International Recognition for Tehran’s Eco-Schools

TEHRAN (un.org.ir) - Enthusiasm and youthful energy filled the main auditorium today at Tehran’s Department of the Environment as students and educators from 11 Eco-Schools within Tehran assembled to witness international recognition from the Foundation for Environmental Education for Iran. This recognition was not only for Iran’s achieving full membership status but also for being awarded the World’s Green Star for promoting environmental education.

Date: 27 April 2015 - 21:43

News ID: ۱۳۲۷۳

The ceremony included student-led performances, films and the presentation of awards to each of the participating schools.
Also in attendance was Vice President for the Environment, Madam Massoumeh Ektebar, popular television and sporting personalities including famous footballer, Hamideh Esteeli, and the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Gary Lewis.
"Mother Earth does not need us,” the UN Resident Coordinator said as he addressed the young audience, "we need Mother Earth.”
Mr. Lewis continued his comments by drawing attention to the 10 objectives of the action plan for Eco-Schools worldwide: waste, sustaining our world, water, energy, climate change, biodiversity, healthy eating, litter, school grounds and global citizenship.
"You are the global citizens of the future,” the Resident Coordinator concluded, "and the future of our planet lies in your hands.”
The Director of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in Iran, Mr. Bahrami, also addressed the energetic audience.  In his congratulatory speech to all the schools and their representatives, Mr. Bahrami made note of the many young girls present who were passionate about saving their environment.

"As a father of a young daughter myself,” Mr. Bahrami stated, "I know how active and able girls can be – particularly in caring for our environment.”
"Our girls should see Madam Ebtekar as a great role model,” continued Mr. Bahrami, "and they too can someday reflect their own abilities at the highest level.”
Vice-President Ebtekar closed the ceremony by speaking about the current global education system and the need to drive towards developing the creativity of the world’s children.