The Philipstown resident comes to this in atypical ways. She’s a certified public accountant who specializes in international taxation, but is also a painter. She comes from a family of writers and artists and began painting as a child, eventually specializing in portraits, then adding nature.

Ozelli, who is of Turkish heritage, lived in New York City most of her life but moved to the Highlands about a year ago for family reasons. She says she is enjoying the opportunity to paint outdoors more freely.

During the early days of the pandemic, with time on her hands, Ozelli submitted her art to contests. She won one, then pitched her paintings for exhibits and soon had her work on display. 

From Ozelli’s Healing Water series

Ozelli says she was interested from the start in finding a connection between COVID-19 and climate change. “Pollution has a negative impact on health,” she says, noting that scientists have examined the relationship between air pollution and COVID deaths. Ozelli has focused on oceans because “they absorb most of the carbons in the air.”

With museums closed during the pandemic shutdown, Ozelli began sharing her work through digital art shows on video. “We found there was a long list of museums interested in showing the work, and it all organically fell into place.” 

At the beginning of the lockdown, the U.N. and the World Health Organization issued an open call for artwork about COVID-19. Ozelli saw the announcement in Artnet News and “quickly made 16 portraits of my childhood friends, in case we did not survive.” 

All 16 were selected, which opened doors for them to be displayed at U.N. conferences and online by institutions such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. 

Ozelli’s first Climate Change Conference was COP26 (the acronym stands for Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, plus the number of the annual meeting) in 2021. She was invited to participate in COP27 and COP28. She says she selects the topic of her art based on the issues that will be discussed and the country where the conference takes place. 

From Ozelli’s Orcas and Reefs series

For COP28 she and four friends and colleagues — Fatma Kadir, Mehmet Sinan Kuran, Gunsu Saracoglu and Ilhan Sayin — prepared a show called The Future of Power.

“Three of us are oil painters, one is a mixed-media artist and one works with ink on paper,” she says. “Everybody picks a topic that has to do with climate change. For example, one person focused on pollution’s impact on birdlife.”

The group exhibited the art at two pavilions at COP28, which was held in Dubai from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12. 

Next summer, beginning Aug. 10, Ozelli will keep things local, curating a seven-week show called Pink & Blue at the Howland Cultural Center in Beacon. The show will tie together the art created by the group of five with that of mostly local photographers Lori Adams, Ross Corsair, Cali Gorevic, Zinnia Gutowski, Ian Hutton, Annette Solakoglu and Jane Soodalter. 

On the main level, the artists will display their oil paintings in a 30-by-30-inch format. The photographers’ work will line the second story. All will create art based on the title, which evokes pink polluted skies and blue, clean sky, and the fact that particles in the air that create the colors can reflect something ominous. 

The Beacon show will coincide with New York Climate Week and the U.N. General Assembly. The artist group intends to make a video of the Howland show and exhibit at COP29, which will take place in 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, on the Caspian Sea.

To see more of the artwork from The Future of Power, visit bit.ly/future-power.

The Lord Howe Island Group was inscribed on the World Heritage Register in 1982 under the United Nations' World Heritage Convention in recognition of its superlative natural phenomena and its rich terrestrial and marine biodiversity as an outstanding example of an island ecosystem developed from submarine volcanic origin containing a unique biota of plants and animals, as well as the world’s most southerly true coral reef.

It is an area of spectacular and scenic landscapes encapsulated within a small land area. It provides important breeding grounds for colonies of seabirds as well as a significant natural habitat for the conservation of threatened species.   

The same year, to preserve the Island's native flora and fauna, the Lord Howe Island Permanent Park Preserve (LHI PPP) was created in accordance with the Lord Howe Island Act 1953 and the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.   

As luck would have it, 1982  was also the year the Museum’s curator, Ian Hutton a Naturalist, Photographer, and Conservationist (https://ianhutton.info), arrived on the  Island too. Ian explained,

"living on Lord Howe Island is like living inside a David Attenborough documentary. From the beginning, I set out to emulate the great naturalist, exploring and documenting the Island’s diverse habitats, marine life, plants, birds, and weather patterns. As there is little I enjoy more than the chance to share my passion for the island and its environment with others,  I have led innumerable private tours, day walks, and multi-day trips, Weed Eco Tours, sharing my passions and knowledge of the island’s natural history with visitors to Lord Howe Island.” 

The museum was upgraded in 2001 to a standard befitting the Island’s status as a World Heritage Site with two galleries. The James Dorman Historical Gallery uses artifacts, models, and paintings to tell the story of human history on the Island, dating from 1788. The Ian Kiernan Environmental Gallery uses colorful, informative displays to illustrate and explain the island's geology, flora, fauna, and marine life over millennia.  

The Museum -- part of the museum and galleries of NSW -- holds the world’s largest single collection of books, maps, journals, and documents related to Lord Howe Island. 

In 2002, Ian was appointed as the part-time curator of the Museum and has overseen and coordinated many changes during the last twenty years in that role.  

A gifted photographer, Ian recorded the raw beauty, birds, marine life, and plants of the island published in over 12 books and field guides on Lord Howe Island.  

He played an important part in preserving Lord Howe Island’s ecosystem, spearheading eradication projects to rid the island of the feral weeds and rats that threatened the Island’s delicate balance. 

Ian worked with universities, botanic gardens, and museums from around the world, contributing to numerous documentary films and research papers on Lord Howe Island’s unique ecology.  

In 2003, Ian began a project to digitize the photo collection, and over 6,000 photographs and some thousands of documents have been scanned and digitized thus far (view the gallery here).

Twice a week, Ian lectured at the Lord Howe Island Museum about the Island’s history, conservation, flora, and fauna. In 2006, he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to conservation and tourism on Lord Howe Island. 

In 2021, the Lord Howe Island began running on  1.2 MW of solar PV generation with over 3.2 MWh of battery storage: this reduced emissions and improved financial and environmental sustainability.  The same year, Ian was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Environmental and Physical Sciences by Southern Cross University, recognizing his lifetime contribution to the island's ecology. 

While Lord Howe Island and the Museum have taken measures to mitigate the impact of climate change on the environment, research data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) offers a meticulous perspective on the state of wildlife conservation across nations. The data casts a spotlight on Australia, the top third country with the most animal diversity and the top third country with the highest number of threatened animal species, ringing alarm bells.  

“The extinct Horned Turtle became the logo of the museum (Meiolania platyceps). This creature used to roam around the low parts of the islands until about 120,000 years ago. Its fossil bones had been collected from the 1850’s, but a find in 1972 recovered a complete fossil skeleton. The AMNH prepared the bones to make a full sized model of this skeleton, which is on display at the museum.”

Explained Ian. Adding

“I am deeply grateful to have been able to live and work on Lord Howe Island for over four decades. The museum is open all year round, 7 days a week, from 9am daily. Even if you cannot visit, you can browse through our Museum’s website and learn about our latest exhibitions, animal and plant factsheets, citizen science and education programs, and even the Island’s solar energy dashboard LHI Board’s live-linked dashboard."

Against a backdrop of controversy, geopolitical conflicts, and increasing extreme weather events, the summit took place in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), one of the world's top 10 oil-producing nations, from November 30 to  December 12, 2023. Although it overran a day with a historic outcome when it came to implementing the landmark Paris Agreement, which has three main pillars: mitigating future climate change by reducing carbon emissions, adapting to future climate disasters, and redressing the loss and damage that can’t be prevented. 

Establishing a Loss and Damage Fund

As climate-driven disasters continue to make headlines around the world, the fate of millions in especially vulnerable regions such as Africa and Southeast Asia hinged on the question of how countries will adapt to climate change and who exactly will pay for the phenomenally expensive undertaking.

A recent report said finance for adaptation needed to reach US$194bn-US$366bn a year. Yet the most recent evidence showed that adaptation funding went down 15% in 2021 from the previous year to US$24.6bn.

Pressure was high throughout the conference to avoid appearing to have caved to OPEC lobbyists.  So, the first day of the conference kicked off with establishing a first-of-its-kind loss and damage fund to help nations hit hardest by the climate crisis.

Mary Friel, the IFRC’s Climate Policy lead, pointed out that

“The historic progress on Loss and Damage which began this COP was a notable success. But not moving forward on adaptation would be a major failure.”

The Loss and Damage Fund needs funds! While current commitments get the fund off the ground, they are a tiny fraction of what’s needed.

Jagan Chapagain, the Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of the IFRC added, 

“This agreement is a step in the right direction – but we needed a leap. The establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund and progress on the Global Goal of Adaptation are both welcome. It’s good, too, that there’s some improved language on mitigation. But this is not yet backed by the necessary finance, and everything is happening far too slowly. We need to be focused on reaching those who need action most. Communities are suffering now. They need action now.”

Effective coordination is needed with wider funding arrangements to identify gaps and reach people in need. Because we will see more intense, frequent, and overlapping extreme climate and weather events destroying homes, lives, and livelihoods, with sea level rise taking away people’s lands and ways of life.

The IFRC supports communities to prepare for and react to extreme weather and climate-related hazards worldwide. Those hazards are getting more frequent and worse. In just the last two weeks alone, while COP28 has been underway, Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers have been helping people following floods in Kenya, Angola, Ethiopia, the Dominican Republic, and Tanzania. Families and communities are already dealing with the very real impacts of extreme weather; as climate change gets more severe, those needs will grow exponentially. We, therefore, remind the world that words are never enough. We need action, a great leap forward in action.

Establishing a Group of Friends - Culture-Based Climate Action Plan

After a decade of campaigning for the Global Call to put Culture at the Heart of Climate Action,

on December 8th, participants in an inaugural meeting at COP28 unanimously adopted the Emirates Declaration on Culture-Based Climate Action. The Global Call to Action initiative is backed by founding signatories and is funded by the UAE Ministry of Culture in partnership with the ALIPH Foundation.

Architectural practices are central to climate mitigation strategies, to foster partnerships that prioritize sustainable urban environments in climate policy, and to showcase innovative design strategies that reduce carbon footprints and enhance resilience to climate change.  

“It’s important to mention that buildings contribute up to 80% of CO2 emissions, so developing a sustainable architecture is critical, not only to achieving SDG11 by creating resilient, inclusive, and energy-efficient urban spaces but also to fight climate change (SDG 13).”

pointed out the International Union of Architects (UIA) team members Dr. Iman O. Gawad, Professor of Sustainable Architecture, Fine Arts Faculty, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt, Cid Blanco, Co-Director of the UIA Commission on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Gaetan Siew, Founding Partner, Visio Architects and UIA Ambassador to COP28.

The historic inaugural meeting of Culture-Based Climate Action at COP28 was live streamed, where H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, explained:

“We need to create a path for integrating culture into climate policy for the future, as well as raise awareness of culture’s transformative powers to change behavior and imagine its ability to unlock creative solutions that can engage all members of society across all sectors.” 

The inaugural meeting was attended by over 30 Ministers or government representatives and a large delegation of committed cultural advocates, such as UNESCO, ALECSO, ICESCO, the European Union represented by the European Commission,  ALIPH (International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas), Brazil Climate Action Hub, British Council, Europa Nostra/European Heritage Hub, International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), International Council of Museums, (ICOM), International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), International Peace Institute, Julie’s Bicycle, People’s Palace Projects, Petra National Trust, The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage, Southeast Asian Cultural Heritage Alliance (SEACHA), and World Monuments Fund (WMF).

FUTURE OF ENERGY ART SHOW AT THE RESILIENCE HUB OF COP28

“The launch of the Group of Friends of Culture-Based Climate Action is a landmark achievement of which we can be proud of.  I am looking forward to launching the now-more-urgent-than-ever Dubai-Baku-Belem Action Plan for Culture together,”

added Andrew Potts of the Climate Heritage Network Secretariat. 

Reducing Fossil Fuel Production and Use

Government ministers representing nearly 200 countries at the COP28 agreed to a deal that calls for transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a just, orderly, and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science after a previous proposal was met with heated and widespread backlash.

Climate advocate and former US Vice President Al Gore warned in a post on X that the summit was “on the verge of complete failure,” pointing specifically to OPEC as part of the problem.

“The world desperately needs to phase out fossil fuels as quickly as possible,”

Gore added.

“With an unprecedented reference to transitioning away from all fossil fuels, The UAE Consensus is delivering a paradigm shift that has the potential to redefine our economies.”

In the face of the accelerating climate emergency, Art of Change 21 is a UN Observer NGO that believes in the power of artists and creativity in enabling the environmental transition. It was founded by current chair and president Alice Audouin, a specialist in both contemporary art and sustainable development, in 2014, just ahead of COP21, under the patronage of the artist Olafur Eliasson.

Our principal missions are: to support and promote the work of environmentally-engaged artists; to catalyse change through exhibitions at major environmental events such as COP; to mobilise the general public through art and creativity; and to reduce the environmental impact of the arts sector.

In order to achieve these ambitions, Art of Change 21 engages in various modes of actions, including exhibitions, art prizes, panel discussions, artist-led campaigns, events during COP, and “Impact Art News”, our online publication in English & French dedicated to news and exhibitions linking art and environment. These actions have been led in collaboration with numerous major environmentally-focused artists, including Tomás Saraceno, Mark Dion, Julian Charrière, Minerva Cuevas, Romuald Hazoumé, and Janet Laurence. 

2.  Tell us about the organizations that support your activities

Our historical partners are the French Ministry of Culture, ADEME (French Environmental Agency), Maison Ruinart, Maison Guerlain, Schneider Electric Foundation, and the Norsys Foundation. For our actions at COP28, we were supported by R3 Group, Ruinart, and the Fondation LAccolade.

3.  Tell us about the Caire Game initiative

One of Art of Change 21’s first actions, at COP21 in 2015, was a co-creation event called the “Conclave,” which brought together artists, social entrepreneurs, and environmental leaders from across the world to come up with new ideas for how to mobilise the public for the environment. Two solutions that came out were «Maskbook» and «Caire Game».

Caire Game is an online tool that informs and provides easy, everyday solutions to help with climate change, adapted to each individual’s lifestyle. One of the weakest links in the fight against climate change is informing people what they can do in an everyday scenario to reduce their consumption and carbon emissions. For all the CO2 emissions that you save, you win “points,” which are in turn used to finance fuel poverty programs in France and Europe.

Artist Yann Toma came up with the name “Caire,” which is the combination of “care” and “air.” The premise was that if everyone takes care of the air we breathe, this benefit will be bequeathed to future generations. 

It has also been presented at major environmental events in the form of a "Caire Game Wheel” to raise awareness and engage the public. These include COP21, COP22, and the International Forum of Weather and Climate in Paris in 2016. It is now discontinued, but given how effective it was, we would love to make a new version, if we find funding for it.

4.   How long have you been exhibiting at COP

Art of Change 21 has played a key role at each annual COP climate conference since COP21, alongside some of the world’s leading environmentally engaged contemporary artists, such as John Gerrard, Hassan Hajjaj, Wen Fang, Lucy Orta, and Jérémy Gobé. 

For example, at COP26 in Glasgow, UK (2021), Art of Change 21 inaugurated John Gerrard’s monumental video artwork “Flare (Oceania)” in front of the University of Glasgow, a powerful image showing the dangers of fossil fuels and the importance of intra-country collaboration to resolve our climate crisis. 

For COP22 in Marrakech, Morocco, Art of Change 21 organised BALAD_E, a far-reaching cultural event that invited the public to workshops, round-table discussions, exhibitions, artistic performances, and gatherings around art, innovation, and sustainable development in different emblematic locations in Marrakesh, from the Riad Yima, home to the renowned Moroccan “upcycling” artist Hassan Hajjaj, to the UNFCCC Green Zone or city hotspot Cafe Clock.

Maskbook, both an international, collective work of art and an environmental citizen action campaign - has been held at every COP since COP21, with over 8,000 participants from over 30 countries. At COP27 in Egypt, workshops held in 4 different cities around the country culminated in an exhibition of the strongest masks and messages at the heart of the COP27 Green Zone. 

5.  Tell us about your COP28 programming

For our “ART AT COP28” Programme, Art of Change 21 is collaborating with the internationally-renowned artist Julian Charrière and Alserkal Initiatives to open the climate-oriented exhibition “Melting Point” in Alserkal Avenue’s Project Space.

The show brings to light rarely-seen perspectives of our planet’s Polar regions. Centred around three large video works, Julian Charrière has transformed the site into an immersive experience depicting the glacial realm, providing a first-hand account of the consequences of climate change on these distant but significant landscapes, whose ever-accelerating melting risks becoming an important tipping point that could derail the remaining global climate equilibrium.

Secondly, we held a roundtable discussion at the COP28 France Pavilion, entitled “The Power of Art to Respond to the Climate Crisis,” in collaboration with France Muséums, which invited voices from the art and culture community locally and internationally to be heard at the heart of COP, including Talin Hazbar (Artist based in the UAE), Vilma Jurkute (Executive Director, Alserkal Initiatives) and Alison Tickell (Julie’s Bicycle Founder-CEO and member of the Climate Heritage Network).

Art of Change 21 Chair and Founder Alice Audouin is also speaking at the Louvre Abu Dhabi during their event on “Sustainability in Museums.”

Finally, Art of Change 21 is a founding member of the Climate Heritage Network-led “Global Call to Action to Put Cultural Heritage, Arts. and Creative Sectors at the Heart of Climate Action”, signed by thousands of cultural institutions and individuals and which aims to be signed by as many countries as possible during COP28.

6.  Anything else you would like to add

To use the words of our founder Alice Audouin, we must not forget that the ecological transition is above all a cultural transition.

7.  How can artists get involved with Art of Change 21?

At the start of 2024, we will be launching the second edition of our Eco-design Art Prize, in collaboration with the Palais de Tokyo in Paris.

This annual art award brings together for the first time both artists and experts in “eco-design” to accelerate and promote the culture and practice of environmentally sustainable production in artistic creation and help artists to reduce the environmental impact. Despite growing demand from artists, a lack of knowledge, resources, and clear methodologies remains a large barrier to greater adoption, which we are trying to resolve.

Last year, 12 laureates were chosen by a prestigious jury, including artist Julian Charrière, Palais de Tokyo President Guillaume Desanges, and Director of l’Ecole des arts décoratifs de Paris, Emmanuel Tibloux, and each finalist was invited to take part in three intensive workshop days run by recognized eco-design experts from the art sector. Two finalists also benefited from a full life-cycle analysis of their practice.

For now, the Prize is only open to French or France-based artists, but the objective is to enable a global dynamic around this subject through further, more wide-reaching editions, as well as online resources. This prize is just the first step in a wider ambition to equip artists with an “ecological” mindset that will enable them to adapt and anticipate the major changes to come.

We will also soon be launching a membership program for artists to become part of the Art of Change 21 community. Stay tuned via our newsletter or Instagram.

10.  What is your contact information
Stefano Vendramin, Director of Programmes Art of Change 21. stefano.vendramin@artofchange21.com

In the early 20th century, Bangkok was crowded with foreign expats, but there were no places where people could learn about Thai and Southeast Asian civilization.

Thai and foreign scholars in Bangkok at that time founded 'The Siam Society' in 1904 with a mission to promote knowledge of Thailand's culture, history, arts, and natural sciences and those of neighboring countries. The Society’s activities are guided by its motto: “Knowledge Gives Rise to Friendship.” 

From then to now, almost 120 years, the Siam Society has continued the same mission by expanding the scope of works to evolve with the members' new subjects of interest. Our major activities and services include publishing two journals, The Journal of the Siam Society (JSS) and the Natural History Bulletin (NHBSS), conducting lecture and study trip programs, and conducting cultural exchange programs.

The Siam Society library was recognized as an “Outstanding Specialist Library” by the Thai Library Association in 2014, it opens for both members and non-members. We also own a Northern Thai House Museum called Kamthieng House, which represents one of the finest traditional buildings with low-carbon cultural heritage and tells the story of the Northern Thai people's way of life. The museum will be closed from the end of this year to October 2024 for a major restoration. 

Apart from the knowledge exchange programs, The Siam Society also works on cultural heritage advocacy through the Siamese Heritage Trust section which I am in charge of. We raise public awareness of cultural heritage issues through panel discussions, partnerships with media, proposing the revision of outdated cultural heritage laws, and campaigning for the review of some inappropriate projects that will have negative impacts on cultural heritage/landscapes.  

Learn more about the Siam Society Under Royal Patronage at https://thesiamsociety.org/

2. Tell us about how you personally got involved with this organization and your work at this organization

My first visit to the Siam Society was around 2010, when a friend invited me to listen to classical music there. I was impressed by its tranquil atmosphere in the heart of Bangkok city and I learned more about what the Siam Society is doing and found we share the same core values. I looked for opportunities to do something at the Siam Society.

Soon after I received my MA in Cultural Management program in 2011 from Chulalongkorn University, I got good news from my professor that The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage was opening a new section for cultural heritage protection. I did not hesitate to apply for this job, and I am sure to be working happily with the civil society organization as it will be more dynamic and challenging.

I love to work on protecting 'cultural heritage' because it contains people's memories, good and bad, inside.

It contains knowledge of people in the past and stories that they were facing, and it provides room for connections between people of yesterday and tomorrow. Protecting cultural heritage is protecting social history, knowledge, and people's memories. 

My section, Siamese Heritage Trust, realized that Thailand’s cultural heritage often faces threats from neglect, lack of funding, commercial encroachment, and inefficient management. The Siamese Heritage Trust aims to raise the visibility of cultural heritage management as a national issue of general public interest. We highlight issues and problems, both tangible and intangible, and generate ideas on how heritage management can be improved. Our scope of interest covers the entire kingdom, focusing on vernacular and community culture and cultural landscapes.

Siam Heritage Trust focuses its work on four areas: knowledge, education, advocacy, and networking. Programmes under these four areas include public conferences, lectures, study trips, seminars, publications, media opinion pieces, workshops, and training courses. Some of our ongoing projects include publishing 'Heritage Matters' monthly column in cooperation with Bangkok Post and The Standard and developing the 'Siamese Heritage Trust Knowledge Hub', a database of heritage partners in Thailand. The founding of the section has made The Siam Society a leader in cultural heritage protection in Thailand. 

Please read more about it here.

However, my current role also covers monitoring SEACHA's activities, namely its Cha-Time monthly talk, and its role in addressing 'Cultural Wisdom' for Climate Action as SEACHA Secretariat. Therefore, whenever opportunities come, I will bring this subject to new audiences and invite them to become our supporters or partners. I also see the necessity of incorporating the cultural wisdom for climate actions into Siamese Heritage Trust's working context in the coming year. 

3. Which countries does Siam Society operate in

We have only one office in Bangkok, but our scope of work covers Southeast Asian countries and more.

We are open to new collaborations with new like-minded partners in SEA and other regions. 

4. Which organizations does Siam Society collaborate with

We have partners around the world. You can find some of them on this webpage. 

To be included on this webpage are Climate Heritage Network, International National Trusts Organisation, Petra National Trust, Europa Nostra, and Julie's Bicycle. 

5. Thailand, with its breathtaking natural beauty, ornate temples, ruins of ancient kingdoms, and tropical landscapes, is a land of art, culture, and beauty.  Tell us about the elements that shaped Thailand's art and culture.

Thailand's rich tapestry of art and culture is a harmonious interplay of various elements deeply rooted in its climate, belief systems, social structure, and shared culture with its neighboring countries. 

In this tropical climate, our ancestors tried wrong and right ways over and over again to adapt themselves until they could stay well in this climate, and it became our culture, our way of life. Characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, the climate has not only influenced agricultural practices but has also shaped the artistic endeavors of the Thai people. Traditional art forms often depict the vibrant flora and fauna unique to the region, showcasing a profound connection between the artistic heritage and the natural surroundings.

Thai culture, deeply influenced by Theravada Buddhism, contributes significantly to the ornate temples and ruins of ancient kingdoms that dot the landscape. The belief systems play a pivotal role in Thai art's meticulous craftsmanship and intricate details, reflecting the Tri-bhumi cosmology.

Thai art is not a standalone creation but rather a mosaic woven with influences from various neighboring kingdoms and cultures, from Khmer, Indian, Chinese, and European sources. This amalgamation of diverse elements has given rise to a unique and distinctive artistic tradition that reflects the richness of Thailand's historical and cultural connections with its neighbors and beyond.

The social structure of Thailand, historically marked by a monarchy and a hierarchical society, has influenced the patronage of the arts. Royal support has been instrumental in preserving and promoting traditional arts and crafts. 

In essence, Thailand's art and culture are a testament to the symbiotic relationship between its climate, belief systems, social structure, and shared culture and they are in the good hands of Thailand's cultural authority to preserve and promote the study of them. 

However, Thailand has not only beautiful temples and ancient monuments but also living communities of people of different beliefs and cultures.

They are the caretaker of uncountable valuable vernacular traditions and built heritages that are vulnerable to the encroachment of land development. Siamese Heritage Trust is promoting the betterment of Cultural Heritage Management that focuses on the vernacular heritage.

6. Tell us about the Siam Society’s programming as part of SEACHA for Culture at COP28

The Siam Society is the Co-Chair of the working committee on 'Culture for Climate Change' alongside SEACHA, Petra National Trust, and Climate Heritage Network.

Ms. Moe Moe Lwin is the representative from The Siam Society /SEACHA as the Co-Chair. We promote the Call to Action campaign to Thailand and Southeast Asian audiences. We invite non-state parties to support the Call to Action. We informed our cultural authority to be prepared for the newly created GFCBCA and the first-ever cultural ministerial meeting at COP.

We act as event organizers, fundraisers, and program coordinators for the side events. 

7. Tell us about the Siam Society’s collaboration with Climate Heritage Network

We have been a member of the Climate Heritage Network for several years. We have been trying to join some of the working group meetings.

However, because of the time difference, we did not participate with CHN's working group meetings as much as we would like to. 

The engagement with COP28 opens up the way we can really work together for the first time. Thanks to Mr. Andrew Potts, who attended our Conference on "Cultural Wisdom for Climate Action: The Southeast Asian Contribution" in January this year. Thanks for his trust that we are the right network to work with to bring SEA cultural voices to COP28. 

8.  Tell us about Siam Society’s collaboration with Petra Institute

This is also the first time that we have collaborated with Petra National Trust. 

I do believe that working together on such an important project will lead us to fruitful and uncountable collaborations in the future.

9.  Anything else you would like to add

Personally, I have a special interest in intangible culture, such as belief and traditional practices.

Recently, I have an article published in the Journal of the Siam Society on "Community Forests as Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Community Forest Act of 2019" Vol. 110 no.1 (2022). You can read the article here.

I also would like to promote a book, which is a proceedings of The Siam Society/SEACHA Conference on "Cultural Wisdom for Climate Action: The Southeast Asian Contribution," conducted on 12-14 January 2023.

Just scan the QR Code, and you will find good articles telling how cultural wisdom can be used as a tool for climate actions.

10.  How can people reach you

LinkedIn
Jarunee@thesiamsociety.org

SEACHA is digital-based cultural alliance of non-state cultural heritage organizations from ASEAN member states. It was set up in 2019.

It aims to promote effective government-community partnership in cultural heritage management in Southeast Asia, to strengthen the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community as a people-centered third pillar of ASEAN, and serve both as a networking forum between ASEAN member organizations, with an aim to be a dialogue partner of ASEAN governments and the ASEAN secretariat further.

2.  Tell us about the members of SEACHA and what the organization does

SEACHA promotes Southeast Asian built heritage and cultural landscape, cultural wisdom, and practice in relation to climate change. All of its activities such as Cha-Time with SEACHA, Heritage Clinic, and conference reflect this.

Currently, we have 8 founding member organizations from 8 ASEAN nations except Cambodia and Brunei Darussalam. Indonesia Heritage Trust, Mulberries of Laos PDR, Penang Heritage Trust from Malaysia, Yangon Heritage Trust from Myanmar, The Heritage Conservation Society of the Philippines, Singapore Heritage Society, The Siam Society under Royal Patronage from Thailand, and Center for Research and Promotion of Cultural Heritage of Vietnam.

The secretariat is based in The Siam Society in Bangkok.

3.  Tell us about the Yangon Heritage Trust and its Heritage Strategy for the city

Yangon Heritage Trust (YHT) was founded in 2012 to promote and protect Yangon’s unique urban heritage. Though its mission in the beginning was more emphasized to protect the city's built heritage environment from rising development waves, the Trust changed its vision to pay attention to wider city’s built, cultural, and natural heritage landscape in integrating with urban planning and design.

In 2016, before the democratically elected government was in power, YHT prepared ‘Yangon Heritage Strategy’ that contained 24 actionable projects to make Yangon more liveable while conserving its significant urban heritage landscape.

4.   Tell us about how you personally got involved with SEACHA and the Yangon Heritage Trust 

I was a practicing architect and General Secretary of the Association of Myanmar Architects when I joined the founding board of Yangon Heritage Trust in 2012.

I took the role of Director as a fulltime job soon after it was set up. In 2019, YHT joined SEACHA as a founding member organization together with other 7 fellow organizations, and I became one of the founding board members.

5.  Tell us about SEACHA's joint working committee with The Siam Society for Culture@COP28 Initiative by CHN (Climate Heritage Network) together with the Petra National Trust from Jordan, focused on the Asia-Pacific Region

SEACHA organized a conference titled “Cultural Wisdom for Climate Action: Southeast Asia Contribution” in Bangkok in Jan 2023, that gave us an opportunity to be engaged with CHN in its initiatives for COP and to be co-chairing Culture@COP28 as this year's theme of the COP is Asia.

6. What are your six activities to voice Southeast Asian perspectives on how cultural wisdom can help us cope with climate change at COP28?

7.  Tell us about the participants in these activities

I will be participating in 2 activities out of 6. Both will be on the 9^th. One as a moderator for SEORS side event and one at the Indonesian Pavilion ‘Climate and Urban Culture.’

Hello, I’m Thepduangchan Bounthideth. With a robust background in people and culture, I’ve honed my skills in resources management and local hospitality for a decade.

2. Tell us about your interest and involvement in culture, nature and the environment

Personally, I am passionate about rural life and local traditions, and I found the relationship between cultures and environment conservation. As SEACHA opened up opportunities for young people, I had the chance to join as a youth representative. I wish to bring cultural practices from individuals, organizations, and communities to be part of climate action.

My profound passion lies in preserving cultural heritage on intangible and tangible heritage. I am deeply involved in initiatives aimed at safeguarding cultural traditions and rituals that encapsulate our rich wisdoms.

Through active participation in heritage preservation organizations, I’ve contributed to documenting indigenous practices and advocating for their recognition in the community Heritage for Sustainability Youth Forum Lao PDR for Capacity Building Workshop on the Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding and Sustainable Development for Youth in 2021 by UNESCO and CRIHAP and keep expanding networking through 2023 Youth Forums: I(CH)nspiring: Youth Empowerment and Connection through Living Heritage on International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (ICHCAP).

Additionally, I’ve engaged in collaborative projects with youth teams, winning Top5 legacies by integrating documentaries in 4 target provinces in Laos. The project was supported in 2021 by Cultural Vitas. By integrating modern approaches with time-honored traditions, we aim to ensure that our diverse cultural heritage remains alive and cherished for future generations.

3.  How did you get involved with the Climate Heritage Network

My journey with the Climate Heritage Network began as a pivotal moment when my passion for cultural preservation intersected with the urgency of climate action. It all started with a SEACHA for “ASEAN Heritage: Cultural Wisdom for Climate Action”!

I found the inseparable link between our heritage and the pressing need to protect it from the impacts of climate change. With the time I spent researching my studies, SEACHA provided the workshop and a great chance for me to meet the youth from ASEAN countries. This realization ignited my quest to find a platform that marries cultural heritage with climate resilience.

Upon discovering the Climate Heritage Network, I was captivated by the mission to integrate a sustainability approach to transformational leadership. I am eager to contribute to the ESG model (Environment, Social, and Governance) in my thesis.

I engaged by attending the SEACHA conference in 2023. Joining this network has not only provided me with a platform to merge my passion for heritage with climate advocacy but has also connected me with a global youth community striving to safeguard our shared heritage in the face of climate adversity.

4. What are your COP28 cultural activities?

I will be on 6^th December as a panel discussion on the topic Youth Advocates of Culture for Climate Action: Southeast Asian Voice and on 8^th December on the topic Ancestral Wisdom as Tools for Climate Action: Southeast Asian Voice.

5. Is the youth in Laos involved in the climate conversation –  joining a burgeoning global cohort of youth passionately committed to fostering change for their peers?  What is your involvement?

Yes, many activities promote and get youth involved in the climate conversation, such as the voice of youth in climate action, green initiatives for single-use plastics, waste-to-value projects, and youth-led organizations on environmental issues. I’m not sure if I could mention activities from them all. There is the “European Union in Laos,” “Swisscontact LaosPDR,” “ Green Vientiane,” “Zero Waste Laos,” and “Plastic free Laos.”

I would create cultural heritage to get involved more in climate action. Whether it’s organizing awareness campaigns or implementing grassroots projects, emphasize how cultural heritage and the environment are intricately interconnected.

Highlight the vulnerability of cultural heritage to climate-related risks such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, or changing landscapes. Also underscores the resilience and adaptive strategies embedded in traditional knowledge and cultural practices.

Identify how climate change threatens cultural identities by endangering historical sites, indigenous knowledge, languages, and traditional practices integral to communities’ identities.

Advocate for collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including communities, governments, NGOs, and international organizations, to protect cultural heritage in the face of climate change.

Encourage actionable steps that integrate heritage conservation into climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

6.  Anything else you might want to add.

To wrap up my chat, let’s remember that our cultural heritage is precious, and climate change poses real threats to it. But hey, together, we’ve got power! Let’s spread the word and support each other in protecting our traditions and history. Keep the conversation going, take action in your own way, and let’s create a future where our diverse cultures shine bright.

7.  How can people reach you?

LinkedIn

The present socioeconomic system can't protect people, the environment, and nature from the climate crises to come because that system’s very structure creates these crises–and then ignores them.

Our key institutions, corporations, and governments function according to quarterly profits, the election cycle, and without regard for the long-term dangers to our survival. This system is designed to steal from future generations and cause extreme biodiversity loss, and air and water contamination to maintain a lifestyle that benefits the “one percent” to the detriment of everyone else.

To highlight this message, young Extinction Rebellion activists in New York City stormed the Metropolitan Opera House on the opening night of Richard Wagner’s Tannhäuser, which explores the theme of the struggle between sacred and profane love, as well as redemption through love.

The half-hour interruption by activists on the start of COP28 was perfectly timed to coincide with the main character’s declaration that “love is a spring to be drunk from” and was less serious and less inconvenient than the severe weather delays that are now becoming more and more frequent.

Extreme weather has already disrupted the opera and other indoor and outdoor performances. This has become so common that Ticketmaster has devoted an entire page to weather contingencies.

In recent months, we’ve seen large-scale performances canceled. Weather-related travel disruptions have prevented artists from reaching the city or venue where they’re scheduled to perform. In at least one case, a heat-related death at an event where drinking water was not permitted caused public outrage and forced cancellation after the event was already underway. 

Young protestors point out that there is "no opera on a dead planet” and demand an end to fossil fuels. Because, contrary to those words spoken on stage, springs are not pure now, because we are in a climate crisis, and our water is contaminated.

If protestors don't disrupt the opera, nature will certainly—and soon.

“If XR doesn’t disrupt, the climate will. Violently. Activists are disrupting peacefully. Nature will disrupt violently.”,

explained Miles Grant, an Extinction Rebellion spokesperson. 

John Mark Rozendaal, an Extinction Rebellion spokesperson, cellist, and viola da gamba player added,

“We love opera. We are interrupting the things we love. We are acting in ways that may seem irrational, but this is because no one is having a sane response to the urgency, danger, and magnitude of the climate crisis. There have been 28 COPs, and emissions have only gone up! We stand to lose everything.” 

To draw attention to the urgency of the existential crisis that we’re facing, young activists demand the government tell the truth by declaring a climate and ecological emergency, halt biodiversity loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025.

These concerns mirror UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s sentiment:

"We can't save a burning planet with a firehose of fossil fuels. We must accelerate a just, equitable transition to renewables. The science is clear: The 1.5°C warming limit is only possible if we ultimately stop burning fossil fuels. Not reduce. Not abate. Phase out." 

The climate and ecological crisis threaten everything on our planet, including opera.

“We're not protesting the event itself; we are not protesting opera; we are not protesting the emissions that brought spectators here. That's not the point. We are here because we have to disrupt this public event as our last resort to draw public attention to the climate emergency we are facing today,”

Linda Solomon, an Extinction Rebellion activist, said.

This and similar actions are the response of a movement with no other recourse; it must engage in unconventional forms of protest to bring mass attention to the greatest emergency of our time. All normal means of effecting change commensurate with the scale of the catastrophe – voting, petitioning, lobbying, etc. – have failed and failed again.

Unfortunately, children and youth face disproportionate risks and impacts from this as the generation who will inherit a planet with tougher conditions in which to live without being responsible for contributing to the problem.

Artist Fatma Kadir, with her work in Future of Power Art Show on exhibit at the Resilience Hub at COP28, draws attention to young climate change advocates who “at very early ages are becoming plaintiffs in climate litigation around the globe–including Juliana v. United States, Held v. Montana, Duarte Agostinho and Others v. Portugal and 32 Other States –as they advocate for their human right to a clean and healthful environment as granted by their constitutions.

Youth climate litigation is becoming an integral part of securing climate action and justice. The total number of climate change court cases worldwide has more than doubled since 2017, according to the report prepared by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University.”

Future of Power at Resilience Hub at the COP28

"We’re not going to stop disrupting, because nature is only getting started. The orange skies and the flooding in New York City this year are just the beginning,"

said Jack Baldwin, a spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion. The science makes clear that we have only a very small time window in which to end fossil fuel use and halt carbon emissions.

At COP28, Architecture 2030’s efforts will promote areas of untapped potential to reduce emissions in the built world:

BEYOND BUILDINGS: DECARBONIZATION’S NEXT FRONTIER Infrastructure, landscape, and urban planning offer untapped potential to reduce emissions and lean into nature.
INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE: SCALING UP LOW-CARBON TRADITIONS Heritage and indigenous building forms and materials provide carbon and equity benefits at scale.
EXISTING BUILDINGS: REUSE AS CLIMATE ACTION The greenest building is the one that is already built.
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS: ATTACKING EMBODIED CARBON Lower carbon, nature-based, and alternative building materials, right-sizing, and material efficiency radically decrease up-front embodied carbon.

2.  Tell us about your organization's collaborations

As an NGO, Architecture 2030 believes that radical collaboration is the path to meaningful, sustained change. That’s why collaborations with organizations like the Climate Heritage Network are so important. We also collaborate with a range of groups, from the UN Alliance for Buildings and Construction to the Carbon Leadership Forum to the American Society for Landscape Architects, to reach all aspects of the built environment.

3.  For how long has the ARCHITECTURE 2030 COP28 DELEGATION existed?

We have been developing our approach and delegation for COP28 since right after COP27. Our work on the COPs has been on going year-round since the early 2000s.

4.  Tell us about your personal reasons for joining the ARCHITECTURE 2030 COP28 DELEGATION

Buildings are so important to climate action, representing over 40% of global emissions, and yet they are so interconnected to every other part of society.

I came to COP28 to help bridge between the world of design and cultural heritage and other sectors and to learn about the pressing concerns and solutions happening in other cultures, places, and industries across the globe. Only through better collaboration will we be able to move forward toward a more equitable and resilient future.

5.  Tell us about where you went to school and the factors that led you to become an environmentalist architect, structural engineer, and conservator known for sustainable redevelopment of historic and existing buildings.

I went to MIT as an undergraduate to study architecture. From a young age, I loved old and historic places for their magical connection to people and cultures of the past. As I went through school, I realized that as an architect and building technologist, I was much more interested in stewardship - being one person of the many who contribute to the life of a building and all the people it touches over centuries - than I was in creating new things.

And For me, environmental performance is integral to the cultural aspect of buildings and the way our built environment connects to our natural environment, particularly in our current times when climate change is a defining part of our reality. 

I stayed on at MIT to study structural engineering for my masters because I wanted to understand more about how buildings worked. After licensure, I became a heritage consultant to focus my work on significant buildings, but quickly realized that conserving buildings doesn’t mean much if we lose them to climate change or other societal pressures.

This led me full circle back to architecture, where I have dedicated my practice and research to the sustainable reuse of existing and historic structures, including the development of data and tools to quantifiable demonstrate the critical climate importance of the existing built environment for a more resilient, equitable, and beautiful world.

6.  Your organization is located in Santa Fe, NM, USA, which has adobe style architecture (beautiful, especially the Taos buildings) and the Georgia O’Keefe Museum.  Are adobe style structures sustainable, and how?

Adobe has many sustainability attributes. It is locally, naturally occurring material requiring little processing, which makes it low carbon. It is durable and repairable by hand, lending itself to a long service life. It also has a high thermal mass, creating more comfortable indoor environments without the use of mechanical heating and cooling.

It is a good example of the Architecture 2030 priority of scaling up low-carbon traditions as an important key to the just transition ahead. Heritage and indigenous building forms and materials can inform human-centered, climate positive design at scale. 

7.  How do you PLAN, DESIGN, AND BUILD FOR sustainability?  Do you mix concepts from past architectural solutions with new technologies?

I believe that the best sustainability solutions are informed by the past. Before our current technology, we knew how to make buildings out of materials we could find locally, work by hand, and repair over time.

Architectural form and design were rooted in knowledge of the local climate to maximize human comfort with minimal energy. Building on and evolving this knowledge, we can integrate new technologies that are place-based, human-centered, and adaptive into new buildings.

Natural materials, like adobe, are a great example of this - there are many ways to integrate biomaterials through new technologies, for example, straw panels, timber structure, and hemp insulation, which are new forms of old technology.

I think we are at a very interesting moment in which the high-performance design community is “inventing” or rediscovering technology of the past to create zero emissions buildings. Passive design features, like overhangs to block direct sun in the summer or thermal chimneys to promote stack effect that cools by allowing hot air to rise through the building, are being seen much more often in contemporary architecture.

This also extends to high-tech solutions, like automated windows that are tied into a building management system to provide natural ventilation when the temperature, air quality, humidity, and other factors are conducive. These hybrid past-future approaches are leading to a new era of buildings.

However, I think we still have a ways to come in terms of remembering the human component of these strategies. While it may save energy and improve health and happiness to have open windows, if we don’t open and close them ourselves, we still have a real disconnect between indoor habitats and the environment - this is a fundamental issue with our built environment in developed areas of the world.

8.  Do you incorporate renewable energy solutions in your buildings?

Yes, the first strategy should always be efficiency - reduce demand for energy using passive strategies and through occupant behavior - but moving off of fossil fuels and using renewable electricity is key to zero emissions buildings for both old and new construction.

9.  What is your COP28 programming?

Architecture 2030 Programs at COP28

Exhibit | Buildings and Infrastructure as Core Climate Solutions
Friday-Sunday 1-3 December Booth 6, Blue Zone 

Market Transformation Activation – Preparing for Paris 2024
Session information and live stream here
Tuesday 2 December 16:00 – 17:00 Buildings Pavilion, Blue Zone

Enabling Circularity in the Built Environment
Session information and live stream here
Tuesday 5 December 15:00 – 16:00 Buildings Pavilion, Blue Zone

Driving Higher Education for Global Action
Tuesday 5 December 14:30 – 15:30 Thailand Pavilion, Blue Zone

Enhancing Urban Water Resilience through Nature Based Solutions in Public Places
Session information and register here
Tuesday 5 December 15:30-17:00 Water Pavilion, Blue Zone

Scaling Up Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Environments
Session information and live stream here
Wednesday 6 December 13:15 – 14:15 IUCN Pavilion, Blue Zone

Fifth Industrial Revolution & Closing the Carbon Loop
Session information and live stream here
Wednesday 6 December 15:00 – 16:30 Buildings Pavilion, Blue Zone

Nature-Based Solutions in the Built Environment
Wednesday 6 December 16:00 – 17:00 Thailand Pavilion, Blue Zone

Nature-Based Solutions & the Built Environment: Designing for Resilience, Drawdown & Biodiversity
Friday 8 December 16:00 – 17:00 UN Side Event, SE Room 9, Blue Zone

Footprint & Handprint: Building at the Nexus of Culture, Economy and Climate
Sunday 10 December 15:30 – 16:30 Thailand Pavilion, Blue Zone

10. How long have you been attending the COP?

Architecture 2030 has been attending COPs since the mid 2000s.
This is my third COP experience, but my first time attending in person. 

11. Anything else you would like to add

In order to protect our cultures and our buildings, we have to collaborate more. The cultural heritage community has so much knowledge to bring to the construction industry, and we need this knowledge deployed at scale to address the more than 220 billion square meters of buildings we already have and to accommodate projected growth. The crisis is urgent and the time is now to learn from and work closely together.

12. How can people get in touch with you?

LinkedIn.
ferriss@architecture2030.org

When I was young, I liked drawing, wandering around, reading books on any topic, and making things with my hands. I love the humanities and science, and I always feel that they are not two but one. So, when I finished my JC, I decided to take architecture because it is not just about designing buildings but also about urban and cultural landscapes; it is not just about making tangible structures but also dealing with people. It is about everything.

Architecture intersects the humanities and science on different scales, contexts, and timelines; therefore, it fits my personality and aspirations. 

2.  Where did you study architecture

My first professional architecture degree, Ir (or Architectural Engineer), was from Parahyangan Catholic University in Bandung, Indonesia, the first and oldest private architecture school in Indonesia (1978–1984).

I decided to pursue an academic career right after my graduation. I decided to pursue a further research degree, MArch Eng (Master of Architectural Engineering) at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium (1986–1988), then a PhD in Architecture at the University of Tokyo, Japan (1992–1996).

3.  Tell us about the Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Asian Architectural and Urban Heritage in Melaka (Malaysia) and its mission

The centre was established as a research resource to support academic activities and hands-on training for programs of the Department of Architecture of the National University of Singapore, including collaborative programs with locals and other regional and international universities, especially in heritage conservation and management areas. It is located at the historic core of Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4.  Tell us about mAAN (modern Asian Architecture Network) you founded and its mission

mAAN was established in 2001 to start the discourse on architectural modernism, modernity, and the modernization process in Asia, to generate alternative visions, perspectives, and publications dominated by Eurocentrism.

Out of a deep concern for the fact that students of Architecture in Asia are still heavily dependent on non-Asian textbooks written by non-Asian scholars looking from a non-Asian perspective, also on the lack of knowledge, lack of appreciation, and the denial of the colonial heritage in Asia, in addition to the need of a cooperative body linking concerned parties in various Asian countries on the issue of modernity and modernism in Architecture, a diverse group of scholars and architects gathered in Guangzhou (China) in 2000.

As a result, a loose network of people with similar concerns and dreams came into being. This loosely-knitted organism was named “mAAN.” “modern Asian Architecture Network” with a small “m” – because they recognised conflicting perspectives on the issue of modernity and modernism in Asia and our willingness to keep the discourse open.

The network was set up with the spirit of equality, friendship, freedom, and openness – modelled after a Chinese dining table or an Asian food court, where people with similar intentions come together to exchange ideas and enjoy a wide range of offers and possibilities, free to come and go. This open model is the best way to ensure the sustainability and versatility of mAAN operation in the complex and diverse Asian context.

5.  Tell us about iNTA (International Network of Tropical Architecture) you founded and its mission 

iNTA was founded in 2004 as a networking platform for international researchers and practitioners to collaborate and learn from each other about problems and solutions in architecture and urban design in the tropical (and sub-tropical) regions because of the shared climatic imperatives and opportunities in like regions. Tropical Architecture refers to man-made architectural and urban environments relating to the climatic and natural conditions of the tropical (and sub-tropical) regions and interacting with various local specifics of culture, urban fabric, and technology.

Since the first conference in Singapore in 2004, it has been going around the tropical belt: Yogyakarta, Indonesia (2006), Bangkok, Thailand (2009), Singapore (2012), Johor Bahru, Malaysia (2015), Gainesville, Florida, USA (2017), Brisbane, Australia (2019), and the next one will be in Mumbai, India (2024) - focusing on Climate Justice.

6. Tell us about DoCoMoMo Macau you founded and its mission. 

Since 2010, I went to Macau, China SAR, to run the annual cultural mapping program as the final project of the Cultural Heritage Management Program, IFTM (Institute for Tourism Studies Macau). I worked very closely with the local architecture fraternity, government, and heritage activists that concerned about the conservation of Macau's modern heritage amidst rapid changes.

Docomomo Macau was established in 2013 as part of Docomomo International. The organization is dedicated to preserving and documenting architectural and urban heritage from the modernist movement. It focuses on modernist architecture and design from the 20th century. Docomomo Macau deals explicitly with the modernist architectural heritage in Macau, known for its unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese culture and architecture. The organization aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and conserving Macau's modernist architecture and urban developments.

7.  What attributes do you value in an architectural project as a jury member for the UNESCO Asia Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation?

In selecting and deliberating as a jury, I always look into five aspects that must be demonstrated in the submitted projects: cultural authenticity, social continuity, economic viability, environmental sustainability, and architectural integrity.

These five attributes cannot be separated and must be manifested through an ethical mindset and heroic efforts in the exemplary project to set a benchmark for conservation management and practice in Asia and the Pacific.

8.  As a member of the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee and Shared Heritage Committee, founding member and director of the ICOMOS National Committee of Singapore, and an associate member of the Asian Academy for Heritage Management, what are the principles for the analysis, conservation, and Structural Restoration of Architectural Heritage?

The principles for the analysis I used are the same as what I mentioned in point 7 above. Concerning ICOMOS and AAHM's relation to the UNESCO mandates, I added more emphasis on community empowerment, education, and resilience aspects against the widespread misunderstanding of unsustainable development and commodification of cultural and natural heritages.

9. Your studies and work have spanned many countries. Tell us about the differences in principles for the analysis, conservation, and Structural Restoration of Architectural Heritage from country to country.

What I said about the "five-in-one" principle above (authenticity, continuity, sustainability, viability, and integrity) is universal and can be applied in different contexts.

10.  How did you get involved with Climate Heritage Network

In November 2020, I was invited to CHN's global online event, "A Culture of Resilience: Mobilising Arts, Culture and Heritage to Win the Race to Zero in the Asia-Pacific Region," organised by the Climate Heritage Network. I talked about "Cultural DNA & Climate Resilience: An Asian Perspective." I highlighted the strength of the sustainable intangible culture that is manifested in the tangible material cultural heritage.

CHN then asked me to join (online) COP26 Event: "A Culture of Resilience: Launch of the Climate Heritage Network Race to Resilience Campaign," 2 November 2021.

11.  Tell us about your COP28 project

My involvement in COP28 is through SEACHA, as a follow-up to the conference titled Cultural Wisdom for Climate Action: The Southeast Asian Contribution, January 12 to 14 at the Siam Society, when 16 youth delegates from ASEAN countries passionately presented cases related to climate crisis from the region they are deeply involved. I want to support them and push their voices onto the global stage. Some of them will present at COP28.

12.  Anything else you would like to add

The vision for integrating culture into climate change policy is to ensure that our heritage, traditions, and values become integral to our strategies to combat climate change.

By incorporating cultural and historical knowledge into climate policies, we can better inform the general public and foster a more profound sense of responsibility for our planet. After COP28, I hope to see a shift towards policies prioritising cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. This means implementing initiatives that maximize energy efficiency and resilience based on local conditions and respect and celebrate cultural authenticity.

The goal is to create a future where climate policies are socially responsible, economically viable, and architecturally and technologically appropriate while safeguarding our cultural heritage for future generations.

13.  How can people get in touch with you?

Linkedin
jwidodo@nus.edu.sg

There are some distinctive aspects that characterize the Pgaz k'Nyau people as follows:

Firstly, Language: They speak various Sino-Tibetan languages.
Second, traditional clothing: Karen's traditional attire is vibrant and distinctive. Women often wear colorful blouses and skirts adorned with intricate patterns and embroidery, while men wear traditional wrap-around garments.
Third, Agriculture: Historically, the Pgaz k'Nyau people have been skilled agriculturists, cultivating crops such as rotational rice and vegetable farming, a method involving rotating fields.
Fourth, Spiritual Beliefs: Traditionally, Pgaz k'Nyau spirituality revolves around animistic beliefs involving reverence for spirits present in nature.

2. Tell us about  the Karen harp and how it is emblematic of Karen culture

The Karen harp, known as the "Te Hna Ku" or "saung," is a traditional musical instrument that holds great significance in Karen culture. It's considered emblematic due to its role in their music, ceremonies, and storytelling traditions.

The Te Hna Ku is a type of arched harp made from natural materials like wood and bamboo, and strings traditionally crafted from silk or plant fibers. It consists of a resonator made from a coconut shell or gourd, a curved neck, and strings stretched between the resonator and the neck. The Karen people believe the Te Hna Ku to be a sacred instrument, often associated with spiritual and ritualistic practices.

In Karen culture, the Te Hna Ku is not just a musical instrument; it's a symbol of cultural identity and heritage. It accompanies traditional dances and storytelling in various ceremonies, festivals, and social gatherings. The melodies played on the saung often reflect the Karen people's connection to nature, their history, and their daily lives.

Moreover, mastering the Te Hna Ku is considered a skill passed down through generations. Younger members of the community learn to play the harp from elder musicians, ensuring the preservation of this cultural symbol.

The Te Hna Ku, through its music and historical significance, remains a cherished emblem of the Karen people, embodying their cultural traditions and stories.

3.  What are the climate change-related challenges Karen people face?

The Pgaz K’nyau people, like many indigenous communities around the world, face several challenges related to climate change. These challenges often impact their traditional ways of life, culture, and livelihoods:

Changing weather patterns: Shifts in weather patterns, including irregular rainfall and temperature variations, can disrupt agricultural practices, affecting crop yields and food security.

Loss of traditional knowledge: Climate change can threaten the transmission of traditional knowledge from elders to younger generations. This knowledge is crucial for understanding local ecosystems, weather patterns, and sustainable resource management.

Natural resource depletion: Changes in climate can lead to the degradation of forests, rivers, and other natural resources essential to the Pgaz K’nyau people for food, medicine, and cultural practices.

Increased vulnerability to natural disasters: Extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and storms can pose significant risks to their settlements, infrastructure, and overall safety.

Access to clean water and sanitation: Changes in precipitation patterns and water sources due to climate change can impact access to clean water, affecting health and sanitation within the community.

4.  Tell us about how you got involved with Climate Heritage Network?

I have received support and coordination from the Siam Society Foundation. So, I had the opportunity to join the network.

5.  Tell us about your COP28 program

Harmony of Cultures: Asian Art and Melodies on Friday 8th December 2023,10:00-11.00 am. at Thai Pavilion.

Ancestral wisdom as a tool for climate change action: Southeast Asian Voices on Friday 8th December 2023,11.00-12.00 am. at Thai Pavilion 

6.  Do you have a Karen song about your heritage you can share with us?

7.  Anything else you would like to add

Is there anything that I can learn I can share and I can participate with activities related to culture and environment I have always good genes and willing to do it.

8.  How can people get in touch with you?

FB: Chi Suwichan.
FB page: Krunana creative.
YouTube: Krunana creative.
Email: chipgazknyau@gmail.com

The mission of the UIA Delegation to COP28 in Dubai is to represent architects in global climate discourse, ensuring architectural practices are central to climate mitigation strategies, to foster partnerships that prioritize sustainable urban environments in climate policy, and to showcase innovative design strategies that reduce carbon footprints and enhance resilience to climate change.

2.   Tell us about sustainable architecture and the nexus between architecture and the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Architecture is directly connected with most of the SDGs since a lot of actions happen in buildings and projects developed by architects. It’s also important to mention that buildings contribute up to 80% of CO2 emissions, so developing a sustainable architecture is critical, not only to achieving SDG11 by creating resilient, inclusive, and energy-efficient urban spaces but also to fight climate change (SDG 13). This can be done through building design, influencing energy use (SDG7), economic growth (SDG8), and innovation (SDG9), among others.

3.  What are the best practices and projects in architecture that contribute to achieving SDG numbers 11 and 12?

Some of the best practices and projects regarding the achievement of SDGs 11 and 13 are related to improving access to adequate housing for people using green construction principles, increasing the number of landmark projects for green living spaces, talking about tropical architecture, and stimulating community-centric designs that prioritize public transit accessibility and pedestrian-friendly spaces.

4.  What are the core promises of the United Nations SDGs, “Leave No One Behind,” and how can architecture embrace and implement inclusive design, planning, and construction practices, thereby contributing to creating an architecture for all?

Leave No One Behind is not a promise; it is a statement and can be achieved through design principles that ensure access for all and ensuring access to differently abled individuals, and affordability, always with participatory design processes that engage local communities in shaping their environments.

5.  Tell us about how architecture is integrating renewable energies into newly built structures

There are so many ways to show how architecture is integrating renewable energy. I would like to highlight the use of photovoltaic facades, green roofs, and passive solar design. There are many high-tech options, but it can also be done through tropical design and opening windows. Every day, new smart building technologies are developed and allow us to optimize even more energy consumption and support grid sustainability. 

6.  How did you get involved with Climate Heritage Network?

Architecture is about problem solving, and climate change is by far the most complex problem, impacting our livelihoods and, directly, cities and buildings. So, architects have a natural role in tackling this issue in their everyday designs. For the UIA, engaged in policy, we are interested in enabling architects to address such issues.

The first practical interaction between the UIA and the CHN was last year in the COP27, Sharm Elsheikh, Egypt, and we extended it to the COP28 this year.

7.  The Climate Heritage Network’s new Group of Friends of Culture-Based Climate Action at the UNFCCC, which the government of the United Arab Emirates proposes to launch at a High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Culture-Based Climate Action to be held on 8 December at COP28 in Dubai is focused on strengthening political momentum for an effective, coherent, and coordinated action to support and advocate for culture and heritage-based climate action as well as for the protection of culture and heritage from climate impacts.  How will you support the Friends of the Group of Friends Initiative?

UIA will support this initiative by committing to advancing the recognition of cultural heritage in climate action, advocating for policies that protect heritage sites from climate risks, and promoting their role in education and awareness, especially connecting the initiative with UNESCO on this specific issue. 

8.  Will you attend in person the 8 December ministerial at the UNFCCC COP28?

Yes, for sure.

9. Any message you would like to share

We are all living in a moment where a call for immediate, actionable commitments from all sectors to integrate sustainable design in urban development is needed. I would like to emphasize the urgency of adopting sustainable practices in architecture to meet climate goals and ensure a livable future for all, with particular attention to the African continent and its survival necessity to face Climate Change.

BY SELVA OZELLI, JD, LAW · 12·04·23 · LAST UPDATED: 12·04·23

1.  As an artist, you are a voice for Malaysia's Orang Asli communities through art. Tell us how this journey began.

I started to paint about Orang Asli's issues when I was in university. I remember well that time my professor asked me to paint my identity as a Malaysian indigenous person. The story I told them was about the deforestation issues near my hometown. Then, the gallery started to become interested in showing my artwork to their gallery.

2.  When did your interest in art begin?

My passion for art started from an early age, I was so interested when I saw my older brother paint in front of me when I was five years old. I thought the art activities were quite relaxing and made it easy to communicate.

Then deforestation started to happen near my village when I was six years old; it really affected me mentally and left me with trauma until today. Every time I drew when I was in school, I drew about what happened in the forest.

3.  Where did you study art?

I studied art at a Malaysian university called Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia, where I earned both a diploma and a degree in fine art.

4.  Were you influenced by other artists or family members in your pursuit of art?

I was influenced by the indigenous artists in Australia mostly. I thought their artwork was very powerful in showing what happened to the community as a result of  British colonialism in Australia.

5.  Tell us about the impact of deforestation in Malaysia and how it shaped you as an environmental artist.

Deforestation is still a big issue in Malaysia today, but it mostly affects many indigenous peoples who live near the forest. In some states in Malaysia, logging contributed a lot to the state government but this resulted in many forests being destroyed and the profits did not go to the communities who were badly affected.

Deforestation not only affects wildlife but also worsens climate change. I feel a deep connection with the forest where I grew up, and this connection has really shaped my art until today.

I feel I can use my art to tell the story about how useful indigenous wisdom is to get people to understand how important the forest is to human life and also the health of this planet today. We all know how art can cross-boundary and translate the meaning more than words.

6.  Which countries in the world have you exhibited your work?

I exhibited at Bower Gallery, Melbourne, Australia, Venice Biennale, Italy, Beijing Bienalle, China, Malaysia Eye Group exhibition, Norlia's Gallery, London, UK. The ARTS KL. Miami Art Fair, Florida, USA; and Solo International Art Festival, Jawa, Indonesia.

7.  How did you get involved with Climate Heritage Network?

I started to know and be involved in the Climate Heritage Network when I joined the event organized by The Siam Society in Bangkok last January.

8.  The Climate Heritage Network’s new Group of Friends of Culture-Based Climate Action at the UNFCCC, which the government of the United Arab Emirates proposes to launch at a High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Culture-Based Climate Action to be held on 8 December at COP28 in Dubai is focused on strengthening political momentum for an effective, coherent, and coordinated action to support and advocate for culture and heritage-based climate action as well as for the protection of culture and heritage from climate impacts. How will you support the Friends of the Group of Friends Initiative?

I hope with my connection and influence I can try to invite the Malaysian Culture Ministry to be part of this meeting.

9.  Will you attend the 8 December ministerial in person at the UNFCCC COP28?

Yes

10.  Any message you would like to share:

I strongly believe the culture should be part of the agent of change in combating the climate change issue. It is crucial to include many parties in this journey together we can leave anybody behind because we share this planet together.

11.  How can people reach you?

I will be part of the Artivist Network Organisation which will based in the Civil Society Organisations hub CSO Hubs in Dubai. But you can also check my social media, blogs, and email here the links: https://linktr.ee/shaqkoyok

Lord Howe island does have amazing stories to tell - with its World Heritage nature, and human contact coinciding with settlement of Australia by Europeans in 1788. The museum houses an Environmental Gallery featuring the World Heritage values; and an Historical gallery telling the human stories from 1788. In both galleries, professional techniques using words, photographs, art and objects are employed to engage and inspire viewers. The Museum logo is the Horned turtle (Meiolania platyceps). This creature used to roam around the low parts of the islands until about 120,000 years ago. Its fossil bones had been collected from the 1850’s, but a find in 1972 recovered a complete fossil skeleton. The AMNH prepared the bones to make a full sized model of this skeleton, which is on display at the museum.

LHIM has a diverse collection of Lord Howe Island’s heritage, culture, fine art and natural history which contribute to its international reputation. How do you intend to shape LHIM's exhibitions and programming?

The museum committee members are dedicated to showcasing the natural values of the island, and highlighting the conservation objectives achieved, and planned, as inspiration as to what can be achieved with dedication to the environment, so that people go away with more environmental awareness. A number of temporary exhibitions and displays are mounted each year, to highlight emerging issues, and bring freshness to the galleries. Three public lectures are held each week at the museum, to showcase various aspects of the island, and each has an environmental message such as Ocean Plastic or Climate Change. Visiting researchers are invited to give a public presentation on their research to the locals and visitors. Most of this research has an environmental management focus. We are developing the website to spread environmental messages wider.

This year at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, UAE world leaders will discuss climate action at the subnational level. What are your museums sustainability initiatives?

The LHI Museum uses solar hot water system to minimise energy usage, and is linked to the Island solar electric farm, with approximately 80% pf the island’s electricity now derived from this sustainable source. The museum houses a tv monitor displaying real time what the Island’s energy system is doing each day, so visitors can see the substantial input from solar in the community. The museum building was designed to be passively cooled so no air conditioning is required. Cleaning products and café items are all selected for best sustainable practice.

Tell us about your sustainability related art programming.

Ocean plastic affects our Flesh footed shearwater more than any other seabird in the world. Using art is one way that we are able to coney the message to visitors, and hopefully make them aware of this problem and make changes in their daily lives to minimise the impact of plastic. We have an art seabird mural made by local artist and school children from beach collected plastic items. The museum sourced a sponsor to have four see-through bins at beaches for visitors and locals to collect plastic off the beach. We regularly hold workshops to have visitors sort this beach plastic into different categories, which is then tallied and entered in a national database about ocean plastic. We screen on a tv monitor daily environmental art such as seen on Future of Power art show.

Does LHIM collaborate with the United Nations, ICOM or the Plastic Free July Foundation?

Each year the Museum promotes various international programs to create awareness around environmental issues. This is through posters, web blogs and lectures at the museum. We collaborate with the local school children on plastic free initiatives such as printed cloth bread bags, recycling plastic pens, art exhibitions.

Tell us about the inspiration behind your Lord Howe Tours.

I originally started to share my knowledge and passion about the island to visitors through slide presentations at the museum in the 1980’s. People would enjoy these and often asked if I would be able to take them one walks to see the nature first hand. I did start doing that, as a free service, and gradually have developed a range of half day, full day tours looking at marine life, birds, plants, geology; and some special weeks focused on one aspect such as birds. I do enjoy seeing the pleasure people derive from being able to experience and learn about nature, and I can highlight the wonderful conservation success on the island, hoping that people go away with better appreciation for the need to protect the planet and all of its species.

How can people get more involved in LHIM and in preserving the environment?

When people visit Lord Howe Island, come down and learn about the amazing environment through displays and lectures. If you are involved with conservation on another island, you may like to share that at the museum with a PowerPoint presentation for locals and visitors. You might like to sponsor a project that the museum requires funding for, as seen on our website. 

The Museum also works closely with the Friends of Lord Howe Island group that promotes week-long ecotours to the island where people can visit on this special week, where mornings are spent on conservation projects such as assisting with weed eradication, or beetle surveys. And the afternoons learning about the island on guided walks.

How can artists, people reach you?

People can contact me at the email curator@lhimuseum.com. If visiting the island please make contact ahead and we can see if there are any opportunities for collaboration with art and conservation while you are here.

This interview was conducted by Selva Ozelli

I am an urban planner and architect with a focus on culture and environmental sustainability. My Balinese heritage strongly influences my interest, as it emphasizes an inseparable connection between humans, nature, and the creator in our daily lives. I received my master's degree in Architecture from K.U. Leuven in Belgium. My bachelor's degrees in urban planning and my doctoral degree in Architecture were both obtained from the Institute of Technology Bandung in Indonesia.

Tell us about Southeast Asian Culture Heritage Alliance (SEACHA) and the vision that created this organization.

SEACHA is a coalition of Southeast Asian civil society organizations engaged in cultural heritage conservation work. Founded in 2019 in Thailand, its vision is to promote effective government-community partnerships in cultural heritage management in Southeast Asia, strengthen the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community as a people-centered third pillar of ASEAN, and serve as a networking forum between ASEAN member organizations. I have been the Chairperson of SEACHA since 2022.

Tell us about the members of SEACHA, its mission and its partners.

Eight civil society organizations from ASEAN countries formed SEACHA. These include The Siam Society under Royal Patronage, The Indonesian Heritage Trust, The Penang Heritage Trust, The Yangon Heritage Trust, The Heritage Conservation Society of the Philippines, The Singapore Heritage Society, the Centre for Research and Promotion of Cultural Heritage of Vietnam, and Lao Sericulture and Agroecology Promotion (Mulberries). SEACHA welcomes other ASEAN civil society organizations to join its founding members. Officially registered in Thailand in December 2021, SEACHA has spent the last three years promoting cultural heritage across ASEAN nations. Its mission is to develop indigenous Southeast Asian concepts of cultural heritage protection and initiate programs to promote cultural heritage protection in the region.

Tell us about the Indonesian Heritage Trust, its mission and its partners.

I have been the Chairperson of the Indonesian Heritage Trust (Bumi Pelestarian Pusaka Indonesia) since 2013. This non-profit organization serves as a melting pot for heritage practitioners, advocates, and enthusiasts from various backgrounds. Formed in 2004 in Jakarta by members of local heritage organisations around Indonesia and academicians from universities. Its mission is to safeguard the conservation of Indonesian heritage, actualizing Indonesia as a cultured and dignified society through historical, cultural, and civilizational records.

Tell us about the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO), its mission and its partners.

INTO is a global network of heritage organizations. Launched in 2007 at the Delhi conference, it has evolved from an informal collective to a leading authority on the National Trust movement. INTO's mission is to conserve global heritage—built, natural, tangible, and intangible—through expertise exchange, best practice promotion, and resource sharing. As a member of the Board of Executive Committee from 2010-2021, I contributed to supporting new trusts and engaging in key heritage sector conservations.

Tiger rehabilitation project

Tell us about Arsari Djojohadikusumo Foundation and its mission and your views on the impact of climate change on children and low income families in Indonesia.

The Arsari Djojohadikusumo Foundation was established in early 2006 by Hashim Djojohadikusumo and his family in Jakarta. It focuses on social causes and education, as well as culture and nature conservation, including wildlife rehabilitation. Serving as the Executive Director from 2013 until August 2023, I observed the foundation's significant impact in promoting the nation's awareness of their historical roots and environmental respect.

In my view, the impact of climate change on Indonesian children and low-income families is severe, leading to more extreme weather, increased pollution, natural disasters, dwindling natural resources, diseases, stress, and displacement. Thus, education plays a vital role in providing an understanding of how to maintain a balanced take-and-give relationship between humanity and nature.

Tell us about how you got involved with Climate Heritage Network.

I was invited as a speaker at the Climate Heritage Network's Asia-Pacific Regional Climate Heritage Forum in 2020 as part of Climate Heritage Week 2020. Subsequently, the Indonesian Heritage Trust joined CHN in 2021. As chairperson of SEACHA, we continue to collaborate with CHN, supporting Culture at COP28.

Tell us about your COP28 platform and your contributions to the establishment of "Group of Friends of Culture-Based Climate Action" which launched at COP28.

At COP28, I participated as a speaker and moderator in panels discussing ancestral wisdom, urban culture, and harmony of culture in climate action. My contribution to the Group of Friends of Culture-Based Climate Action (GFCBCA) included assigning Moe Moe Lwin, Vice Chairperson of SEACHA, as co-chair of the Culture at COP28 Working Group. We plan to continue this work through pilots and further research in our SEACHA member countries.

Discussion at COP28

You are involved with architectural conservation and heritage on a global, regional and local level with a view for the future. Tell us about how you got involved with all these organizations and the synergies these collaborations bring about.

With over 25 years of experience in culture and natural heritage conservation, I have developed a network spanning local to global levels. My involvement has included 6 years working at The World Bank, trained as Climate Reality Leader by Al Gore institution on 2020, and actively participating as an expert and organizer in several influential institutions, continuously learning and sharing experiences.

Anything else you would like to add.

I also run programs for youth in my home village in Bali through The Bali Kuna Santi Foundation – Jero Tumbuk, established 23 years ago. The foundation aims to maintain the balance of nature and culture conservation by teaching Balinese traditional practices to village children and others interested in applying these traditions in modern life.

How can people reach you?

I can be reached at balikuna@yahoo.com. Additionally, I am active on Instagram and Facebook @catriniari.

This interview was conducted by Selva Ozelli

My name is Deborah Thankam Ciju and I'm currently studying at GEMS UNITED INDIAN SCHOOL, Abu Dhabi.

How did you become interested in the environment?

I was around seven years old when it all began. Every time I traveled to Kerala, India, I saw the stunning landscape was littered with waste. That's when my enthusiasm for protecting the environment began to blossom.

What activities do you engage in to protect the environment?

I make it a point as a young activist to volunteer for as many events as I can. I make presentations for young people in the hopes of motivating them, I participate in afforestation sites and my local beach cleanups, I participate in desert cleanups and seminars, and I even attend webinars and seminars to learn more about the environment and what we can do to conserve it. I participate in the school's eco-club, where I can interact and contribute to the generation of ideas that benefit both our community and the wider globe.

Which countries benefit from your environmental activities?

India and the United Arab Emirates would profit the most from my physical environmental efforts (cleanups, site replanting, etc.). Since the seminars I attend are international, I think that by motivating individuals all over the world with my remarks, I'm encouraging people everywhere.

How did you get involved with the Global Resilience Partnership and the UNFCCC?

It's difficult to change the world when you're just 13 years old, but that's what I wanted to do. I thus learned about YOUNGO, the UNFCCC's youth constituency. With the grace of God, my application was accepted! I've been receiving letters from various activists ever since about ways to improve the world, and that's how I found out about the Global Resilience Partnership. I would be able to tell others my story and demonstrate to them that it is never too late or too young to try to save the environment by participating in this program!

On Nov 30th, the day the COP28 conference began in Dubai, young activists stormed the New York Metropolitan Opera and interrupted the performance by demanding an end to the use of fossil fuels. What are your thoughts on the activities of extinction rebellion?

At a time like this, when the earth is so vulnerable. Utilizing other materials and fossil fuels will only increase our risk. I acknowledge that the depletion of fossil fuels may result in a significant shift in lifestyle, but at that point, we must choose to utilize them sparingly. Alternatively, look for a more sustainable fossil fuel substitute. I acknowledge that the protest was unexpected and that it interfered with a classy event, but we have been attempting to draw attention to ourselves for a very long time. The youth have made numerous attempts, but they never seem to be successful, in showing people the truth and waking them up. So if the only way for people to realize their wrongdoings is to storm an Opera hall and demand the end of fossil fuels, so be it.

Is the youth in Dubai and Kerala involved in the climate conversation – joining a burgeoning global cohort of youth passionately committed to fostering change for their peers? What is your involvement?

The bilateral relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates, which has always been cordial and amicable, has developed into a major economic and commercial alliance. This implies that close ties exist between the UAE and India, even when it comes to discussing climate change. The Indian PM attended the COP28 Summit, as did other young Indian speakers. Keralan and Dubai Young are actively participating in the climate discourse.

Unfortunately, children and youth face disproportionate risks and impacts from this as the generation who will inherit a planet with tougher conditions in which to live without being responsible for contributing to the problem. Artist Fatma Kadir, with her work in Future of Power Art Show on exhibit at the Resilience Hub at COP28 draws attention to young climate change advocates who “at very early ages are becoming plaintiffs in climate litigation around the globe–including within the ASEAN region. This region is home to some of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. What are your thoughts on climate litigation?

We must take action right away! The world will not wait for us to act. It will gradually crumble, leaving the world in ruins. We, the younger generation, have a responsibility to clean up the mess left by our ancestors' neglect of our earth. Youth climate lawsuits will become much more common if we do not collectively take action now, and this should be discouraged. Children and youth are disproportionately at risk from it since they are the generation that will inherit a planet with harsher living conditions without having contributed to the problem. Therefore, let's work together, older and younger generations alike, to put an end to these accusations against young people because they have done nothing wrong. Let's act together to have a better future and planet together.

Anything else you might want to add.

In addition to being the victims of environmental and climate problems, young people are also significant change agents who help achieve the SDGs, equality, and respect for human rights, as well as a more sustainable planet. The limitless creativity, vitality, and contributions of youngsters everywhere are essential to humanity. It is the youth that can only stop this. Let's join hands together to save the earth!

How can people reach you?

People can reach me through my email, deborahthankamciju@gmail.com!

Deborah's COP28 Resilience Story Showcase!

Picture of Deborah with Dr. Jane Goodal for the Roots & Shoots program

This interview was conducted by Selva Ozelli

Union Farms of Africa (UFA) is an Agro innovation group of cooperatives specialized in maize and cassava, plantains and livestock production, transformation, marketing, distribution, and international linkages. The Union Farms of Africa's vision for the agriculture sector is to ensure food and nutrition security across Africa and to pursue economic growth, social capital development, including the empowerment of youth and women in agricultural activities, while reducing the process of environmental degradation. Its mission is to reduce poverty, increase livelihood, employment through a resilience-based and market-driven approach in pursuit of a countrywide strategy towards climate smart and organic agriculture and supporting value chains and markets development, introducing appropriate policy and technology.

UFA is focused on sustainable farming across Africa, where we bring together partnerships across the value chain to ensure that every component of agriculture value chain is sustained in our project as we plan to replicate the success and proof of concept in Cameroun to other parts of Africa to ensure food security is achieved and sustained using organic inputs. Union Farms of Africa (UFA) is a cooperative using AI to solve food insecurity in Africa. UFA produces high-yielding planting materials and creates markets for its farmers. AI helps UFA monitor crops, predict events, and increase production.

Which services does your organization offer for climate-smart and organic agriculture?

• Regenerative Smart Climate resilience farming
• Agribusiness Training, Consulting, Coaching and International linkages
• Agricultural drone related service
• Organic seed multiplication
• Organic Fertilizer production and Biogas
• Waste recycling

Which countries in Africa does your organization operate in?

Cameroon, Chad, Ghana, Liberia, Rwanda, Niger, Nigeria, Kenya, Angola and South Africa.

Does your organization collaborate with the United Nations?

No looking forward to starting collaboration.

What is your programming for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28)?

To connect with partners to can provide rural farmers with renewable energy, crop insurance, green financing, carbon credit trading and AI for African Food System. We want to show showcase our indigenous organic value chains from 10 UFA Members countries in Africa and encourage Africa diaspora to invest in agriculture.

How can businesses and individuals get involved with your organization?

WhatsApp: +237677753273
Email: ufainfoventre@gmail.com
Website: www.unionfarmsofafrica.org

Trainees of UFA Farmers Business School (Females)

GIZ visit to UFA Hybrid Maize Demonstration Farm

A Cross Section of Processed Maize Items

“Whether it’s a hunger crisis and people forced to move because of drought, a health emergency exacerbated by heat, killer flooding caused by exceptional rain, disputes over diminishing tracts of arable land or an uptick in malaria deaths due to warmer temperatures, climate change plays a role in exacerbating the impact of so-called ‘natural’ disasters. The climate and environmental crisis is the biggest global challenge the IFRC faces. Addressing its impacts means addressing the base issues that turn hazards into disasters and doing that at the base level where people are most affected. If we want to tackle humanitarian disasters, it really is ‘All About That Base’.”

Climate or extreme weather was a contributing factor to the vast majority - new analysis suggests 94% - of all impact-causing natural hazards between 2018 and 2022. And that proportion, according to an IFRC report [1], increases every year. 

Artist Gunsu Saracoglu, with her work in the Future of Power art show at COP28, reminds us that “Climate change is having a significant impact on wildfires around the world in the absence of adherence to the Paris Agreement. The total wildfire emissions for 2023 is estimated to be almost 410 megatonnes. Boreal forests in regions all over the world have been experiencing the worst wildfires in recorded history in 2023, according to new research.”

Unfortunately, children and youth face disproportionate risks and impacts from this as the generation who will inherit a planet with tougher conditions in which to live without being responsible for contributing to the problem.

Artist Fatma Kadir, with her work in the Future of Power art show at COP28, draws attention to young climate change advocates who “instead of playing with toys and balloons are at very early ages becoming plaintiffs in climate litigation around the globe–including Juliana v. United States, Held v. Montana, Duarte Agostinho and Others v. Portugal and 32 Other States –as they advocate for their human right to a clean and healthful environment as granted by their constitutions. Youth climate litigation is becoming an integral part of securing climate action and justice. The total number of climate change court cases worldwide has more than doubled since 2017, according to the report prepared by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University.”

At COP28, for the first time, ways to providing relief to those affected will be explored. IFRC leaders and experts will argue that a humanitarian catastrophe can only be avoided through a mix of mitigation (reducing emissions to stop temperature rises beyond 1.5 degrees), adaptation to a world inevitably warmer than today’s, and accelerated efforts to avert, minimise and address losses and damages. They will say that the focus for adaptation should be on base issues in the countries, communities and crises most affected by climate change, but seeing the least adaptation funding. And they will argue that the most effective projects and initiatives are at the community-led; grassroots initiatives that work from the base up.

Impact on Biodiversity

A recent detailed analysis by aplaceforanimals.com (Please find the full methodology of the study here) dives deep into crucial questions about our planet's threatened species as a result of climate change. Through examination of diverse habitats, the findings are alarming. Amphibians, for instance, are facing greater danger with a staggering 41% on the verge of extinction. Of the 65,000 vertebrate species — constituting merely 3% of all animal species — an astounding 42,100 find themselves under the imminent threat of extinction due to climate change.

The data casts a bright spotlight on Indonesia, a nation boasting unparalleled biodiversity with 10,408 animal species. However, it also holds the unenviable position of having 1,233 species under threat. Yet, the concern doesn't end there. Both Australia and Mexico are ringing alarm bells, witnessing threat rates of 12.5% and 13.9%, respectively.

Aplaceforanimals assessed each nation based on criteria like species diversity, number of endangered species, and conservation efforts. They assigned scores based on these parameters, culminating in an overall rating.

To highlight this message, young Extinction Rebellion activists in New York City stormed the Metropolitan Opera House on the opening night of Richard Wagner’s Tannhäuser which explores the theme of the struggle between sacred and profane love, as well as redemption through love. The half an hour interruption by activists on the start of COP28 was perfectly timed to coincide with the main character’s declaration that “love is a spring to be drunk from” and was less serious and less inconvenient than the severe weather delays that are now becoming more and more frequent.

The opera and other performances, both indoors and out, have already been disrupted by extreme weather. This has become so common that Ticketmaster has devoted an entire page to weather contingencies. In recent months, we’ve seen large-scale performances canceled. Weather-related travel disruptions have prevented artists from reaching the city or venue where they’re scheduled to perform. In at least one case, a heat-related death, at an event where drinking water was not permitted, caused public outrage and forced cancellation after the event was already under way.  

Young protestors point out that there is "no opera on a dead planet,” and demand an end to fossil fuels. Because contrary to those words spoken on stage, springs are not pure now, because we are in a climate crisis, and our water is contaminated. If protestors don't disrupt the opera, nature most certainly will—and soon. “If XR doesn’t disrupt, the climate will. Violently. Activists are disrupting peacefully. Nature will disrupt violently.”, explained Miles Grant, an Extinction Rebellion spokesperson. John Mark Rozendaal, an Extinction Rebellion spokesperson, cellist and viola da gamba player added “We love opera. We are interrupting the things we love. We are acting in ways that may seem irrational, but this is because no one is having a sane response to the urgency, danger, and magnitude of the climate crisis. There have been 28 COPs and emissions have only gone up! We stand to lose everything.”  

To draw attention to the urgency of the existential crisis that we’re facing young activists demands the government tell the truth by declaring a climate and ecological emergency, and halt biodiversity loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025.

These concerns mirror UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’s sentiment "We can't save a burning planet with a firehose of fossil fuels. We must accelerate a just, equitable transition to renewables. The science is clear: The 1.5°C warming limit is only possible if we ultimately stop burning fossil fuels. Not reduce. Not abate. Phase out."  

Establishing a Loss and Damage Fund

As climate-driven disasters continue to make headlines around the world, the fate of millions in especially vulnerable regions such as Africa and Southeast Asia hinged on the question of how countries will adapt to climate change and who exactly will pay for the phenomenally expensive undertaking. A recent report said finance for adaptation needed to reach US$194bn-US$366bn a year. Yet the most recent evidence showed that adaptation funding went down 15% in 2021 from the previous year, to US$24.6bn.

Pressure was high throughout the conference to avoid appearing to have caved to OPEC lobbyists. So the first day of the conference kicked off with establishing a first of its kind loss and damage fund to help nations hit hardest by the climate crisis.  

Mary Friel, the IFRC’s Climate Policy lead pointed out that “The historic progress on Loss and Damage which began this COP was a notable success. But not moving forward on adaptation would be a major failure.” The Loss and Damage Fund needs funds! While current commitments get the fund off the ground, they are a tiny fraction of what’s needed. 

Jagan Chapagain, the Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of the IFRC, added “This agreement is a step in the right direction – but we needed a leap. The establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund and progress on the Global Goal on Adaptation are both welcome. It’s good, too, that there’s some improved language on mitigation. But this is not yet backed by the necessary finance, and everything is happening far too slowly. We need to be focused on reaching those who need action most. Communities are suffering now. They need action now.” Effective coordination is needed with wider funding arrangements to identify gaps and reach people in need. Because we will see more intense, frequent and overlapping extreme climate and weather events destroying homes, lives and livelihoods, with sea level rise taking away people’s lands and ways of life.

The IFRC supports communities to prepare for and react to extreme weather and climate-related hazards all over the world. Those hazards are getting more frequent and worse. In just the last two weeks alone, while COP28 has been underway, Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers have been helping people following floods in Kenya, Angola, Ethiopia, the Dominican Republic and Tanzania. Families and communities are already dealing with the very real impacts of extreme weather and as climate change gets more severe, those needs will grow exponentially. We therefore remind the world that words are never enough. We need action, a great leap forward in action.

Establishing Group of Friends Culture-Based Climate Action Plan

After a decade of campaigning for the Global Call to put Culture at the Heart of Climate Action¹, on December 8th participants in an inaugural meeting at COP28 unanimously adopted the Emirates Declaration on Culture-Based Climate Action. The Global Call to Action initiative is backed by founding signatories and is funded by the UAE Ministry of Culture in partnership with the ALIPH Foundation.

Architectural practices are central to climate mitigation strategies, to foster partnerships that prioritize sustainable urban environments in climate policy, and to showcase innovative design strategies that reduce carbon footprints and enhance resilience to climate change. “It’s important to mention that buildings contribute up to 80% of CO2 emissions, so developing a sustainable architecture is critical, not only to achieving SDG11 by creating resilient, inclusive, and energy-efficient urban spaces but also to fight climate change (SDG 13)”, pointed out the International Union of Architects (UIA) team members Dr. Iman O. Gawad, Professor of Sustainable Architecture, Fine Arts Faculty, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt, Cid Blanco, Co-Director of the UIA Commission on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Gaetan Siew, Founding Partner, Visio Architects and UIA Ambassador to COP28. 

The historic inaugural meeting of Culture-Based Climate Action at COP28 was live streamed where H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture explained “We need to create a path for integrating culture into climate policy for the future, as well as raise awareness of culture’s transformative powers to change behavior and imagine its ability to unlock creative solutions that can engage all members of society across all sectors.”  

The inaugural meeting was attended by over 30 Ministers or government representatives and a large delegation of committed cultural advocates, such as UNESCO, ALECSO, ICESCO, the European Union represented by the European Commission, ALIPH (International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas), Brazil Climate Action Hub, British Council, Europa Nostra/European Heritage Hub, International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), International Council of Museums, (ICOM), International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), International Peace Institute, Julie’s Bicycle, People’s Palace Projects, Petra National Trust, Southeast Asian Cultural Heritage Alliance (SEACHA), and World Monuments Fund (WMF).

FUTURE OF ENERGY ART SHOW AT THE RESILIENCE HUB OF COP28

“The launch of the Group of Friends of Culture-Based Climate Action is a landmark achievement of which we can be proud of. I am looking forward to launching the now-more-urgent-than-ever Dubai-Baku-Belem Action plan for Culture together”, added Andrew Potts of Climate Heritage Network Secretariat.

Reducing Fossil Fuel Production and Use

Government ministers representing nearly 200 countries at the COP28 agreed to a deal that calls for transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science after a previous proposal was met with heated and widespread backlash.

Climate advocate and former US Vice President Al Gore warned in a post on X that the summit was “on the verge of complete failure,” pointing specifically to OPEC as part of the problem. “The world desperately needs to phase out fossil fuels as quickly as possible”, Gore added.

“With an unprecedented reference to transitioning away from all fossil fuels, The UAE Consensus is delivering a paradigm shift that has the potential to redefine our economies”, the summit’s UAE presidency said on social media.

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS), COP28 and Central Bank of United Arab Emirates launched TechSprint to develop technological solutions for sustainable finance and combating climate change.  This technology initiative fosters innovation in scaling sustainable finance and combating climate change.

Sustainable BlockChain A Service for All?

“Combating climate change is more urgent than ever. It calls for a profound change in the way economies operate and grow. To finance the needed transformation, investors need certainty that their funds are channelled to their intended uses. Technologies that promote the timely measurement and disclosure of climate-related information are part of the solution.

The BIS Innovation Hub has explored how to apply technologies such as AI, blockchain and internet-of-things to green finance instruments and climate-related disclosure. This TechSprint in collaboration with the COP28 UAE, the CBUAE and EIF will complement these efforts to address remaining gaps in the green finance market” explained  Agustín Carstens, General Manager of the BIS.

Future of Power Art Show by Global Resilience Partnership

This Techsprint at COP28 is being developed jointly by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE), alongside the COP28 Presidency, the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF) and the BIS.

“In line with the vision of the UAE’s leadership, and its endeavours to address the challenges of climate change; we value the partnership with COP28 UAE and the BIS in launching this international initiative aimed at encouraging innovators across the globe to leverage financial technology in developing new green and sustainable finance solutions” said  Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE and Chairman of EIF.

The campaign calls for technology solutions to address data verification gaps in sustainable finance in three problem statements:

—  AI solutions for sustainable finance reporting, verification, and disclosure in the financial services industry.

—  Blockchain solutions for auditing and enhancing transparency, traceability, and accountability in sustainable finance.

—  Internet-of-Things and sensor technology solutions for sustainable finance to ensure informed assessments of impact, risk, or compliance.

“COP28 looks forward to working with its partners to drive real solutions to scale up climate action and fast-track sustainable finance initiatives around the world.” Said  Dr Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President Designate.

Blockchain solutions for sustainable finance

In Singapore, with a similar theme, the BSN Foundation announced its founding members, its role in blockchain-as-a-service on November 16, 2023.

BSN Foundation is the governing body of the BSN Spartan Networks made up of: Red Date Technology, Blockdaemon, GFT Technologies, TOKO, Zeeve.  These organizations originating from a diverse range of countries and regions, such as the U.S.A., Germany, and Hong Kong, will bring a wide range of expertise dedicated to building the next-generation global Public IT System infrastructures for internet communications, digital economies, metaverses, digital payments and NFTs based on non-cryptocurrency public chain technologies, designed to serve IT systems around the world to advance fundamental technologies that benefit all humankind.

Tim Bailey, the VP of Global Business & Operations of for Red Date Technology explained “on November 16, we announced the founding members of the BSN Foundation that governs the BSN Spartan Network. The network launched late last year with three non-cryptocurrency public chains, including non-crypto versions of sustainable, proof of stake blockchain platforms Ethereum, Cosmos and PolygonEdge.

The BSN Spartan Network provides an infrastructure that integrates non-cryptocurrency public blockchains that can be used by any traditional IT system to leverage the capabilities of the underlying blockchain technology in an easier and more cost-effective way.   The service will be offered with fixed fees based in fiat currency or USD backed stable coin and is only available outside Mainland China. The cost of using our public chain technology is significantly lower and more predictable than using cryptocurrency based public chains.”

The BSN Spartan Network is a decentralized network governed by the BSN Foundation with each member operating a governance data center that hosts all the validator nodes of non-cryptocurrency public chains.  The BSN Foundation will operate via three core committees: the Technical Committee, the Governance Committee, and the Business Committee, each overseeing a distinct set of activities such as R&D, governance coordination, and commercial matters.

Established as a decentralized governance organization, each member will have an equal voting right on governance decisions, such as integrating new blockchain protocols or adjusting network fees and will operate a Governance Data Center that hosts all the validator nodes of the non-cryptocurrency public chains.

The BSN Foundation recognizes public chain technologies as a complementary approach to conventional private IT systems, with inherent advantages such as data sharing costs, private data ownership, and transparency. These benefits have remained largely untapped by traditional enterprises due to the reluctance to get involved with unregulated cryptocurrencies.

To bridge this gap, the BSN Spartan Network, will offer a decentralized cloud service solution with non-cryptocurrency public chains as the operation systems. The network consists of virtual data centers that are open source and free to download on GitHub, where nodes of the non-cryptocurrency public chains can be selectively installed. Businesses can deploy smart contracts and build dApps on the nodes and pay gas fees on non-cryptocurrency public chains using fiat currency or fiat-backed stablecoins such as USDC.

The BSN Foundation will start with five members, with the goal of eventually growing to 40 members.  Collectively, these organizations will contribute to the BSN Foundation’s mission to pioneer public IT system development at a global level to bring a portfolio of expertise ranging from blockchain-as-a-service and real-world asset tokenization to financial services and consulting as follows:

Blockdaemon – Blockdaemon is a leading provider of enterprise-grade blockchain node deployment solutions, dedicated to streamlining and enhancing the onboarding and iteration processes for organizations utilizing BSN Spartan Network.  “At Blockdaemon, we are proud to be one of the founding members of the BSN Foundation. Our specialization in institutional-grade blockchain node deployment, validating solutions, and institutional wallet aligns perfectly with the BSN Foundation’s mission to advance decentralization.

We are committed to assisting organizations in simplifying their BSN Spartan onboarding and iteration processes with institutional-grade security. Together with the BSN Foundation and our fellow founding members, we look forward to elevating the blockchain economy” explained Andrew Vranjes, VP of Sales and General Manager of APAC at Blockdaemon

GFT Technologies- Operating in over 15 markets worldwide, GFT has more than 35 years of experience in developing sustainable solutions based on new technologies including artificial intelligence and blockchain/DLT.  “GFT is honoured to be one of the founding members of the BSN Foundation. The BSN Spartan Network’s non-cryptocurrency public chain infrastructure makes it easier for enterprises to build and deploy blockchain-based applications.

We are confident that BSN Spartan will meet our clients’ needs for a reliable, secure, and scalable public infrastructure, without the challenges of volatile cryptocurrency prices and unpredictable development costs,” said Christopher Ortiz, Group Chief Executive and Global Markets and Region Manager APAC & UK at GFT.

Red Date Technology – A technology company headquartered in Hong Kong that is dedicated to building next-generation Public IT System infrastructures for internet communications, digital economies, digital payments and NFTs.  Red Date Technology, the technical architect of the BSN Spartan Network, contributes expertise in the fundamental technologies of public IT system infrastructures for internet communications, digital economies, and digital payments.

“Building on our collaboration agreement with CloudSigma signed earlier this year to bring Enterprise BSN to the full global network of CloudSigma cloud locations, marks another significant milestone in the international expansion of the BSN (Blockchain-based Service Network).  We are building the next layer of the internet, a public layer serving public IT systems that has the benefit of greater transparency, easy connectivity, and individual ownership of data compared to private IT systems today,” said Tim Bailey, VP of Global Sales for Red Date Technology” said Tim Bailey, VP of Global Business & Operations for Red Date Technology.

TOKO – Born out of global law firm DLA Piper, TOKO is a digital asset creation platform that couples the compliance and regulatory rigor of a global law firm with the innovative technology solutions of tomorrow.  TOKO offers digital asset tokenization and legal compliance solutions based on the BSN Spartan infrastructure.  Scott Thiel, Managing Director of TOKO, says: “TOKO is excited to be one of the five initial members of the BSN Foundation.

We believe in BSN’s commitment, as a decentralized governance organization, in bringing blockchain technologies to the broader IT industry beyond cryptocurrencies. As a full market licenced Virtual Asset Broker Dealer and Exchange services VASP granted by Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), we look forward to contributing to the foundation with our wealth of expertise in the governance and regulatory space.”

Zeeve is an enterprise-grade no-code Blockchain Infrastructure Automation platform that enables easy deployment, monitoring, and management of Blockchain nodes and networks.  Zeeve empowers over 27,000 developers with its Web3 Infrastructure Automation services and delivers plug- and-play solutions that enable traditional corporations to swiftly develop decentralized applications (dApps) on the BSN Spartan Network.

“We highly value innovation and forward-thinking approaches in our strategic partnerships,” said Dr. Ravi Chamria, Zeeve’s CEO. “The BSN Foundation’s vision aligns seamlessly with our mission to simplify and enhance blockchain adoption for enterprises. By offering a decentralized cloud service solution that operates on non-cryptocurrency public chains, the BSN Spartan Network opens up exciting possibilities for businesses to harness the benefits of blockchain technology while maintaining financial stability and regulatory compliance. We’re excited to collaborate with the BSN Foundation to empower enterprises with the most reliable Blockchain infrastructure management, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

Looking toward the future, the BSN Foundation aims to expand its membership to at least 40 members, operating as a decentralized governance body. “When 40 leading international companies govern the Spartan Network as Foundation members with equal voting rights, the network will become one of the most decentralized IT infrastructures in the world”, said Yifan He, CEO of Red Date Technology.

Together, they aim to promote the concept of public IT systems that complements the existing centralized IT architectures, revolutionizing traditional business operations and data communication in a sustainable way.

More about the author

A legal and finance executive with diversified experience dealing with highly complex issues in the field of international taxation and related matters within the banking, securities, fintech, digital assets alternative and traditional investment funds (investing in equity, debt, real estate, derivatives, credit instruments, mortgage backed securities) aerospace and solar industries.

Her first of its kind legal analyses involving tax laws, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), blockchain technology have been published in journals, books and by the OECD.  Her writings have been translated in to 35 languages published in over 200 publications globally.  She is is the author of Sustainably Investing in Digital Assets Globally and  an expert TV commentator on tax and technology matters.

Watch the clip of Orcas & Reefs

We are concerning about culture, community, and creativity. We were invited to join the Batik Story project in Surabaya, Indonesia, held by the Total Museum of Contemporary Art in Seoul, South Korea. It was a wonderful experience for acquiring a lot of inspiration and thoughts on sustainability issues. After that, our projects soon had the scope to focus on social responsibilities, nature and humanistic spirit.

Many of projects demonstrate a variety of practices that SUAVEART has been doing; including the approaches to understanding our culture, nature, and society. It also shows climate change challenges that experts, artists, global citizens, and each of us are facing, while realizing our future life is in our hands.

The main programs are such as “Island Kaleidoscope”, “Seeding Future – Tropical Rainforest Research”, “InterPFL- Interpretation in future life”, and the recent project “Wagiwagi – Greeting to Nature”, which has been invited to documenta 15 in Kassel, Germany and “Asia NOW” public project at Monnaie de Paris.

In 2022, SUAVEART was invited to the G20 Summit, cultural sectors in Borobudur, Indonesia, to share the insights on “Culture as a Driver and Enabler of Sustainable Living”; we also presented “Terracotta as a Social Cohesive Force and the Interpretation of Art Application: Taking the Case of Taiwan and West Java, Indonesia” at the Southeast Asian Regional Studies Symposium in Taiwan on the theme of “Ethnicity and Region: Localities and Diversity in Southeast Asia”.

The curated residency project “Flaneur in the insular cities: Island Ecology” was presented at Rockbund Art Museum, the “Island Free Writing Workshop” was took place at the West Bund Museum in 2021, and “Ex-tension: The Dislocation of Culture and Pattern” was presented at Curatoris’ Laboratory in Poznan Poland in 2018.

We hope that through the influence of art, culture and education, we can fulfill our environmental responsibilities by establishing a sustainable business and community that enables cultures and innovative thoughts to be developed in the local area.

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS), COP28 and Central Bank of United Arab Emirates launched TechSprint to develop technological solutions for sustainable finance and combating climate change.  This technology initiative fosters innovation in scaling sustainable finance and combating climate change.

Sustainable BlockChain A Service for All?

“Combating climate change is more urgent than ever. It calls for a profound change in the way economies operate and grow. To finance the needed transformation, investors need certainty that their funds are channelled to their intended uses. Technologies that promote the timely measurement and disclosure of climate-related information are part of the solution.

The BIS Innovation Hub has explored how to apply technologies such as AI, blockchain and internet-of-things to green finance instruments and climate-related disclosure. This TechSprint in collaboration with the COP28 UAE, the CBUAE and EIF will complement these efforts to address remaining gaps in the green finance market” explained  Agustín Carstens, General Manager of the BIS.

Future of Power Art Show by Global Resilience Partnership

This Techsprint at COP28 is being developed jointly by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE), alongside the COP28 Presidency, the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF) and the BIS.

“In line with the vision of the UAE’s leadership, and its endeavours to address the challenges of climate change; we value the partnership with COP28 UAE and the BIS in launching this international initiative aimed at encouraging innovators across the globe to leverage financial technology in developing new green and sustainable finance solutions” said  Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE and Chairman of EIF.

The campaign calls for technology solutions to address data verification gaps in sustainable finance in three problem statements:

—  AI solutions for sustainable finance reporting, verification, and disclosure in the financial services industry.

—  Blockchain solutions for auditing and enhancing transparency, traceability, and accountability in sustainable finance.

—  Internet-of-Things and sensor technology solutions for sustainable finance to ensure informed assessments of impact, risk, or compliance.

“COP28 looks forward to working with its partners to drive real solutions to scale up climate action and fast-track sustainable finance initiatives around the world.” Said  Dr Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President Designate.

Blockchain solutions for sustainable finance

In Singapore, with a similar theme, the BSN Foundation announced its founding members, its role in blockchain-as-a-service on November 16, 2023.

BSN Foundation is the governing body of the BSN Spartan Networks made up of: Red Date Technology, Blockdaemon, GFT Technologies, TOKO, Zeeve.  These organizations originating from a diverse range of countries and regions, such as the U.S.A., Germany, and Hong Kong, will bring a wide range of expertise dedicated to building the next-generation global Public IT System infrastructures for internet communications, digital economies, metaverses, digital payments and NFTs based on non-cryptocurrency public chain technologies, designed to serve IT systems around the world to advance fundamental technologies that benefit all humankind.

Tim Bailey, the VP of Global Business & Operations of for Red Date Technology explained “on November 16, we announced the founding members of the BSN Foundation that governs the BSN Spartan Network. The network launched late last year with three non-cryptocurrency public chains, including non-crypto versions of sustainable, proof of stake blockchain platforms Ethereum, Cosmos and PolygonEdge.

The BSN Spartan Network provides an infrastructure that integrates non-cryptocurrency public blockchains that can be used by any traditional IT system to leverage the capabilities of the underlying blockchain technology in an easier and more cost-effective way.   The service will be offered with fixed fees based in fiat currency or USD backed stable coin and is only available outside Mainland China. The cost of using our public chain technology is significantly lower and more predictable than using cryptocurrency based public chains.”

The BSN Spartan Network is a decentralized network governed by the BSN Foundation with each member operating a governance data center that hosts all the validator nodes of non-cryptocurrency public chains.  The BSN Foundation will operate via three core committees: the Technical Committee, the Governance Committee, and the Business Committee, each overseeing a distinct set of activities such as R&D, governance coordination, and commercial matters.

Established as a decentralized governance organization, each member will have an equal voting right on governance decisions, such as integrating new blockchain protocols or adjusting network fees and will operate a Governance Data Center that hosts all the validator nodes of the non-cryptocurrency public chains.

The BSN Foundation recognizes public chain technologies as a complementary approach to conventional private IT systems, with inherent advantages such as data sharing costs, private data ownership, and transparency. These benefits have remained largely untapped by traditional enterprises due to the reluctance to get involved with unregulated cryptocurrencies.

To bridge this gap, the BSN Spartan Network, will offer a decentralized cloud service solution with non-cryptocurrency public chains as the operation systems. The network consists of virtual data centers that are open source and free to download on GitHub, where nodes of the non-cryptocurrency public chains can be selectively installed. Businesses can deploy smart contracts and build dApps on the nodes and pay gas fees on non-cryptocurrency public chains using fiat currency or fiat-backed stablecoins such as USDC.

The BSN Foundation will start with five members, with the goal of eventually growing to 40 members.  Collectively, these organizations will contribute to the BSN Foundation’s mission to pioneer public IT system development at a global level to bring a portfolio of expertise ranging from blockchain-as-a-service and real-world asset tokenization to financial services and consulting as follows:

Blockdaemon – Blockdaemon is a leading provider of enterprise-grade blockchain node deployment solutions, dedicated to streamlining and enhancing the onboarding and iteration processes for organizations utilizing BSN Spartan Network.  “At Blockdaemon, we are proud to be one of the founding members of the BSN Foundation. Our specialization in institutional-grade blockchain node deployment, validating solutions, and institutional wallet aligns perfectly with the BSN Foundation’s mission to advance decentralization.

We are committed to assisting organizations in simplifying their BSN Spartan onboarding and iteration processes with institutional-grade security. Together with the BSN Foundation and our fellow founding members, we look forward to elevating the blockchain economy” explained Andrew Vranjes, VP of Sales and General Manager of APAC at Blockdaemon

GFT Technologies- Operating in over 15 markets worldwide, GFT has more than 35 years of experience in developing sustainable solutions based on new technologies including artificial intelligence and blockchain/DLT.  “GFT is honoured to be one of the founding members of the BSN Foundation. The BSN Spartan Network’s non-cryptocurrency public chain infrastructure makes it easier for enterprises to build and deploy blockchain-based applications.

We are confident that BSN Spartan will meet our clients’ needs for a reliable, secure, and scalable public infrastructure, without the challenges of volatile cryptocurrency prices and unpredictable development costs,” said Christopher Ortiz, Group Chief Executive and Global Markets and Region Manager APAC & UK at GFT.

Red Date Technology – A technology company headquartered in Hong Kong that is dedicated to building next-generation Public IT System infrastructures for internet communications, digital economies, digital payments and NFTs.  Red Date Technology, the technical architect of the BSN Spartan Network, contributes expertise in the fundamental technologies of public IT system infrastructures for internet communications, digital economies, and digital payments.

“Building on our collaboration agreement with CloudSigma signed earlier this year to bring Enterprise BSN to the full global network of CloudSigma cloud locations, marks another significant milestone in the international expansion of the BSN (Blockchain-based Service Network).  We are building the next layer of the internet, a public layer serving public IT systems that has the benefit of greater transparency, easy connectivity, and individual ownership of data compared to private IT systems today,” said Tim Bailey, VP of Global Sales for Red Date Technology” said Tim Bailey, VP of Global Business & Operations for Red Date Technology.

TOKO – Born out of global law firm DLA Piper, TOKO is a digital asset creation platform that couples the compliance and regulatory rigor of a global law firm with the innovative technology solutions of tomorrow.  TOKO offers digital asset tokenization and legal compliance solutions based on the BSN Spartan infrastructure.  Scott Thiel, Managing Director of TOKO, says: “TOKO is excited to be one of the five initial members of the BSN Foundation.

We believe in BSN’s commitment, as a decentralized governance organization, in bringing blockchain technologies to the broader IT industry beyond cryptocurrencies. As a full market licenced Virtual Asset Broker Dealer and Exchange services VASP granted by Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), we look forward to contributing to the foundation with our wealth of expertise in the governance and regulatory space.”

Zeeve is an enterprise-grade no-code Blockchain Infrastructure Automation platform that enables easy deployment, monitoring, and management of Blockchain nodes and networks.  Zeeve empowers over 27,000 developers with its Web3 Infrastructure Automation services and delivers plug- and-play solutions that enable traditional corporations to swiftly develop decentralized applications (dApps) on the BSN Spartan Network.

“We highly value innovation and forward-thinking approaches in our strategic partnerships,” said Dr. Ravi Chamria, Zeeve’s CEO. “The BSN Foundation’s vision aligns seamlessly with our mission to simplify and enhance blockchain adoption for enterprises. By offering a decentralized cloud service solution that operates on non-cryptocurrency public chains, the BSN Spartan Network opens up exciting possibilities for businesses to harness the benefits of blockchain technology while maintaining financial stability and regulatory compliance. We’re excited to collaborate with the BSN Foundation to empower enterprises with the most reliable Blockchain infrastructure management, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

Looking toward the future, the BSN Foundation aims to expand its membership to at least 40 members, operating as a decentralized governance body. “When 40 leading international companies govern the Spartan Network as Foundation members with equal voting rights, the network will become one of the most decentralized IT infrastructures in the world”, said Yifan He, CEO of Red Date Technology.

Together, they aim to promote the concept of public IT systems that complements the existing centralized IT architectures, revolutionizing traditional business operations and data communication in a sustainable way.

More about the author

A legal and finance executive with diversified experience dealing with highly complex issues in the field of international taxation and related matters within the banking, securities, fintech, digital assets alternative and traditional investment funds (investing in equity, debt, real estate, derivatives, credit instruments, mortgage backed securities) aerospace and solar industries.

Her first of its kind legal analyses involving tax laws, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), blockchain technology have been published in journals, books and by the OECD.  Her writings have been translated in to 35 languages published in over 200 publications globally.  She is is the author of Sustainably Investing in Digital Assets Globally and  an expert TV commentator on tax and technology matters.

Future of Power Art Show by Global Resilience Partnership

Show at COP28

The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) will take place at Expo City Dubai, UAE, from November 30th to December 12th, 2023.

Designed to bring the international community together and drive action, finance, and solutions, the two-week conference program will focus on fast-tracking a green future. Among the issues discussed at COP28 are a just and equitable energy transition, fixing climate finance, putting nature, lives, and livelihoods at the heart of climate action, and mobilizing for inclusion.

The Resilience Hub, a virtual and physical space accelerating action towards resilient communities and ecosystems, will be present at COP28. The Hub is motivated by the urgent need to increase the level of ambition and finance given to building resilience, particularly for the world’s most vulnerable populations, and placing locally informed, equitable solutions center stage in the run-up to and during COP. It will connect and inspire people across business, civil society, academia, and government to collaborate and scale up action that makes communities around the world safer, healthier, and more just.

The COP28 Resilience Hub will feature an art show titled “Future of Power,” prepared by award-winning environmental artists whose work has been cataloged by the UN. This art show will articulate the Resilience Hub’s vision of resilience underpinning sustainable development in an inclusive world in harmony with nature that is better prepared to cope with shocks, adapt to change, and transform – all within planetary boundaries.

Artist Mehmet Kuran with his work points out that

“we have to understand one thing now. We are not the owners of this world. We are guests. We are no different than an antelope or a lizard. As guests, we must respect this magnificent planet. We must live elegantly. By trying to be beneficial to our environment. By sharing. It is certain that beautiful days lie ahead. Change has begun.”

Artist Gunsu Saracoglu, with her work, reminds us that

“Climate change is having a significant impact on wildfires around the world in the absence of adherence to the Paris Agreement. The total wildfire emissions for 2023 is estimated to be almost 410 megatonnes. Boreal forests in regions all over the world have been experiencing the worst wildfires in recorded history in 2023, according to new research.”

In the first-ever Global Stocktake response, the urgency of the climate change situation faced will be presented, and the COP28 Presidency will seek accountability from the heads of state and world leaders on the way forward.

Climate change is already impacting human health across the planet, from the quality of the air we breathe to the water we drink and the places that provide us with shelter. Unfortunately, Children and youth face disproportionate risks and impacts from this as the generation who will inherit a planet with tougher conditions in which to live without being responsible for contributing to the problem.

Artist Fatma Kadir, with her work, draws attention to young climate change advocates who

“instead of playing with toys and balloons are at very early ages becoming plaintiffs in climate litigation around the globe–including Juliana v. United States, Held v. Montana, Duarte Agostinho and Others v. Portugal and 32 Other States –as they advocate for their human right to a clean and healthful environment as granted by their constitutions. Youth climate litigation is becoming an integral part of securing climate action and justice. The total number of climate change court cases worldwide has more than doubled since 2017, according to the report prepared by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University.”

For the first time, COP28 will explore ways to provide relief to those affected.

With increased climate change-related natural calamities, increased disease, and litigation by a new generation, it is clear that the world needs to decarbonize rapidly while continuing to progress economically. The energy needed for day-to-day life, supporting new technologies, must remain affordable but cleaner.

Artist Selva Ozelli --who is also the author of Sustainably Investing in Digital Assets Globally -, draws attention to the fact that

“the ocean generates 50 percent of the oxygen we need, absorbs 25 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions, and captures 90 percent of the excess heat generated by these emissions. We need to protect and manage our Oceans, Wetlands biodiversity hotspots, and natural carbon sinks.”

COP28 Presidency, High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (HLP), UN High-level Climate Champions, and Marrakesh Partnership for Global Climate Action will cast a spotlight on the Ocean and put forth country commitments towards the 100% Sustainable Ocean Management goal and showcase tangible actions supporting the implementation of the Ocean Breakthrough.

Our world's climate and its biodiversity are inextricably interconnected. Climate change creates severe pressure and risks for the food, agricultural, and water systems that ensure human well-being.

Artist Ilhan Sayin, with his work, draws attention to

“the landmark win for nature, a 30 x 30 biodiversity goal was adopted by world leaders at the CBD COP15 – to protect at least 30 percent of the planet's land and water by 2030.”

COP28 will focus on delivering climate and nature co-benefits through various financing mechanisms and packages to accelerate private sector commitments to nature-positive accountability frameworks.

The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) will take place at Expo City Dubai, UAE, from November 30th to December 12th, 2023.

Designed to bring the international community together and drive action, finance, and solutions, the two-week conference program will focus on fast-tracking a green future. Among the issues discussed at COP28 are a just and equitable energy transition, fixing climate finance, putting nature, lives, and livelihoods at the heart of climate action, and mobilizing for inclusion.

The Resilience Hub, a virtual and physical space accelerating action towards resilient communities and ecosystems, will be present at COP28. The Hub is motivated by the urgent need to increase the level of ambition and finance given to building resilience, particularly for the world’s most vulnerable populations, and placing locally informed, equitable solutions center stage in the run-up to and during COP.

It will connect and inspire people across business, civil society, academia, and government to collaborate and scale up action that makes communities around the world safer, healthier, and more just.

The COP28 Resilience Hub will feature an art show titled “Future of Power,” prepared by award-winning environmental artists whose work has been cataloged by the UN. 

This art show will articulate the Resilience Hub’s vision of resilience underpinning sustainable development in an inclusive world in harmony with nature that is better prepared to cope with shocks, adapt to change, and transform – all within planetary boundaries.

Mehmet Kuran artwork
Artist Mehmet Kuran with his work points out that

“we have to understand one thing now. We are not the owners of this world. We are guests. We are no different than an antelope or a lizard. As guests, we must respect this magnificent planet. We must live elegantly. By trying to be beneficial to our environment. By sharing. It is certain that beautiful days lie ahead. Change has begun.”

Gunsu Saracoglu artwork
Artist Gunsu Saracoglu, with her work, reminds us that

“Climate change is having a significant impact on wildfires around the world in the absence of adherence to the Paris Agreement. The total wildfire emissions for 2023 is estimated to be almost 410 megatonnes. Boreal forests in regions all over the world have been experiencing the worst wildfires in recorded history in 2023, according to new research.”

In the first-ever Global Stocktake response, the urgency of the climate change situation faced will be presented, and the COP28 Presidency will seek accountability from the heads of state and world leaders on the way forward.

Fatma Kadir artwork
Climate change is already impacting human health across the planet, from the quality of the air we breathe to the water we drink and the places that provide us with shelter. Unfortunately, Children and youth face disproportionate risks and impacts from this as the generation who will inherit a planet with tougher conditions in which to live without being responsible for contributing to the problem.

Artist Fatma Kadir, with her work, draws attention to young climate change advocates who

“instead of playing with toys and balloons are at very early ages becoming plaintiffs in climate litigation around the globe–including Juliana v. United States, Held v. Montana, Duarte Agostinho and Others v. Portugal and 32 Other States –as they advocate for their human right to a clean and healthful environment as granted by their constitutions. Youth climate litigation is becoming an integral part of securing climate action and justice. The total number of climate change court cases worldwide has more than doubled since 2017, according to the report prepared by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University.”

For the first time, COP28 will explore ways to provide relief to those affected.

With increased climate change-related natural calamities, increased disease, and litigation by a new generation, it is clear that the world needs to decarbonize rapidly while continuing to progress economically. The energy needed for day-to-day life, supporting new technologies, must remain affordable but cleaner.

Artist Selva Ozelli --who is also the author of Sustainably Investing in Digital Assets Globally -, draws attention to the fact that

“the ocean generates 50 percent of the oxygen we need, absorbs 25 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions, and captures 90 percent of the excess heat generated by these emissions. We need to protect and manage our Oceans, Wetlands biodiversity hotspots, and natural carbon sinks.”

COP28 Presidency, High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (HLP), UN High-level Climate Champions, and Marrakesh Partnership for Global Climate Action will cast a spotlight on the Ocean and put forth country commitments towards the 100% Sustainable Ocean Management goal and showcase tangible actions supporting the implementation of the Ocean Breakthrough.

Ilhan Sayin artwork
Our world's climate and its biodiversity are inextricably interconnected. Climate change creates severe pressure and risks for the food, agricultural, and water systems that ensure human well-being.

Artist Ilhan Sayin, with his work, draws attention to

“the landmark win for nature, a 30 x 30 biodiversity goal was adopted by world leaders at the CBD COP15 – to protect at least 30 percent of the planet's land and water by 2030.”

COP28 will focus on delivering climate and nature co-benefits through various financing mechanisms and packages to accelerate private sector commitments to nature-positive accountability frameworks.