Sheikha Shamma Al Nahyan, Founder and CEO of Alliances for Global Sustainability, recently attended the International Council on Archives (ICA) Congress in Abu Dhabi 2023. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the event showcased the crucial role of sustainable knowledge and addressed the challenges posed by climate change.
During the session titled ‘Sustainable knowledge and a sustainable planet: archives, records, and climate change,’ Sheikha Shamma emphasized the significance of knowledge in promoting sustainability and its strong connection to archives and records. She delved into the pressing issues faced by the world today, particularly climate change.
Highlighting the UAE’s commitment to sustainability, Sheikha Shamma stated that it is a priority within the nation, deeply ingrained in its heritage. She praised the ancestors’ ability to coexist harmoniously with the rugged environment of the UAE and spoke about the invaluable role of archives as links to our roots and as repositories of national memory.
Recognizing the global threat of climate change, Sheikha Shamma underscored the essential role research carried out in archives can play in mitigating this challenge. Climate change, she stressed, endangers the entire world, and harnessing the knowledge contained in archives is crucial in confronting this issue effectively.
During her speech, Sheikha Shamma also touched upon the importance of food and water security in the UAE. Referring to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, the late founding father of the UAE, she mentioned the country’s first hydroponics farm established in 1969. She brought attention to recent studies that reveal a decline in groundwater levels compared to previous decades, emphasizing the responsibility that the current generation has in expanding upon the sustainable vision of their ancestors.
According to Sheikha Shamma, sustainable knowledge should not remain a mere concept but should serve as a call to action. Understanding the past, drawing lessons from it, and building upon it are essential in effectively managing the present and creating a sustainable future for generations to come.
Sheikha Shamma’s insightful speech at the ICA Congress shed light on the importance of sustainable knowledge and its connection to climate change challenges. Her words serve as a reminder of the urgent need for global action and collaboration to create a sustainable and resilient planet.
