Avid Learning, the cultural philanthropy arm of the Essar Group is proud to have participated at the global stage of COP28 UAE – United Nations Climate Change Conference at Expo City, Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.
With a strong commitment to the transformative power of arts and culture for social change, Avid Learning presented two programs in the Green Zone at COP28 in line with the conference’s cross-cutting themes of technology and innovation, inclusion, frontline communities, and finance. These special programs were the convergence of two of our most celebrated series: Sustainability Now and Uncovering Urban Legacies.
At the Terra Auditorium, Avid Learning presented Climate Warriors and Their Pathways to Sustainable Solutions, a dynamic conversation with dedicated climate champions and visionary entrepreneurs. The session featured Kaustubh Padakannaya, Co-Founder of Pyse; Ashay Bhave, Social Entrepreneur and Founder of Thaely; and Rewant Ruia, Director, Essar Group. Moderated by Mairu Gupta, Founder & CEO of Antkind, the speakers discussed the role of education in climate change mitigation, sustainable entrepreneurship, investment in green assets, the increasingly important transition to Green Energy and Green Steel, and expected future trends with the aim was to share visionary insights and facilitate collective efforts to address climate change for a more sustainable future.
Celebrating the cultural richness of Kolis, the original inhabitants of Bombay, and their profound connection with the sea, Avid Learning showcased Koli Fishermen of Bombay: Guardians of Cultural Sustainability, a vibrant dance and storytelling performance on the Green Zone Stage. This performance, set against the picturesque backdrop of Mumbai’s coastline, highlighted the community’s resilience in the face of urgent challenges like climate change, industrialization, and overfishing while demonstrating their commitment to marine conservation. The production was led by Parag Tandel, Artist and Visual Auto-Ethnographer of the Koli Community; Yuki Ellias, Actor and Theatre & Film Producer; and Tej Arun Chandiwale, Choreographer.
These programs stand testimony to Avid Learning’s dedication to leveraging the influential role of arts and culture aligning with our vision for a greener future.
Further mentioned are youtube links :
Climate Warriors and Their Pathways to Sustainable Solutions
Koli Fishermen of Bombay: Guardians of Cultural Sustainability