Mara Blonigen Khorram

I  am a former teacher and educational administrator who has worked globally in the Pacific Islands, Czechia and now Portugal. A few years ago I retired from teaching and am currently devoting my energies to creating climate and sustainability curriculum in response to young people’s calls for meaningful climate education in the classroom.  My work also supports UNESCO's 2030 goal of have 90% of countries include climate education in their curricula.  Specifically, a curricula that is action-oriented, holistic, justice-driven and supports a lifelong learning approach.

In 2024, I co-founded the Climate Education Centre, a foundation that equips young people with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills, to drive lasting and meaningful change in response to the climate crisis. In 2026, the Climate Education Centre was recognised as a UNESCO Greening Education Partner and invited to become an EU Climate Pact Partner for our work in climate education. Although originally from the United States, Climate Education Centre was established in the Netherlands as an international non-profit. Our work has a global outlook. Through sharing resources with teachers, and like-minded organizations, we bring a direct line of communication between educators, local climate and enviornment leaders, and global networks.