Rising with the tides: Participants Sail through Climate Change Challenges of SIDS at the Maldives Summer School

The ERASMUS+-funded CHILDRN project recently wrapped up a summer school held under the theme 'Navigating the Rising Tides,' held in Malé from December 15 to 19. The Maldives Summer School's mission was to enhance educational and research capabilities around the pressing climate change challenges confronting small island developing states. Distinguished by a diverse international participation, the program welcomed 10 students from six countries, selected from a wide pool of 30 applicants spanning 13 nations.

This educational experience, part of the Climate Change Diplomacy, Leadership, and Resilience (CHILDRN) project, was a collaborative initiative organised by The Maldives National University in partnership with three European universities: The University of Liège in Belgium, the University of Economics in Bratislava, Slovakia, and Université Paris Cité in Paris. A symphony of partnerships with esteemed government bodies — from the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Office of the Climate Change Envoy, the National Disaster Management Authority, and the Environmental Protection Agency — provided a rich, multidisciplinary chorus to the summer school's curriculum. Student experience was further enhanced by the insightful talks offered from experienced conservationists by the Reefscapers hosted by the Four Seasons Kuda Hura Resort.

During the week-long programme, participants had the opportunity to discover critical environmental issues, with keynotes on climate change and small island dynamics, planetary health and climate change, workshops on disaster scenarios in the Maldives, and practical sessions on marine life conservation. The summer school integrated hands-on learning, with activities ranging from an exploratory visit to historical sites in Malé to engaging talks on Marine Life and a Mangrove based research activity, reinforcing the importance of ecosystem preservation and conservation for future generations. These practical components, combined with exercises in climate negotiation and policy formation, aimed to provide participants with the skills necessary for real-world environmental advocacy. 

During the summer school, Professor Françoise Gemenne from the University of Liège presented a session on COP28's significant decisions. The session highlighted the unprecedented resolution of COP28, where nations were urged to move away from reliance on fossil fuels.

As the summer school concluded, students were honored with certificates, symbolizing not only their academic achievements but also the initiation of their journey as climate action advocates and the formation of enduring international friendships.

The success of the Maldives Summer School stands as a testament to The Maldives National University's dedication to driving climate change education forward, spotlighting the Maldives' active role in addressing environmental issues and setting an example for global community engagement.