International Environmental Training Center, part of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, is leading the effort. The center uses a curriculum that runs from preschool through university to promote environmental awareness among students.

Center Director Ayman Cherkaoui said the strategy is built on partnerships with domestic and international actors across the education sector, government institutions and private organisations. The curriculum includes modules on ocean protection, biodiversity and climate-change adaptation.

“Sustainable development, along with environmental and climate education, are central to our mission,” Cherkaoui said.

He added that the goal is to build long-term awareness of climate issues while giving young people the skills needed for the energy transition. Involving youth in the governance of Nationally Determined Contributions improves the implementation of climate measures at the local level and helps prepare for future skills needs in green technologies.

The education push comes as Morocco raises its climate ambitions. In September, the country submitted its third Nationally Determined Contribution to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, setting a target to cut greenhouse-gas emissions by 53 percent by 2035. The new target is an increase from the earlier objective of a 45.5 percent reduction by 2030.

Félicien Houindo Lokossou