Credit: Sasha Pritchard, Canva Images
Working together to safeguard our collective future
CLIMATE & BIODIVERSITY
Storytelling plays a central part in raising awareness of climate issues and inspiring us to collectively find solutions. From indigenous communities sharing wisdom about their bio-habitats via generational storytelling, to journalists and influencers amplifying climate justice stories, Dignified Storytelling celebrates stories that promote knowledge, provide solutions, and drive action towards a healthier environment.
As one of the series of Dignified Storytelling events taking place at Expo 2020 Dubai, “Working Together to Safeguard our Collective Future” aimed to build awareness and understanding about the role of storytelling as a tool to communicate information, raise awareness, and induce actions to safeguard our planet.
Storytelling through spoken-word poetry
Audiences were greeted with spoken-word poetry performances spotlighting youth poets who help empower individuals and their communities to mitigate climate change and promote biodiversity. The event also raised interest and allowed consideration of how individuals and organisations can help drive positive social change towards achievement of the SDGs, particularly SDGs 13, 14, and 15. The event also brought together partners, policymakers, and practitioners within the field of storytelling and development to discuss, validate, and commit to the Dignified Storytelling Pledge.
As one of the series of Dignified Storytelling events taking place at Expo 2020 Dubai, “Working Together to Safeguard our Collective Future” aimed to build awareness and understanding about the role of storytelling as a tool to communicate information and induce action to safeguard our planet. It also helped raise interest and allow consideration of how individuals and organisations can help drive positive social change towards achievement of the SDGs, particularly SDGs 13, 14, and 15.
Speakers of the day
The event opened with a musical performance by Dave Simson, a cultural performer from Suriname. The session featured original poetry by Guam poet John “Meta” Sarmiento from Guam, Ghana’s finest poet and spoken word artist Chief Moomen, and a special guest intervention by Ireland’s Climate Envoy Dr. Sinead Walsh. Moderated by Ragy Saro, Head of International Organisations at Expo 2020 Dubai this session included an open discussion with the poets on how they utilise their art to address the most pressing environmental issues of our times and the importance of working together to safeguard our collective future.
Ragy Saro
Head of International Organisations at Expo 2020 Dubai and Lead, Dignified Storytelling
MODERATOR
Chief Moomen
Ghanaian poet, playwright and creative entrepreneur
Meta Sarmiento
Award-winning poet and rapper
Dr. Sinead Walsh
Climate Envoy, Ireland
Watch the full event
This event provided a platform for dialogue, engagement, and advocacy for Dignified Storytelling amongst members of civil society, organisations, governments, private and international agencies, advocates, journalists, communication experts, activists, and storytellers.
