IARAN’s Post

Do you ever feel a mix of jaded and fiercely hopeful? We’re living in a time of escalating crises: flash floods, wildfires, breaches of planetary boundaries, and neocolonial practices with devastating impacts on people and the planet, happening with impunity. It´s overwhelminggg, but for many of us it’s also lighting the fire stronger than ever to push for urgent mobilisation and collective action. In the NGO sector, our mandate is to step in when governments fall short. However, we still face the age-old problem of having a critical funding gap for convening bodies that facilitate ecosystem-building and coordination around complex systemic problems. In the humanitarian innovation space this is known as the “missing middle” - shout out to the wonderful Dan McClure and Ian Gray Here’s a personal analogy to illustrate: I first learnt the term *groundbreaking* in the construction sector, to mean a community kick off ceremony - when the grounds are prepared to start on the foundations of building towards a vision, bringing together architects, community groups, local council and builders etc. It was an acknowledgement of the collective action ahead. But in the humanitarian innovation space, *groundbreaking* had come to mean “this tool/approach is ready for more people to use, and could change the way people operate,” as an adjective for the tool/approach itself. As a hangover from lifting the innovation process from the commercial sector in silicon valley, where products are tested and prepared for commercialisation. This disconnect (neglecting the ecosystem-building part of *groundbreaking*) remains a major hurdle. There are awesome promising approaches and tools out there, and insightful discussions and strategies in working groups, task forces and conferences, but the scaffolding for coordination and long-term impact is still often missing, or at least, missing local stakeholders and missing the opportunity to build bridges between social/environmental movements. Without enough trusted convening bodies to coordinate actors (including civil society!), we risk continuing in well-meaning fragments that feel too small to take on complex system problems. It’s a conversation we’ve had for decades and it still seems unresolved. I would love to see funding these convening efforts at local/cross-border levels become part of the localization agenda, more explicitly and ubiquitously. I am fiercely hopeful that, within the context of much more certain human and planetary devastation, there is more urgency and political will to resource ecosystem building approaches, that could also facilitate genuine localisation approaches. I’d love to hear about initiatives you know that tackle this coordination gap. I can only think of a handful so far. #systemchange #localization #humanitarian #internationaldevelopment #mobilization #collectiveaction #innovation #hrdd #bizhumanrights #climatechange #activism

Honouring Indigenous Resilience and Wisdom 🌿 On this International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we celebrate the rich cultures, profound wisdom, and invaluable contributions of Indigenous communities worldwide. Their deep connection to the land, sustainable practices, and resilient spirit offer crucial lessons in emergency and disaster management. Indigenous communities have developed sophisticated ways to predict, respond to, and recover from natural disasters—practices that can significantly enhance our global efforts. Today, we honour their heritage and commit to: 🌱 Incorporating Traditional Knowledge: Ensuring that Indigenous wisdom is central to our disaster risk reduction and resilience-building efforts. 🤝 Empowering Indigenous Voices: Collaborating closely with Indigenous leaders and communities to create inclusive and effective disaster management plans. 🌐 Promoting Equity & Justice: Addressing the unique vulnerabilities faced by Indigenous populations and advocating for their rights and inclusion in all levels of decision-making. Let’s celebrate and amplify the voices of Indigenous Peoples, recognizing their crucial role in creating a more resilient and sustainable world. #IndigenousPeoplesDay #Resilience #SustainableDevelopment #IndigenousWisdom #UnitedNations

🌎𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗. 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗙𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘.👶 This is the theme title for this year’s World Environment Day, with a steady focus on land restoration worldwide. 𝘿𝙞𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬? 🔵Up to 40% of the planet’s land is degraded, affecting half of the world’s population! 🔵Droughts are up over 29% since the year 2000! If we stay on this track record, by 2050 this will affect over 3/4 of the world’s population! 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙄 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩? Visit: https://lnkd.in/eV77bGB and scroll to the bottom to find more info on various initiatives you can take part in. source: United Nations #worldenvironmentday #worldday #environment #landrestoration #droughts #planet #buildingblocks #unitednations #un #awareness #capillaryconsulting #capillarylearning #changemanagement #bethechange #chgmgmt #change #diversity #inclusion #workplacetraining #stressfree #changeagent #changeleader #richbatchelor

UNDP, together with partners from UN Futures Lab and the Centre of Excellence for Disaster and Climate Resilience, hosted the 4th edition of the Geneva Futures Talks on 'What does it take to create resilient and future-ready urban centers?' The interactive dialogue brought together experts from academia, international organizations, city administrations, politics, and civil society to discuss innovative strategies to build resilient urban futures. Future scenarios to explore and envision how our cities may look like in 2050 highlighted both positive and negative development pathways. In the scenarios and the discussion, the participants highlighted the critical need to re-imagine the current trajectory of urbanization and to foster community well-being, social interactions, and youth engagement and empowerment. Collaborative efforts, cross-sectoral communications, and a closer connection with nature were felt to be crucial for transformational change. And Urban centers can serve as test grounds where big issues are already translated into actionable solutions, measuring impact and breaking down complex contexts. The Talk underscored the 'all hands on deck' approach to work together to build resilient, sustainable cities for all. #UrbanDevelopment #Resilience #SustainableFuture United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) University of Geneva United Nations Economic Commission for Europe World Economic Forum EPFL

Together with our partners from UN Futures Lab and the Centre of Excellence for Disaster and Climate Resilience, we hosted the 4th Geneva Futures Talk on "Resilient Urban Futures." This dialogue brought together experts from academia, international organizations, political and other think tanks, and civil society to discuss innovative strategies to build resilient and future-ready cities. We developed different future scenarios and explored how our cities may look like in 2050, highlighting both positive and negative development pathways. In the scenarios and the discussion participants highlighted the critical need for fostering community wellbeing, social interactions, and real youth engagement and empowerment. Communication and breaking our disconnection with nature and the rest of the world are crucial for transformational change. Urban centers serve as a venue for translating big policy issues into actionable solutions, measuring impact and breaking down complex contexts.   A big thank you to our partners and participants for their invaluable contributions. Let's continue to work together to build resilient, sustainable cities for all.   #UrbanDevelopment #Resilience #SustainableFuture  United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) University of Geneva United Nations Economic Commission for Europe World Economic Forum EPFL

Humanity indeed encompasses a wide range of characteristics, behaviors, experiences, and values. Here’s a breakdown of this idea with examples and relevant. 1.Empathy and Compassion: Humanity’s ability to empathize allows people to connect with others' emotions and experiences, fostering compassion and support. For example, global responses to natural disasters—such as the international aid provided after the 2010 Haiti earthquake—showcase empathy on a large scale. #Empathy #Compassion #Support #HumanConnection 2.Creativity and Innovation: Our creativity drives us to innovate, leading to advancements in technology, art, and science. The development of the internet revolutionized how we communicate and access information, while works like Leonardo da Vinci's *Mona Lisa* or Beethoven's symphonies continue to inspire. #Creativity #Innovation #Art #Technology #Science 3.Collaboration and Community: Collaboration is essential to human progress. Initiatives like the United Nations (UN) and global agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord represent humanity's efforts to work together to address pressing global issues. Grassroots movements, such as community-led initiatives to promote education or environmental sustainability, also reflect our collaborative spirit. #Collaboration #Community #GlobalEfforts #Sustainability 4.Conflict and Inequality: Despite our potential for good, humanity also faces challenges like conflict and inequality. For example, wars and civil unrest in regions like Syria and Yemen illustrate ongoing struggles for power, freedom, and resources. At the same time, economic inequality is evident in the wealth gap between developed and developing nations, as well as disparities within societies. #Conflict #Inequality #War #SocialJustice 5.Cultural Development and Heritage: Humanity's diverse cultures and traditions shape our identities. The preservation of heritage sites, like the pyramids of Egypt or the Great Wall of China, reflects the importance of understanding and valuing our shared history. Cultural festivals, music, literature, and cuisine also represent humanity's richness and diversity. #Culture #Heritage #History #Diversity* 6.Environmental Impact and Responsibility: Our actions significantly impact the environment, leading to challenges like climate change, deforestation, and pollution. However, humanity also demonstrates its capacity for change through movements promoting sustainability, renewable energy adoption, and wildlife conservation efforts, such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). #Environment #ClimateChange #Sustainability #Conservation* 7.Learning and Growth: Humanity's ability to learn from the past and adapt is crucial for progress. Movements for civil rights, women's suffrage, and LGBTQ+ rights are examples of how society can evolve toward more inclusive and equitable structures over time. Follow Muhammad Rizwan Haider Khan ❤️

📢 #WorldEarthDay2024 🌍  As climate change continues to displace people around the world, it is more important than ever to acknowledge and tackle the vital role of a healthy ecosystem for migrants and refugees. 🌍 At Samuel Hall, we believe that global change starts locally. This #WorldEarthDay, we are calling for locally-led action that respects and incorporates the voices of communities and their traditional knowledge systems into policy and programming. 🔎 Through our research and collaborations with IOM - UN Migration, UN Environment Programme, UNDP, UNEP-WCMC, Greater Caribbean Climate Mobility Initiative and more along with local conversations with communities across Africa, South & Central Asia and the Caribbean, we have seen that dialogues are most constructive at the local level. 💡 By working with communities to understand their needs and priorities, we can develop locally-led solutions that are both effective and sustainable. Moreover, given local government bodies can rapidly mitigate impacts of #climatechange, given their proximity to and socio-cultural awareness of the communities they work with. 🌆 For instance, Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE announced Africa’s ‘First Chief Heat Officer’ to monitor heat waves - following on from her ‘Freetown the Tree Town’ campaign, which will see 1 million trees planted over three rainy seasons. Mayors Migration Council has also highlighted critical calls to action focused on urban resilience, inclusion, and transformation. Samuel Hall collaborated with MMC to author a policy brief on urban planning alongside displaced communities for the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) PDUW project. Additionally, we have engaged in discussions through our participatory forums in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, aimed at developing green spaces that cater specifically to women, youth, and displaced communities. ➡ https://lnkd.in/dgj4mg-V With a focus on local decision-making, we are passionate about inclusive & equitable action that puts people at the heart of climate conversations. Scroll below ⬇ to see how locally-led action and governance can help mitigate the risks of harmful environmental and climate change, and consequently, save our EARTH. 🌍 Read our position paper on climate migration- ‘Against The Clock’ that highlights strong community-led initiatives and presents insights from experts: ➡ https://lnkd.in/dEhqihc7 Read our research on climate change and displacement in Afghanistan that shares recommendations for strengthening community involvement for climate mobility action ➡https://lnkd.in/d668MbJz Read our blog on the role of women in the climate mobility agenda co-authored with UNDP ➡https://lnkd.in/dUef_Jiw #WorldEarthDay2024 #LocalChange #Ecosystems #ClimateChange

7This October 31st, let’s unite for the global observance of World Cities Day, themed “Youth Climate Changemakers: Catalysing Local Action for Urban Sustainability.” Taking place in Alexandria, Egypt, this year’s event focuses on the vital contributions of youth in addressing climate change and shaping sustainable urban environments. 🌱 The Day takes place during Urban October, an initiative launched in 2014 by the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) to highlight the urban challenges faced globally. As our cities grow, young leaders are emerging as key drivers of positive change, leading impactful climate initiatives and helping to create resilient futures. UN-Habitat calls for collaboration between youth and local governments to effectively tackle the urban climate crisis. By leveraging innovative ideas and bold actions, young people have the potential to transform cities into inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient communities for everyone. Let’s use this occasion to acknowledge and support the incredible capacity of youth-driven change. Together, we can pave the way for a greener, more equitable future! #WorldCitiesDay2024 #UrbanOctober #YouthClimateAction #Harithkram #BeyondTheBoundaries

Join us at the United Nations Oceans side event tomorrow (Wednesday, 29 May 2024, 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Room 5, American University of Antigua). The vital role of oceans and seas in achieving sustainable development is widely recognized, including through their contribution to poverty eradication, economic growth, food security, sustainable livelihoods and decent work. Small island developing States (SIDS) face unique challenges due to their vulnerability, in particular to climate change, but also stand to benefit from the opportunities of ocean-based economies. Inclusive responses to the triple planetary crisis are essential to build fairer, sustainable, and resilient societies, particularly in SIDS, the large ocean States, through mitigation, adaptation, and disaster risk reduction actions and through nature-based solutions and/or ecosystem-based approaches. This side event aims to explore the role that UN-Oceans members play and could play in supporting SIDS to build resilient prosperity, including through climate-smart, ecosystem‐focused, science‐based and sustainable ocean management, as well as cooperation for planning and implementation of on‐the‐ground action. #growthmindset #lifequotes #howtosucceed #tetris #positivethinking #visionaryleadership #successmindset #environmental #henkrogers #climatechange #SIDS #SIDS24 #UnitedNations

If this article doesn’t send chills down your spine, I don’t know what will: The Climate-Driven Diaspora Is Here (https://lnkd.in/dsbTH6rd) As we navigate the race of life, it’s crucial to remember that our actions today shape the world for future generations. If we fail to address the pressing issues threatening our civilization, the reality they inherit may be drastically different from the one we know. We each have a role to play in this vital mission. Every choice we make, no matter how small, can contribute to a more sustainable future. While we may not have had a say in the challenges of the past or present, we do have the power to shape our future. Let’s commit to making choices that will ensure a thriving planet for those who come after us. Together, we can make a difference! #climateaction #sustainability #futuregenerations #makeadifference #blueverse #thinkbluegogree.