Over 200 teachers, students, educational material authors, and public authorities gathered on March 4, 2025, for a conference to discuss the future of education in energy and climate, circular economy, and sustainable lifestyles in the Republic of Moldova. The event took place within the framework of the project "Enabling an Inclusive Green Transition in the Republic of Moldova”, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP. The event and the pilot initiative on climate and energy education are carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Environment, and the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova.

"Environmental education and education for sustainable development are fundamental elements of the educational system and a priority in the policies of the Ministry of Education and Research. Today's conference is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the progress made together in this direction, because important things are done through collaboration. When we bring together schools, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Energy, and other relevant stakeholders, we can have a real and sustainable impact. Thus, for the Ministry of Education, it becomes much easier to implement what we set out to do," said Valentina Olaru, State Secretary, Ministry of Education and Research.

The teachers involved in the pilot programme had the opportunity to share their experiences and the materials they acquired, discuss the continuity of teaching educational modules on renewable energy and climate change, and address future educational concepts.

"The energy crisis of recent months has shown us how politicized the energy topic is and how little it is understood by the general public, which can be manipulated. However, energy is not just natural gas, and it is important to educate children from school on how to use energy responsibly and to explain it in simple language, not just theoretically but also practically. In recent years, many renewable energy plants have been built, which students will be able to visit for research purposes," said Cristina Pereteatcu, State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy.

One of the main topics discussed at the conference was the possibility of reviewing and strengthening existing optional subjects, as well as updating them into a new, revised disciplinary format in line with the National Curriculum Framework.

"Through initiatives like this, education in the Republic of Moldova is increasingly aligning with international trends and actively contributing to the formation of a generation of responsible and engaged citizens. It is essential to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to make responsible decisions regarding the environment and to prepare them to face challenges in the fields of energy and climate," said Silvia Pana-Carp, Programme Specialist, UNDP Moldova.

Based on professional experience and students' expectations for responsible ecological behavior, the conference provided a framework for dialogue among the educational community and decision-makers to contribute to diversifying the current educational offerings in schools.

This initiative was launched in September 2024 in 87 schools across the country, and students, guided by teachers, had the opportunity to study energy and climate topics through modules integrated into subjects such as Physics, Geography, Education for Society, and Personal Development. Students learned theoretical and practical concepts about the laws of physics, geographic and atmospheric phenomena, their practical impact on the use of sustainable energy, how to separate waste for recycling, and how to reduce their carbon footprint.

The entire educational package included 84 teaching products – methodological guides and lesson plans developed by teachers and experts in energy and environmental fields, all aimed at promoting a sustainable lifestyle.