British Council and UCL Host Policy Roundtable on Climate Change and Sustainable Development Education in Egypt

The British Council in Egypt, in partnership with University College London (UCL), today hosted a high-level policy roundtable on “Climate Change and Sustainable Development Education in Egypt: Examining the Perspective of Girls and Their Teachers in Under-privileged Urban Primary Schools.” 

The roundtable brought together representatives from the Ministry of Education, Al-Azhar, Ministry of Youth, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UNICEF, the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, the Arab Youth Council for Climate, local NGOs, and members of parliament. It provided an opportunity for policymakers, textbook writers, and education stakeholders to reflect on new British Academy-funded research and discuss its implications for Egypt’s education system. 

The study, conducted by UCL’s Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Education with support from the British Council, explored the voices of 501 girls in disadvantaged primary schools in Alexandria and 738 of their teachers. The findings revealed that many of the girls had a strong awareness of climate change, often linked to their lived experiences of pollution and extreme weather, and expressed both a willingness and a determination to take action to protect the environment. Their responses showed a mix of concern about environmental challenges and optimism, with many expressing pride in their country and confidence in their ability to make a meaningful difference. 

Teachers likewise recognised the importance of climate change education and were aware of its global significance, but many reported feeling underprepared to take meaningful environmental action themselves. While most were confident in teaching the subject, they highlighted the need for more professional development opportunities and a stronger integration of sustainability themes across all subjects. Both girls and teachers expressed a desire for more engaging and participatory teaching methods, with textbooks that are simpler, visually engaging, and linked to real-world action. 

Speaking at the event, Mark Howard, Country Director, British Council Egypt, said: 

“This research highlights the urgent need to listen to the voices of young girls and their teachers when shaping climate change education. Their perspectives provide powerful insights into how Egypt can strengthen climate literacy, empower future generations, and ensure inclusive and sustainable development.” 

Professor Eleanore Hargreaves Academic Head of Research, Department of Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment UCL Institute of Education, London, added:

“Children living in Egypt’s cities – such as Cairo and Alexandria need the knowledge, understanding, skills and agency to confront these climate change challenges, starting in primary school. Girls’ perspectives are rarely prioritised, yet understanding these is essential because it reveals the hidden barriers they face in education and helps design policies that genuinely empower them. We are delighted and honoured to be part of this policy roundtable which presents a really important opportunity to help translate the research into actionable reforms, ensuring that gender equity, climate resilience and inclusive education are prioritized in Egypt’s evolving curriculum.” 

The event concluded with a gallery of children’s artwork depicting their hopes and concerns for Egypt’s environment, symbolising the creativity and determination of young learners to take action. 

The British Council and UCL (University College London) have been collaborating on climate change and sustainability education with a focus on enhancing teacher professional development and integrating climate education into school curricula over several years. The British Council Climate Change strategy outlines our organisational response to address climate change by engaging with people globally through arts and culture, education and the English language https://www.britishcouncil.org/our-strategy-address-climate-change 

This roundtable marks an important step in aligning Egypt’s education system with national and global commitments on climate action and sustainable development, while ensuring that the voices of the most vulnerable are heard.