Beyond Borders: Harnessing Culture-Based Climate Action and SDG Success
COP28 – UAE House of Sustainability, Activists Hub
December 9, 2023
At COP28, I had the privilege of moderating and chairing the panel discussion "Beyond Borders: Harnessing Culture-Based Climate Action and SDG Success", held at the UAE House of Sustainability. This session brought together diverse perspectives on how cultural narratives, heritage, and creative industries can drive meaningful climate action and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Panelists:
Lisa Russell – Emmy-winning filmmaker, Founder of Create2030, and global advocate for the role of artists in sustainable development.
Safiya Al Maskari – Project Manager at Lest We Forget, a grassroots cultural heritage initiative dedicated to archiving Emirati oral traditions.
Key Discussion Points:
Culture as a Catalyst for Climate Action
Exploring how indigenous knowledge and traditional ecological practices can inform sustainable solutions.Heritage-Driven Innovation for Sustainability
Examining projects that successfully blend cultural heritage with modern technology for climate resilience.The Role of Artists and Storytellers in Advancing SDGs
Discussing how creative communities can influence climate discourse and inspire grassroots movements.Education and Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer
Investigating the role of cultural institutions in preserving and promoting sustainability through artistic and educational initiatives.
My Role as Moderator & Chair:
As the panel chair and moderator, I guided the discussion, ensuring an engaging dialogue that bridged policy, culture, and environmental action. Drawing from my work on Hammour House at Expo 2020 Dubai, an initiative aligned with SDG 14 (Life Below Water), I shared insights on how public art and cultural storytelling can mobilize communities toward environmental stewardship. Additionally, I highlighted my experience as a cultural strategist and consultant, showcasing the power of curation and storytelling in translating complex sustainability challenges into accessible, emotionally compelling narratives.
Impact & Takeaways:
This session reaffirmed that culture is not just a reflection of climate issues—it is an active driver of solutions. By integrating heritage, storytelling, and creative engagement into sustainability discourse, we can cultivate community-led environmental action that is both innovative and deeply rooted in identity and tradition.
📍 Location: UAE House of Sustainability - Green Zone, COP28
🎤 Moderator & Chair: Ahmed Al Enezi
🎙 Panelists: Lisa Russell, Safiya Al Maskari
