Guests at the sixth edition of the Climate Forum: Priority must be given to planet Earth
Two days ago, Diwan Library, in collaboration with Wales, organized the sixth edition of the Climate Forum at the Cultural Center of the Consulate in Cairo, with the participation of a select group of artists, experts, and leaders in environmental and social work, amid a remarkable public turnout.
The event lasted from 6 to 8 p.m. and opened with a speech by Brigitte Boulad about the poet Mahmoud Darwish and his poetry. Then, poet Ohoud Saad, marketing director at Diwan Library and yoga instructor, welcomed the audience. She gave a speech addressing the issue of climate and environmental change. She pointed out that the world has become more dangerous and that we are constantly trying to protect our property in the face of climate fluctuations ranging from extreme cold to high heat. In addition to droughts and floods that have negatively affected the agricultural environment. She also warned of the threats of climate change, including the loss of many people’s homes. She emphasized that the priority must be to protect the planet.
Hend Sabry’s message on art and environmental awareness
Artist Hend Sabry moderated the first panel discussion alongside poet Salem Masalha, where they discussed sustainability and gender inequality in the face of climate change, emphasizing the role of art and cinema in promoting environmental awareness.
Sabri touched on her experience in 2015, when she launched a climate forum on social media with the aim of opening up discussion on environmental issues at a time when climate change was virtually absent from public discourse. “Today, we have pioneering initiatives that are driving the dialogue forward, after talking about climate change seemed taboo,” she said.
International and academic participation
In this context, Chitose Noguchi, representative of the United Nations Development Program in Egypt, spoke about climate challenges in the region and the importance of cooperation between different parties.
Dr. Iman Beibars, Vice President of the Ashoka Network for Social Entrepreneurs, also addressed the concept of social entrepreneurship and its role in dismantling historical concepts associated with the region, such as the concept of the “Middle East,” along with the issue of climate change and its impact on Egypt. Beibars presented several realistic solutions to the problem, emphasizing the need to formulate a more equitable and sustainable vision.
The forum concluded with a musical performance that included singing and oud playing by Palestinian artist Huda Asfour.
About the forum
The Climate Forum is a volunteer-led initiative that aims to turn innovative ideas into actions that serve the planet by bringing together art, literature, music, and academic expertise in an open dialogue space that seeks to engage the community in addressing climate challenges.
