Attending the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, held from November 11 to November 22, immersed participants in an environment where the pressing need to tackle climate change was omnipresent. Known as COP29, this convention followed COP28, which was successfully hosted by the United Arab Emirates. The UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed was among the influential leaders present at the Azerbaijan conference, reaffirming his commitment to "build a sustainable future for all". The UAE also showcased its cultural heritage at this pivotal climate event through various initiatives.
Supported by the Swiss Association of Women and Empowerment (SAWE) and the Ras Al-Khaimah-based Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, two Emirati craftswomen were given the opportunity to display their traditional crafts at COP29. This initiative symbolically linked the two summits and highlighted the importance of steadfast global commitment and cultural diplomacy amidst a climate crisis.
Hosted at the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, 'Climates and Carpets' featured works celebrating the traditional Al-Talli hand-weaving craft from the UAE. Renowned for its vibrant colors and intricate designs, Al-Talli is a significant part of Emirati cultural heritage, adorning various garments from wedding dresses to everyday clothing. These skills have been passed down through generations in the UAE.
While the UN Climate Change Conference is often perceived as a hub for discussions on global warming, sustainability, and green energy, it also serves as a platform where climate and culture intersect. The presence of the two Emirati women at COP29 underscored the universal nature of human creativity, demonstrating that art transcends boundaries.
Victoria Desyat, founder and president of the Geneva-based SAWE, notes, "Art provides a sanctuary for contemplation. It's a space where we can pause, absorb, engage, and more importantly, connect with different cultures." SAWE, which operates at the intersection of culture and climate, has demonstrated through its initiatives at COP29 that art, culture, and technology can mobilize social support for climate change awareness.
At COP29, SAWE's 'Participate' exhibition, in collaboration with the United Nations Geneva, Heydar Aliyev Centre, and IDEA Public Association, utilized AI tools to reimagine iconic paintings. This initiative aimed to highlight the importance of nature and encourage a more conscious approach towards the environment.
SAWE also launched the MISSION app at COP29's Blue Zone, enabling users to interact with AI animated characters to learn about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a fun and engaging manner. Desyat emphasizes that "equality for all" is foundational to building a fairer society, and women's empowerment is crucial to achieving this goal.
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