BAKU, AZERBAIJAN, [November 15, 2024]–— Qaiser Nawab, President of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD), participated as a distinguished panellist at a sideline event titled “Role of Cultural Awareness in Environmental Conservation”. The event was hosted at the ICESCO Pavilion in the Blue Zone of COP-29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. It was organized collaboratively by the Global Strategic Institute for Sustainable Development – GSISD, THE’ Society International , and Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development – BRISD, in partnership with ICESCO.
The panel brought together leading climate advocates from Tanzania, Nigeria, India, and Pakistan to explore the intersection of cultural awareness and environmental conservation. This dynamic discussion addressed the urgent challenges posed by the dual crises of culture and climate and provided innovative recommendations to bridge gaps between science, technology, and culture for a sustainable future.
Highlighting the session’s themes, Qaiser Nawab emphasized:
“Environmental conservation cannot succeed in isolation from cultural values. Youth must be empowered to leverage both technology and traditional knowledge to tackle climate challenges while preserving the cultural heritage that shapes our identity.”
The panellists shared diverse perspectives, focusing on:
• The culture crisis stemming from globalization and its impact on local traditions.
• The climate crisis affecting communities worldwide, particularly in vulnerable regions.
• The youth challenges in addressing environmental issues, including access to resources and representation.
Key Recommendations included:
1. Linking science and culture by integrating traditional ecological knowledge into modern climate strategies.
2. Utilizing technology and cultural heritage to create sustainable, community-driven solutions.
3. Encouraging youth-led initiatives that combine innovation with cultural preservation to address global challenges.
The event concluded with a call to action for increased collaboration among governments, civil society, and youth to ensure that cultural awareness remains central to global environmental policies.
This sideline event at COP-29 reinforced the critical role of cultural awareness in achieving global sustainability goals, reflecting the inclusive and diverse approach of the conference in addressing climate challenges.(****
