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The Earth Charter Global Movement & COP 2030 Self-Organized Dialogue on Ethical Climate Action
- CEIN, Inc.
- Nov 3
- 2 min read
By Kurabachew Desta
Fifty participants gathered at the Bahir Dar University STEM Center and sent their local voices to the COP30 gathering in Brazil.
The event was held on August 28, 2025, at the Bahir Dar University STEM Center in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, was organized by STEM Plus Community Development Charitable Organization (STEM Plus CSO) in collaboration with the Creative Educators International Network (CEIN) and Earth Charter International.
This event contributed to the Global Ethical Stocktake (GES) process leading up to COP30, offering a platform for local voices to influence global climate policies.
The dialogue among the 50 participants included university faculty, students, local leaders, educators, and civil society representatives, with 34% female participation. It provided space for open discussion on how ethical principles and climate justice can shape local, national, and international responses to the climate crisis.
STEM Plus Community Development Charitable Organization is a Bahir Dar–based non-profit dedicated to advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Ethiopia. Established to inspire and empower young learners, STEM Plus envisions a future where STEM education drives sustainable development and creates opportunities for children and youth, particularly those from underserved and marginalized communities.
Over the years, STEM Plus has developed programs that integrate STEM education with life skills, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Its thematic areas include:
STEM education and innovation hubs for young people.
Capacity building for educators and community leaders.
Youth empowerment through mentorship, leadership, and creative problem-solving.
Climate, peace, and environmental education, linking science and sustainability.
STEM Plus CSO’s vision is to establish a STEM Village, a center of excellence serving children from kindergarten through Grade 12, providing labs, dormitories, workshops, and recreational facilities to nurture innovation and holistic development.
As a proud partner of CEIN, STEM Plus integrates value-creating education, placing ethics and global citizenship at the heart of STEM learning. This collaboration strengthens its commitment to the Earth Charter principles, ensuring that every initiative aligns with ecological integrity, social justice, and peace.
The discussions focused on barriers to climate action, including psychological factors, misinformation, weak governance, economic dependence on fossil fuels, and inequality. Participants emphasized the need to shift from profit-driven models to purpose-driven, regenerative systems and to ensure that vulnerable communities are prioritized in climate responses.
Key recommendations included:
Local Level: Integrate environmental education in schools and foster community-led conservation projects.
National Level: Strengthen renewable energy policies and improve access to climate finance for local organizations.
Global Level: Advocate for predictable, long-term climate finance, support for Loss & Damage funds, and equitable technology transfer.
A notable achievement was the decision to form a local climate action coalition involving Bahir Dar University, STEM Plus CSO, CEIN, and other stakeholders
I am so happy! I can't believe our small step has reached this point! This experience has taught me something truly valuable , that when we come together, combining our efforts, motivation, aspirations, resources, and commitments, and stay guided by our shared principles and vision, we gain the strength, power, and determination to achieve even the most ambitious goals.
It’s amazing to see how collective energy and unity of purpose can turn a simple idea into something meaningful and impactful. This milestone reminds me that real change begins with collaboration, and when we trust and support one another, there is no limit to what we can accomplish together.