The Minister for Education,  Heritage and Arts, Mahendra Reddy, believes our education system appropriately reflects and accord the due importance of climate change throughout the national curriculum.

Mr Reddy said this while welcoming  Flavia Schlegel, the assistant director-general for natural sciences for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) at the Fiji Museum in Suva yesterday.

“Our Prime Minster is heading the COP23 campaign and while he leads the discourse at the international level, back home; we have one of the best curriculums to train and upskill our children,” he said.

Ms Schlegel is here to create an awareness on the importance of science, technology and education not only for this island state but for the entire region. At the same time build stronger partnership between UNESCO and Fiji, and looking into how UNESCO could support Fiji in the presidency of COP23.

She is also here to help bring propensity and sustainable development out of this partnership between Fiji and UNESCO.

Mr Reddy also said: “Fiji is focused on capacity-building and institutional strengthening in the field of education.

“But such development needs support and the co-operation of international organisation and agencies.

“Fiji is particularly committed to achieving equality in education, such as equal opportunities between urban and rural communities and reduction of gaps in educational achievement.”

Mr Reddy said Government’s education policies were in line with the goals and aspirations of the different arms of the United Nations.

“We have partnered with key stakeholders such as UNESCO to ensure we are on track to attain the sustainable development goals.

“Fiji is really serious when it comes to strengthening science and technology and innovation education, skills base and development,” Mr Reddy said

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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