Mr. Qaiser Nawab Speaks at COP-29 Sideline Event on Cultural Awareness in Environmental Conservation
Baku, The Gulf Observer: Mr. Qaiser Nawab, President of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD), participated as a distinguished panellist at the high-impact sideline event titled “Role of Cultural Awareness in Environmental Conservation” at COP-29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Hosted at the ICESCO Pavilion in the Blue Zone, the event was organized collaboratively by the Global Strategic Institute for Sustainable Development (GSISD), THE’ Society International, and BRISD, in partnership with ICESCO.
The panel session brought together prominent climate advocates from Tanzania, Nigeria, India, and Pakistan, all working to explore the intersection of cultural awareness and environmental conservation. The dynamic discussion focused on addressing the dual crises of culture and climate, providing innovative solutions to bridge the gap between science, technology, and culture for a sustainable future.
In his address, Qaiser Nawab highlighted the importance of integrating cultural values with environmental efforts:
“Environmental conservation cannot succeed in isolation from cultural values. Youth must be empowered to leverage both technology and traditional knowledge to tackle climate challenges while preserving the cultural heritage that shapes our identity,” he stated.
The panelists explored several key issues, including:
- The cultural crisis stemming from globalization and its effects on local traditions.
- The climate crisis impacting communities globally, particularly those in vulnerable regions.
- The challenges faced by youth in addressing environmental issues, including limited access to resources and a lack of representation.
Key recommendations from the panel included:
- Linking science and culture by incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into modern climate strategies.
- Using technology and cultural heritage to create sustainable, community-driven solutions.
- Encouraging youth-led initiatives that combine innovation with cultural preservation to tackle global challenges.
The event concluded with a call to action for greater collaboration between governments, civil society, and youth to ensure that cultural awareness remains central to global environmental policies.
This sideline event at COP-29 underscored the critical role that cultural awareness plays in achieving global sustainability goals, reflecting the inclusive and diverse approach of the conference in addressing climate challenges.