Dubai (Enmaeya News) — The United Arab Emirates has launched a major global education initiative aimed at equipping one million people with skills in sustainability, finance, and innovation by 2030, marking a key step in the country’s effort to lead climate-conscious economic development.
Unveiled at the Dubai FinTech Summit, the ‘1 Million Learners’ programme is spearheaded by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) under its Sustainable Finance Catalyst. The initiative will offer free, future-focused online courses in sustainable finance, technology, and innovation, accessible through leading academic institutions and digital learning platforms.
Arif Amiri, CEO of the DIFC Authority, highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating, “Real impact begins with education. DIFC is proud to lead the region in advancing sustainability, and this initiative reinforces our commitment to building a knowledge-driven, inclusive green economy.”
The program is supported by a coalition of 28 founding partners, including the United Nations Development Programme, the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, Emirates NBD, C3, Candriam, AICPA & CIMA, and the Clean Energy Business Council. These partnerships aim to transform the global delivery of sustainability education at scale and prepare a workforce equipped for meaningful change.
To ensure impact and accountability, DIFC has appointed GIST Impact as its official impact assessment partner. With over 17 years of experience in evaluating environmental, social, and economic outcomes, GIST will provide independent oversight of the initiative’s progress and reach.
The ‘1 Million Learners’ program aligns with the UAE’s broader climate and development goals, particularly following its role as host of COP28. It is positioned as a strategic vehicle to improve climate literacy, promote inclusive growth, and strengthen the sustainability capacity of individuals across sectors and geographies.
Courses will be made available to students, professionals, and entrepreneurs worldwide through established e-learning platforms, ensuring accessibility and scalability.
