The Embassy of Italy in Doha and Katara Cultural Village Foundation are once again partners to promote art and culture, while contributing to raise public awareness about crucial topics and encouraging social growth and human development.
The Exhibition “PLASTIC SEAS: ECO-FABLES ON SHOW” – open to the public from September 19 until October 2, 2021 – is part of this mutual commitment and joint efforts.
The exhibition originates from the artistic projects of the Italian artist Elisabetta Farina and the Qatari artist Fatima Mohammed, who joined efforts with the Embassy of Italy in Doha to bring attention locally on the global climate emergency.
The exhibition is a tale about the urgency of ridding our seas and lands of plastic pollution. A journey far in the oceans to discover through Farina’s artworks the grim reality of plastic islands – namely patches of floating plastic debris – and deep in the waste land, following the wanderings and explorations of Anaj, the character created by Fatima Mohammed. The eco-fables on show – through art installations, design objects, photos and projections – are aimed at highlighting how climate change is threatening seriously the Earth and the presence of mankind.
“Environment degradation and climate change – says the Ambassador of Italy in Qatar Alessandro Prunas – are undermining the rights to health and well-being of many communities whose survival is at risk. These issues must be urgently addressed by the International Community before it is too late.
In 2021 Italy has a great responsibility in leading the change by assuming the G20 presidency and co-chairing with the United Kingdom the 26th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26), a key milestone in the global fight against climate change”.
Before COP26 takes place, Italy is hosting in Milan – from September 30 to October 2, 2021, a preparatory meeting – called Pre-COP – which provides a selected group of countries with an informal setting to discuss and exchange views on some key political aspects ahead of COP26. Italy is also committed to increase the non-state actors engagement by hosting during the Pre-COP a range of initiatives promoted by nonprofit organizations, associations and civil society.
“I am very glad – continues Ambassador Prunas – that Qatar has ensured the participation of a large delegation led by Qatar Foundation with a full programme of very interesting activities.
It proves that the commitment by our Countries at government level against climate change is deeply shared and supported by our peoples, especially young generations. I am also very pleased that two young delegates from Qatar have been selected to take part in the youth event “Youth4Climate: Driving Ambition”. Congratulations to Fatima Abuhaliqa, Electrical Engineering at Texas A&M University At Qatar (TAMUQ) and promoter of youth-led environmental initiatives, as well as Neeshad Shafi, Co-Founder & Executive Director of the Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar.
During the event in Milan Neeshad and Fatima will have the chance, together with other young participants coming from all around the world, to put forward ideas and concrete proposals on some of the most pressing issues on the climate agenda.”
The opening of the exhibition was attended by Aysha Al-Mudahka, Director of Strategic Initiatives & Partnership Development at QF and head of the delegation to Milan, Dana Al-Anzy, Education Above All representative, the British Ambassador in Qatar Jon Wilks and the UNESCO Regional Director for Gulf States and Yemen Anna Paolini.
Director Aysha Al-Mudahka said: “At Qatar Foundation, we believe we play a key role in supporting the nation’s vision of a future that is pegged on sustainability. For the past 25 years, we have made significant investments in social development, research and innovation, and education – all of which are integral to shaping a nation that reflects not just environmental sustainability, but sustainability in all its forms.
Driving our efforts further, we are very excited to be participating in Youth4Climate: Driving Ambition that is taking place in Milan next week. Through our active participation, we are demonstrating how we believe sustainability should be constantly at the top of the global agenda, and that conversations about how to build a more sustainable world should be taking place where the most urgent action is required.”
Dana Al-Anzy commented: “During times of environmental crisis the provision of education is generally the first service provision to be affected, forcing many children to drop out of school. The most marginalized might not return at all to school due to economic hardship. Our programs have geared an approach to tackle climate change as a global challenge with support from our strategic partner QFFD.”
The British Ambassador in Qatar Jon Wilks said “ On behalf of the UK Government and the British Embassy in Doha, I am delighted to participate in the launch of this exhibition. This event draws attention to one of the most pressing issues contributing to degrading the global environment. I wish all the participants success in building public support for decisive action to limit pollution and preserve a sustainable marine environment for all.”
UNESCO Regional Director Anna Paolini commented “The UN have declared the decade 2021-2030 as a decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. UNESCO is a major partner in leading the decade through its International Oceanic Commission. From the many UN, experts, and activists’ statements and appeals, each of us is now aware of the urgency to change behavior in the way we leave and in the decision we take. Raising awareness about the criticality we globally face is also through events like this. While we admire art though, let’s not forget to act”.
Addressing the needs of the planet is not an option. It is a necessary condition to our common well-being and to international peace and security.
PLASTIC SEAS: ECO-FABLES ON SHOW
Katara Cultural Village Foundation
Building 19, Gallery 1
Opening on 19 September, 2021, at 7:00 pm
from September 20 to October 2, 2021
from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
ARTISTS
Elisabetta Farina https://www.elisabettafarina.it/it/
Fatima Mohammed https://www.fatimamohammed.com/about-fatima