In a historic step towards recognizing the role of culture in climate change mitigation and adaptation, a group of high-level delegates from around the world gathered on the sidelines of the cop28 Conference of the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change.
During the meeting, H. E. Sheikh Salem Bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of culture and youth, and H. E. Margaret Menezes, Minister of culture of Brazil, officially announced the launch of the group of friends of culture-based Climate Action (GFCBCA) at the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change.
This new alliance, which includes in its membership 33 countries and several UN agencies, calls for recognition of the pivotal role of culture in climate change policies.
The alliance also aims to stimulate political momentum to ensure effective, coherent and consistent multilateral action, officially recognizing the importance of culture and heritage in climate activities. The meeting also witnessed the unveiling of the” UAE declaration for culture-based climate action”, in the presence of Her Excellency Maryam bint Mohammed Al Muhairi, Minister of climate change and environment.
Commenting on the UAE announcement and the launch of the Friends of culture-based Climate Action Group, His Excellency Sheikh Salem Bin Khalid Al Qasimi said: “We recognize that climate change has consequences that go beyond the environmental system to our social and cultural systems as well. It constitutes a cultural emergency for its negative role in preventing communities from preserving their cultural heritage, as culture-based Climate Action provides an effective and comprehensive solution that helps achieve the goals of the Paris climate agreement,”he said.
