Greening education in Qatar: Inspiring practices driving climate action through schools

Oman's Green Schools Initiative, launched by the Ministry of Education in cooperation with the Environment Authority and other national stakeholders, has long sought to embed environmental awareness in school culture. By aligning with the Greening Education Partnership framework, Oman ensures that its programme meets international standards across four core dimensions: school governance, teaching and learning, facilities and operations, and community engagement.

As of today, the country has successfully accredited 235 Green Schools, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward environmental sustainability in education.

To further accelerate progress, Oman has developed a comprehensive national roadmap aimed at expanding the number of Green Schools to meet UNESCO's global indicator. The Ministry of Education continues to work in close collaboration with UNESCO and its regional partners to achieve this target, which is fully aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and its long-term aspirations for a greener, more sustainable future.

Through the GEP framework, these national efforts gain renewed direction and visibility. Oman's initiative embodies the whole-school approach championed by UNESCO, transforming not only what students learn but also how schools operate and engage with society.

To translate this vision into measurable results, Oman is developing an accreditation system that fully aligns with the UNESCO Green school quality standard. This will include clear benchmarks for progress, expanded teacher training on environmental education, stronger collaboration across ministries, and deeper engagement with civil society and the private sector. These efforts will reinforce the global target set by UNESCO and its partners: ensuring that at least half of all schools worldwide are "green" by 2030.