USM Strengthens Environmental Education through Collaboration with NGOs on Climate Adaptation

USM Penang, 6 August 2024 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through the School of Educational Studies (PPIP) in partnership with the Global Citizenship Education Cooperation Centre (GCC-USM) and the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU), successfully hosted the 2nd GCC International Conference on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) 2024 from 6 to 8 August 2024 at the USM Main Campus. The event reflected the University’s commitment to advancing environmental education while strengthening cooperation with non-governmental organisations on climate adaptation and sustainability.

The conference created a platform for educators, researchers, and NGOs to exchange knowledge and develop joint strategies that connect classroom learning with real-world community adaptation initiatives. According to Dr Hyun Mook Lim, Director of APCEIU, effective climate education depends on stronger collaboration between universities and NGOs to translate policy frameworks into community action. This approach aligns with USM’s strategy to integrate environmental education and NGO partnerships in addressing the impacts of climate change, inequality, and ecological degradation.

The programme involved a wide range of participants from Malaysia and abroad, including government education departments, NGOs, and civil-society organisations that contributed to keynote sessions and policy dialogues. Their involvement demonstrated genuine multi-stakeholder collaboration in climate adaptation and sustainability education.

USM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed, who officiated the opening, emphasised that the theme “Building Inclusive Communities through Global Citizenship Education” reinforces the importance of education in building resilient societies capable of facing environmental challenges. With 90 presenters from six countries, the conference served as a model of how universities, NGOs, and government bodies can co-create knowledge, foster inclusive education, and promote collective action for climate adaptation.