Rotary facilitates collaboration on community-led climate action andGlobal philanthropic organization discusses draws attention towards the intersection of climate change and mental health
India, 15 December 2023 — As nations unite to fight the escalating climate crisis, Rotary takes a step forward to foster dialogue, drive partnerships, and highlight community-led solutions at the 2023 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai from 30 Nov. to 12 Dec.
Set against the backdrop of a world grappling with multifaceted environmental challenges, Rotary emphasized the importance of collaborative community-driven action and facilitated discussions between climate experts and key opinion leaders from across the globe.
The Rotary delegation, led by Rotary International President Gordon McInally, Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Barry Rassin, and Rotary International General Secretary and CEO John Hewko, managed Pavilion in the UN-managed venue. Across the two weeks, Rotary hosted 28 breakout sessions around the COP28 thematic days.
Any key takeaways/commitments made at COP-28 (Rotary team to provide inputs)
RI President Gordon R. McInally shared his vision of Rotary’s role in addressing global mental health challenges during a Rotary-hosted panel that explored solutions related to the intersection of climate change and mental health and said “We aim to bring to the fore how community-driven organizations like Rotary can catalyze positive change and effectively tackle both the causes and impacts of climate change. Our legacy is not just in the projects we initiate, but in the global collaborations we foster for a healthier planet.”
In the face of global environmental challenges, Rotary highlighted how small collective actions can lead to significant global change, as the organization champions both local and bottom-up efforts in environmental stewardship, empowering people and their communities to manage impacts on the planet effectively.
Dr. Meenakshi Venkataraman, Ecologist and International Director – Projects Division, ESRAG (Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group) said “Addressing climate change demands attention to nature, biodiversity, and minimizing fossil fuel use. A prevalent misconception is that biodiversity only involves visible elements like trees and insects. Yet, acknowledging the significance of unseen elements, such as the fungal and microbial world in the soil, is vital for soil and overall biodiversity health. In India, like other developing countries, efforts are being made to secure finance for development initiatives which will help us to take a step forward in taking care of our environment.”
As an active participant in COP28, Rotary continues to demonstrate its dedication to global climate action by fostering partnerships with governments and organizations.As a testament to Rotary’s global community presence and commitment to climate action, the Association of Rotary Clubs in UAE showcased local environmental initiatives in the venue managed by the COP28 UAE Presidency.
Across the globe, Rotary members have pioneered a multitude of community-driven solutions that address environmental challenges, from Madagascar’s reforestation projects to organic farming practices in Taiwan and the preservation of mangrove forests worldwide. The Rotary Foundation, Rotary’s charitable arm that helps clubs work together to perform meaningful and impactful service, has committed more than US$23.7 million toward sustainable, community-based environmental projects and scholarships for professionals interested in pursuing careers related to the environment.
About Rotary: Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.4 million members of more than 46,000 Rotary clubs in almost every country in the world. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. Rotary and the United Nations share a strong and deep-rooted history of working toward peace and addressing humanitarian issues around the world.
CONTACT:
Jyoti Rai; +91 9650591553
Email Address: Jyoti.Rai@rotary.org