The World Art Forum for Development Foundation’s Impactful Presence at COP28

Amidst the serious talks for collective climate action to prevent the worst impacts of climate change, this year’s COP 28 starting on November 30 through December 12 marks a revival of artistic expressions which can be seen on the walls and corridors of the (COP28) in Dubai which have transformed into an unexpected art gallery, showcasing powerful works by visual artists from around the globe. These artistic voices contribute to the mission of COP 28 highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change and inspiring meaningful conversations for a sustainable future.

Among these artistic manifestations, the World Art Forum for Development Foundation will participate in COP 28 with its distinctive session introducing their youth initiative “Sustainable Art and Human Development,” aimed at supporting youth and women. The event is scheduled to take place on December 8, 2023, in the Egyptian pavilion at the Blue Zone, and will witness the attendance of Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment as well as other prominent figures, including Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN climate change high-level champion for Egypt, and the United Nations Special Envoy for Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Randa Fouad, President of World Art Forum for Development Foundation, Ambassador Hisham Badr, Assistant Minister of Planning and Economic Development for Strategic Partnerships, Excellence, and Initiatives, Dr. Amr Abdel Meguid, representative of the Environment and Development Center for the Arab region and Europe “CEDARE,” and Elena Panova, the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt.

It is worth mentioning that a group of experts in the fields of arts, sustainable development and climate change issues will participate in this session where a documentary film of this unique experience will be showcased to be followed by the implementation of the second phase of the initiative after the conference.

Expressing her enthusiasm to participate in COP 28 Randa Fouad, President of the World Art Forum for Development Foundation, stated: “We are thrilled to be here this year at the COP 28. Since its inception three years ago, the World Art Forum for Development Foundation had the goal of expressing and supporting SDGs through art until the latter was integrated into the implementation of Egypt’s 2030 plan. As a result, the primary focus shifted towards providing economic support to women and empowering youth, especially young artists, to build sustainable business models and create spaces through their artistic works to raise awareness about environmental issues. In addition, there is a focus on sustainable art related to recycling and entrepreneurship. As for COP 28, we are planning a session in the Egyptian pavilion on Youth Day to celebrate Sustainable Art Day and present the results of the first phase of our Sustainable Art and Human Development initiative to support youth and women through the creative economy. The foundation began implementing this initiative during the COP 27 summit in Sharm El Sheikh and we are continuing through COP 28 and afterwards.”

The foundation actively engaged in last year’s COP 27 in Sharm El Sheikh, showcasing a substantial exhibition featuring recycled art. Simultaneously, we facilitated a discussion session delving into the contribution of visual arts as a developmental partner. Following this, the foundation launched the Sustainable Art and Human Development initiative, spanning an entire year, intending to empower youth and women through the creative economy. The initiative involved comprehensive training for a significant cohort of talented young artists, participating in workshops focused on repurposed art, entrepreneurship, and the Millennium Development Goals. Around 70 artists graduated from these workshops, subsequently assuming roles as advocates for sustainable art.

This initiative is sponsored by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Environment, and the National Council for Women, in collaboration with the United Nations, the World Youth Forum, and the National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development. It also garnered support from the private sector notably, from Tatweer Masr and the banking sector represented in Banque Misr.

The World Art Forum for Development Foundation empowers artists to blend their art with community service through innovative recycling. They stay informed on global development trends, initiating projects that transform waste into art, fostering visual art as a development partner, and raising climate change awareness.