Climate Change – Knowledge Sharing Platform

UNITAR and the NDC Partnership joined forces to organize the Facilitators Exchanges, a series of workshops for NDC In-Country Facilitators to support them in co-creating solutions for key NDC implementation challenges.

Read on to find out more.

How can countries accelerate the implementation of their climate goals? One powerful tool is the exchange of best practices. At UNITAR, we believe that learning from peers and solving problems together can make a real difference, and that’s why we have partnered with the NDC Partnership to organize the Facilitators Exchanges, a series of interactive online workshops designed to support the Partnership’s in-country Facilitators.

NDC Partnership’s in-country Facilitators play a pivotal role in advancing the implementation of countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by facilitating coordination among key national stakeholders and mobilizing resources for climate action.

The Facilitators’ Exchanges aim to promote peer learning, share real-world experiences, and support practical problem-solving, empowering Facilitators to deliver on their complex and demanding mandate.

This event series was strategically designed to meet the needs of Facilitators. Between February and April 2024, a learning needs assessment was carried out, highlighting a range of challenges faced by in-country Facilitators, including resource mobilization, consistently cited as a top priority across all regions. In light of this, UNITAR and the NDC Partnership co-designed a series of virtual, 90-minute workshops to address these needs following a methodology focused on process improvement, co-creation, and collaboration.

Each round of the FE features two complementary sessions: the first focuses on surfacing and discussing context-specific and regional challenges, inviting Facilitators to identify the root causes and symptoms of a problem. The second one is dedicated to collaboratively developing and co-creating tailored solutions for the challenges identified.

To date, the Facilitators Exchanges have been rolled out across various regions, including Anglophone and Lusophone Africa (which has already completed two rounds), Francophone Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia, with Eastern Europe and Iraq. While most sessions have centered on resource mobilization, a key pillar for implementing NDCs, the second round in Anglophone and Lusophone Africa zoomed in on strategies for engaging the private sector for resource mobilization.

Through this initiative, the NDC Partnership and UNITAR are equipping Facilitators with new insights and peer support to unlock climate action solutions in their countries. Facilitators support governments in accessing climate finance and align funding opportunities with national priorities. The Facilitator Exchanges aim is to strengthen these capabilities and promote shared learning across the Facilitators’ community.

By creating dedicated spaces for Facilitators to reflect on shared challenges and co-create actionable solutions, this initiative is directly supporting more effective and resilient NDC implementation worldwide.

Sports organizations play a crucial role in the fight against climate change. This Advanced course part of a two-part learning series, builds on the fundamentals of the Introduction to Sports for Climate course, offering in-depth insights into emission reduction, climate adaptation, and sustainability strategies for the sports industry.

Enroll

Climate Change

Self-paced course

4 hours

English

Background

The world of sports has a unique and powerful platform to drive climate action. As the industry grapples with the dual challenge of reducing its own environmental footprint and adapting to the growing impacts of climate change, sports organizations must take the lead in building a more sustainable future.

To raise awareness and inspire action, the UN Climate Change as part of its Sports for Climate Action initiativehas developed the Sports and Climate Action e-learning series, in technical collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and with financial support from adidas. This series provides sports professionals, decision-makers, and enthusiasts with the knowledge and tools to contribute to a low-emission and climate-resilient future in sports.

The series consists of two tracks: Introductory and Advanced. This Advanced Track is primarily designed for the staff of sports organizations. It builds on the foundational concepts introduced in the Introductory Track and dives deeper into actionable strategies for integrating climate considerations into sports organizations’ operations, business strategies, and advocacy efforts.

What will you learn?

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Describe the interlinkages between sports and climate change.
Identify strategies to reduce emissions, adapt, engage and advocate for climate action through the power of sports.
Identify entry points for integrating climate change into business strategy and financial planning in sports.
Demonstrate the importance of partnerships and collaboration with different stakeholders to drive climate action in sports.
Present examples of climate action and engagement in sports and the importance of communication.
Discuss the importance of transparency and accountability and the relevance of climate action in sports to promote climate solidarity.

The course at a glance:

The Sports in Climate Action: Advanced Track e-course has five modules and a final assessment that takes an average of 4 hours to complete.

It combines various learning experiences and engaging content, including dedicated videos and interviews with relevant sports personalities, coupled with case studies, short exercises, and links to additional resources so that you can understand and apply the knowledge and skills gained.

The modules are:

Module 1: Winning the Climate Game – Mitigation and Adaptation in Sports
Module 2: The Game Plan for Green Sports
Module 3: Teaming Up for Climate Action – Sustainable Supply Chains
Module 4: Leveraging the Sports Platform – Engagement and Impact
Module 5: Keeping Track and Moving Forward
Final quiz

Will you get a certificate?

A final assessment will be available at the end of the course. A certificate of completion is awarded to learners who complete:

All modules, including the videos, interactive lessons, and activities;
Final quiz with a 70% or higher score within three attempts;

Once these conditions are met, the certificate will automatically become available for participants to download on the platform in the “certification” tab.

Partners and contributors

The course was developed by the UN Climate Change’s Sports for Climate Action initiative in cooperation with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and financial support from adidas.

Sports and climate change are closely linked – while sports contribute to emissions, they are also vulnerable to climate impacts. This e-learning course, part of a two-course series, provides learners with the knowledge to drive sustainability in sports.

Enroll

Climate Change

Self-paced course

1.5 hours

English

Background

The world of sports is deeply connected to the climate crisis. While sporting events, infrastructure, and logistics contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, climate change also disrupts sports through rising temperatures, extreme weather, and environmental degradation. To address these challenges, UN Climate Change launched the Sports for Climate Action Framework in 2018, bringing together sports organizations and their stakeholders to drive meaningful change.

The series consists of two tracks: Introductory and Advanced. This Introductory Track is designed for those who want to grasp the fundamental links between climate change and sports, understand the role of sports organizations in climate action, and explore practical ways to contribute to a more sustainable future.

What will you learn?

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

Outline ways in which sports both contribute to and are affected by climate change.
Explain what is at stake and how climate change affects different people and communities.
Discuss strategies and actions across the sports world that can lead to positive change.
Identify individual actions that can be taken to make sports greener and more resilient.

Course at a glance:

The Introduction to Sports for Climate Action consists of four modules and the final quiz that take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. The learning experience is interactive, featuring videos, exercises, and additional resources to help you apply the concepts in practice.

Module 1: Game Changer – The Role of Sports in Climate Action
Module 2: Greening the Game – Reducing Sports’ Carbon Footprint
Module 3: The Climate Playbook – Building up Sports’ Resilience
Module 4: Playing for the Planet – The Power of Sports
Final Quiz

Will you get a certificate?

An official certificate of completion is awarded to learners who complete:

The module, including all videos, interactive lessons, and activities;
Final quiz with a 70% or higher score within three attempts;

Once these conditions are met, the certificate will automatically become available for participants to download on the platform in the “certification” tab.

Partners and Contributors

UN CC:Learn was present at this year’s UNFCCC Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025 (SB62) to engage with key stakeholders in the climate change space and take part in ACE-related activities.

Read on to find out more.

The 62^nd session of the UNFCCC Bonn Climate Conference 2025 (SB62), held from June 16 to 26 in Bonn, Germany, provided an opportunity for Parties and non-party stakeholders to advance discussions and recommendations on enhancing the implementation of Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE).

Kicking off the ACE events this year was the ACE Focal Points Academy. Held annually since 2022, the Academy aims to strengthen the network of national ACE focal points at both international and regional levels. This year’s session took a modular approach and focused on enhancing understanding of the role of children and youth and indigenous peoples in accelerating ACE implementation and promoting intergenerational knowledge-sharing in an inclusive, gender-responsive approach in the context of their work. UN CC:Learn moderated the first module of the ACE Focal Points Academy on 20 June 2025 that was led by experts from Women’s Environment & Development Organization (WEDO), Out for Sustainability and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) that unpacked applying intersectional approaches in accelerating ACE implementation.

UN CC:Learn also actively participated in the Action for Climate Empowerment Dialogue, held on 21 and 23June 2025. Since 2013, the ACE Dialogues have provided a regular forum for Parties to the UNFCCC and other stakeholders to share their experiences, and exchange ideas, good practices, and lessons learned regarding the implementation of Article 6 of the Convention and Article 12 of the Paris Agreement.

The UN CC:Learn Secretariat facilitated different interactive exchanges, which reflected on policy coherence and coordinated action for ACE, while providing an open forum to share good practice examples. In addition to experts from WEDO, UNICEF and ILO, UNITAR/UN CC:Learn presented the development of National Climate Change Learning Strategies as an example of a dedicate national strategy on ACE. Alongside the ACE National Focal Point from the Dominican Republic, UN CC:Learn co-facilitated a subsequent interactive workshop on collaborative monitoring, evaluation and reporting for ACE.

The June Climate Talks are a bustling with discussions and activities which served as a networking hub for UN CC:Learn and like-minded partners. Various bilateral discussions have created valuable opportunities moving forward. These discussions have allowed UN CC:Learn and partners to explore synergies to further invest in climate change education initiatives. Such collaborations are essential for advancing global climate change efforts.

GEMS Legacy School in Dubai has been ranked the 1st green school in the UAE, proving that climate action and quality education go hand in hand. Under Ms. Asha Alexander’s leadership, students gain climate literacy through UN CC:Learn courses, turning knowledge into measurable action. Learn how this school is inspiring the next generation of climate leaders.

GEMS Legacy School in Dubai has achieved a remarkable milestone, securing the first rank in the National Green School Ranking 2025 of the UAE, unveiled on World Environment Day. This recognition confirms the school’s climate leadership under Ms. Asha Alexander, a 2020 UN CC:Learn Champion, who has made climate change education central to the school’s mission. Through her commitment, climate literacy has become an integral part of everyday learning for both students and teachers, inspiring them to take climate action in their school and community.

As a UN CC:Learn Champion, Ms. Alexander has actively worked to embed climate literacy into the curriculum by ensuring that her staff and students complete at least six UN CC:Learn courses. From tackling food waste to promoting sustainable diets, students at GEMS Legacy School are well-equipped with the knowledge that empowers them to identify issues and lead initiatives that reduce environmental impact in practical, measurable ways.

The National Green School Ranking specifically highlighted the school’s achievements across eight sustainability pillars: Green Curriculum, Biodiversity Conservation, Energy Efficiency, Water Management, Waste Reduction, Sustainable Transportation, Innovation & Research, and Monitoring & Reporting. By systematically integrating these pillars into its teaching and operations, the school has significantly reduced its environmental footprint while demonstrating that quality education and climate action can go hand in hand. The ranking also recognized that such efforts contribute directly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 13 (Climate Action).

Ms. Alexander’s vision extends beyond the walls of GEMS Legacy School. As the Executive Leader – Climate Change at GEMS Education, she has encouraged 46 GEMS Education schools in the UAE and several other schools globally to adopt UN CC:Learn courses to build climate literacy among both educators and students. From organizing the world’s first School Conference of Parties in 2020 to collaborating with schools across continents, she is building a network of schools that understand climate challenges and are prepared to act on them, ensuring that climate education is not an isolated effort but a global movement.

“At GEMS Legacy School, we see climate literacy as a core future fluency—essential for navigating an increasingly complex world. Our mission is to nurture informed, compassionate changemakers who don’t just understand the science of climate change, but are equipped to lead with courage, innovation, and purpose. This recognition affirms that education, when rooted in relevance and responsibility, has the power to shape a more sustainable, equitable future for all. This is why at GEMS Education we are driving change through upskilling our educators through the UNCC: Learn platform.” — Ms. Asha Alexander, Executive Leader – Climate Change, GEMS Education

In recognition of this achievement, Ms. Alexander and GEMS Legacy School have been invited to attend and present their work at the 9th NYC Green School Conference at Cornell University in September 2025, against the backdrop of the Climate Week NYC and the United Nations General Assembly. By equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and address climate change, the school is cultivating the next generation of climate leaders in the UAE, demonstrating that consistent, informed action within education systems can drive the change our world urgently needs.

All 570 GEMS Legacy School students who completed 6 UN CC:Learn courses with Ms. Asha Alexander. Photo Credit: GEMS Legacy School, Dubai

The flagship “A Participant Guide of the UN Climate Change Process” affiliated e-course is now available in Arabic, French, and Spanish. Read on to find out more about the course!

To support greater access to climate change knowledge, the popular e-course “A Participant Guide to the UN Climate Change Process” is now available in French, Spanish, and Arabic. Originally developed by the UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat, the course was made accessible on the UN CC:Learn e-learning platform through its Affiliation Programme, which promotes high-quality e-learning products developed by trusted partners.

The course offers a comprehensive introduction to the international climate change regime and the workings of the UNFCCC process, making it ideal for Party and non-Party stakeholders, civil society actors, and anyone interested in understanding global climate governance. Since its launch in November 2023, over 3,200 learners from different walks of life have completed the course in English, demonstrating the topic’s international appeal. With its new multilingual offering, even more learners worldwide can now benefit from this unique learning opportunity.

Course at a glance

The e-course includes two interactive online modules and a quiz that take an average of two hours to complete. The learning experience is dynamic, allowing learners to learn from videos, infographics, images, and more.

Module 1: Overview of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Process
Module 2: The Negotiations and Rules of Procedure of the Intergovernmental Climate Change Process

Who is this course for?

This course is open to everyone who wishes to learn more about the UNFCCC process, including Party and non-Party stakeholders and the civil society.

What will you learn?

After completing this course, you will be able to:

Present the international climate change regime, including:
- the three instruments of the UN climate change regime – the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement.
- how the UNFCCC operates through the COP process and major COP accomplishments.
- the organization and administration of the annual COPs.
- The institutional arrangements for the climate change intergovernmental process.
Describe and analyse the draft Rules of Procedure of the Conference on the Parties, including:
- responsibilities and operating procedures of governing, subsidiary, and other decision-making bodies.
- the process for Parties to come to a consensus on the issues under negotiations.

Will you get a certificate?

Participants who successfully pass the quiz with a minimum grade of 70% within three attempts will get an official UN Climate Change certificate.

Explore the course in Arabic, English, French, or Spanish.

Discover how the world of sports is rising to the climate challenge. Explore two new free e-courses that empower individuals and organizations to take meaningful climate action, on and off the field.

The impacts of climate change are being felt across every aspect of society, and the world of sports is no exception. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation are disrupting training schedules, damaging infrastructure, and affecting athletes’ performance. At the same time, the sports sector itself contributes approximately 1% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions. With its broad appeal and influence, sport holds unique potential to lead by example and mobilize collective action for the planet.

“Sport reminds us of our collective ability to overcome the seemingly impossible.” – Patricia Espinosa, former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change.

Recognizing this, the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework was launched in 2018 to guide environmental sustainability efforts within the sports sector and leverage its global reach to raise awareness and drive climate action. Towards this goal, two new e-learning courses have been launched as part of the Sports for Climate Action e-learning series. Developed in partnership between UNITAR (through the UN CC:Learn programme) and UN Climate Change (UNFCCC), and powered by adidas, the courses aim to empower individuals and sports organizations to take meaningful climate action – both on and off the field.

The first course, Introduction to Sports for Climate Action, is designed for anyone interested in understanding how sports and climate change intersect. It explores how sports contribute to climate change, how they are affected by it, and what actions can be taken to build a greener and more resilient sports sector. Comprising four short modules, the course takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete, using interactive lessons, videos, quizzes, and practical activities to guide learners through the essentials.

The second course, Sports for Climate Action, takes the learning further. Targeted primarily at staff of sports organizations, it builds on the foundational knowledge from the introductory course and provides actionable strategies for integrating climate considerations into operations, business planning, and stakeholder engagement. With five in-depth modules, the course takes approximately 4 hours to complete and features real-world case studies, interviews with industry professionals, and practical exercises to help learners apply what they’ve learned.

Both courses are fully online, self-paced, and free of charge. Participants who successfully complete them will receive an official certificate of completion from the United Nations – a valuable credential for professionals and organizations looking to lead the way in climate action within the sports sector.

Whether you’re a coach, event organizer, athlete, fan, or decision-maker in a sports organization, these courses offer essential insights and tools to help you make a difference. By taking part, you’ll not only increase your own knowledge, but also contribute to a growing global movement for climate action and resilience in sports.

Ready to take action? Take the courses today.

UN CC:Learn has reached a major milestone—500,000 certificates of completion issued to learners worldwide! This achievement reflects the growing global commitment to climate education and action. Keep reading to learn more about this milestone and its impact!

Read the article in French or Spanish.

UN CC:Learn has reached another major milestone: 500,000 certificates of completion issued to learners worldwide.

This significant achievement reflects the ongoing global commitment to climate education and action. It would not have been possible without the dedication of learners worldwide who continue to trust and engage with UN CC:Learn’s mission of building capacities on climate change, green economy, and circular economy.

Over the years, UN CC:Learn has significantly expanded its course portfolio to provide a comprehensive, 360-degree approach to climate action. One of its latest offerings, the “Becoming a Climate Champion” course, developed with the UNFCCC, equips learners with the five key skills necessary to bring their climate action projects to life. Additionally, new courses like “Mastering International Climate Negotiations,” also developed in partnership with the UNFCCC, offer a deep dive into the international process of climate negotiations, empowering learners with the knowledge needed to navigate and contribute to this critical global effort.

Multilingualism, accessibility, and tailored content remain at the heart of UN CC:Learn’s approach. The e-learning platform is available in multiple languages, including Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. With a growing catalogue of over 120 courses, many of which are offered in two or more languages, learners can access high-quality climate education in their preferred language. The flagship “Climate Change: From Learning to Action” course, for instance, is available in English, Spanish, French, Russian, and Chinese.

Beyond course offerings, UN CC:Learn continues to build a vibrant community of alumni. Participants are invited to join events like the Fireside Chats and take part in initiatives such as the UN CC:Learn Champions, where they can further engage with course topics and inspire action within their communities.

The impact of UN CC:Learn courses is clear. The latest impact survey revealed that 82% of respondents frequently or occasionally apply the knowledge and skills acquired through the courses. Additionally, 94% stated that participating in a UN CC:Learn course provided them with the necessary skills and knowledge to take climate action.

Looking ahead, UN CC:Learn remains committed to expanding its portfolio, including developing new courses and making them available in various languages. By continuing to enhance climate literacy worldwide, UN CC:Learn ensures that more people are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to face up to the significant challenge of climate change.

On this International Women’s Day, we’ve put women-led and gender-responsive climate action in the spotlight.

Read on to find out how we can strengthen and increase women’s participation in climate solutions.

Photo Credit: Panos Pictures.

Read in French or Spanish

Today is International Women’s Day. To celebrate this important date, we invite you to reflect on the role of women in addressing climate change.

Women are often overlooked in climate policy, even though they are the ones suffering the most from the consequences of climate change.

According to UN Women:

“The climate crisis is not “gender neutral”. Women and girls experience the greatest impacts of climate change, which amplifies existing gender inequalities and poses unique threats to their livelihoods, health, and safety.”

How can we ensure that women and girls take part in climate-related decisions that produce effective and inclusive solutions to climate change?

To answer this question, we listed below three ways that could help improve gender-responsive and women-led climate action.

Implement community-led and gender-responsive climate solutions.

Encouraging women’s participation and women-led climate solutions results in better, more efficient, and inclusive outcomes.

In many rural communities, for instance, women are responsible for collecting water for their families and, over the years, have gained a unique understanding of changes to rainfall patterns, as well as water harvesting and storage.

These women are uniquely placed to inform adaptation strategies and develop tailored and inclusive solutions.

Access to tailored financial resources and resource management.

Women manage households and account for a big chunk of the labor force. Nonetheless, they often find themselves without the means to provide for themselves and their families, or without the right incentives to do so.

In Côte d’Ivoire, for example, women account for 70% of the agricultural sector but own only 3% of the land they cultivate. This UN Women project in the country has empowered Ivorian women to increase their incomes through improved efficiency and greater agricultural output.

By providing them with the right resources, including financial ones, they can build more tailored and climate-resilient communities, greatly contributing to climate adaptation and mitigation.

Climate action for all.

Investments in gender-inclusive climate action have far-reaching, society-wide benefits, such as environmental conservation and poverty reduction.

As the UNFCCC put it:

“By tackling climate change with a gender lens, we can also address women’s rights and promote greater gender equality.”

Women play a key role in building climate-resilient societies.

Interested in learning more about the interlinkages between gender and climate change on International Women’s Day?

Take our free gender-related e-courses.

The new Climate 101, inspired by UNDP’s Climate Dictionary, is now available with 27 key climate change terms, from mitigation and adaptation to carbon markets and a just transition. Read on to find out more about this fun and interactive resource.

Understanding climate change terminology can be challenging. From mitigation to just transition and carbon markets, these concepts are central to climate action but often difficult to grasp. To make these key terms more accessible, UN CC:Learn and UNDP Climate Promise have launched Climate 101: An Interactive Dictionary about Climate Change—a new interactive resource designed to demystify climate jargon in a fun and engaging way.

Inspired by UNDP’s Climate Dictionary, Climate 101 covers 27 essential climate change terms, offering straightforward definitions alongside interactive learning tools such as case studies, videos, exercises, and more. The resource also adopts the Climate Dictionary’s unique branding, featuring visually striking collages that bring these terms to life.

Collage representing Climate Adaptation by UNDP.

Collage representing Climate Adaptation. Credit: UNDP

This initiative is the result of a collaboration between UN CC:Learn and UNDP Climate Promise, with the two organizations working together since early 2024 to develop this tool. The goal is to provide learners—whether students, professionals, policymakers, or the general public—with an accessible way to navigate the language of climate change and understand its implications for climate action.

Collage representing the Paris Agreement. Credit: UNDP.

Since its launch, Climate 101 has already attracted over 1,000 views in just three weeks, reflecting a strong interest in making climate knowledge more accessible. Throughout the learning experience, users are also encouraged to dive deeper into each term through additional resources from UN CC:Learn and UNDP Climate Promise, helping them build a more comprehensive understanding of climate action.

Start exploring Climate 101 today and take your climate knowledge to the next level!

Access Climate 101 here.

Access UNDP’s Climate Dictionary here.

Strengthening Country Support: UNITAR and the NDC Partnership Collaborate on Facilitators Exchanges

Sports for Climate Action

Background

What will you learn?

The course at a glance:

Will you get a certificate?

Partners and contributors

Introduction to Sports for Climate Action

Background

What will you learn?

Course at a glance:

Will you get a certificate?

Partners and Contributors

UN CC:Learn at SB 62

GEMS Legacy School Tops UAE Green School Rankings, Powered by Climate Literacy

Unpack the International Climate Change Process in Arabic, French and Spanish

Course at a glance

Who is this course for?

What will you learn?

Will you get a certificate?

Sports for Climate Action: Two New Courses to Drive Climate Action in Sports

UN CC:Learn Reaches 500,000 Certificates: A Milestone in Global Climate Education

Three Ways to Ramp-up Women-led Climate Action.

Implement community-led and gender-responsive climate solutions.

Access to tailored financial resources and resource management.

Climate action for all.

Climate 101: An Interactive Dictionary About Climate Change is here!