At the Second Ministerial Meeting during COP29 in Azerbaijan, Owen Bonnici, Malta’s Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government, urged the adoption of a Joint Decision on Culture and Climate Action. This step, he argued, would pave the way for a more organized cultural response to climate issues in future COP discussions.
Malta, a founding member of the “Group of Friends of Culture-based Climate Action,” is pushing for the inclusion of a Cultural Workshop at COP29. Bonnici stressed that integrating culture and art into global climate efforts is essential, while recognizing that each country must be able to respond in ways that suit its own unique needs. “A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work,” he said.
He also highlighted the significant role of culture in the climate fight, with artists worldwide using their work to raise awareness and promote sustainability. Bonnici further noted the United Nations’ warning about the growing threat to historical sites, particularly coastal ones, due to climate change. In closing, he reminded attendees that tackling the climate crisis is a shared responsibility, vital for the future of both present and future generations.
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