December 3rd, 2023, Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Canadian University Dubai (CUD), a partner of the Universities Climate Network (UCN), is a consortium of higher education institutions in the UAE that are committed and united to empower youth collaborations at the international 28th Conference of Parties (COP28). Staged at the Al Wasl Dome, at Dubai’s Expo City during COP28 was the event ‘Ecology in Harmony’, held under the patronage of the Honourable Minister Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change in Canada, and hosted by the Canadian Embassy of UAE. Ms. Sanaz Sotoudeh, CUD faculty member and renowned pianist, graced the stage alongside Mr. Sacha Jafri, a British artist recognized for creating the world's largest painting on canvas, to illustrate the dynamic synergy between art and environmental consciousness.
The artistic performance integrated music performed by Sanaz, and art showcased by Sacha, to deliver an impactful message on climate change. The performance expressed the potential that art can communicate and inspire positive action on global issues.
Sanaz passionately discussed the thoughtful processes that guided her selection for ‘Ecology in Harmony’: "The classical masterpieces I chose are inspired by the very essence of nature," she said. "Beginning with Bach’s Partita, symbolizing the creation of the world, to the depiction of the natural world in Vivaldi’s 'Four Seasons', each piece was selected to evoke the high vibration of the earth’s elements." Sanaz's repertoire traversed the narrative of nature’s life cycle, from Chopin’s 'Raindrop Prelude', echoing the aftermath of summer, to the tumultuous 'Ocean' étude by Liszt. She continued with Debussy’s 'Clair de Lune' to represent the serene beauty of the moon, while Yann Tiersen’s composition painted verdant landscapes. “My last piece was Schumann’s 'Spring Nights’ as a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings,” Sanaz added. The progression of musical pieces chosen by Sanaz mirrored the organic flow of nature itself, offering a profound experience on stage.
Sacha Jafri echoed this sentiment with his perspective on the transformative power of their joint performance. "The final painting showed a reconnection of humanity," Sacha shared. "It showed our world disparate and disconnected at the beginning, with the countries and continents laid out as they are with each country, with their own agenda. And then by the end, with Sanaz's layers of musicality, the countries unified through these hearts that were connecting the world as one, bringing humanity together, understanding that we must not focus on our differences, but on our similarities, understanding the power of love and empathy."
Dr. Salah Khaled, UNESCO Director and Representative to the UAE and Gulf States, offered insights into the event's cultural significance: "Heritage and creativity are key resources for mitigating and adapting to climate change; arts can develop innovative approaches to climate awareness and collective action and help change our habits and behaviours."
Radha Krishna Panday, Ambassador of Canada to the UAE, reflected on the event's significance and the collective mission it highlighted: "Last week, we united not just as representatives of different nations but as stewards of our planet. The arts, as exemplified by this unique collaboration between Sanaz Sotoudeh and Sacha Jafri, stands as a powerful testament to our shared responsibility in fostering a sustainable and harmonious world for generations to come."
Through events like 'Ecology in Harmony’, made possible by the support of local and international partners, we witness the power of collective efforts and the importance of maintaining the dialogue on environmental consciousness, a mission that CUD’s outstanding faculty continue to champion in unique, impactful ways.
Gallery
