AwareNearth took part of the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) in Geneva (2 - 6 June 2025), during a pivotal moment of reflection on the Sendai Framework.
Their commitment to the next generations was inspiring and these narratives demonstrate the resilience of communities and underscore the importance of preparedness, education and sharing of knowledge for a better future.
This recent declaration, mirrors a modern and innovative version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights champions both human and nature's rights, but here's the punch: Rights without duties are hollow.
We must not only recognize these vital rights but actively embrace our duty to protect and restore the natural world. Our future depends on it.
Arctic Spirit: Unpacking Threats Holistically
AwareNearth’s Executive Director Chris Guillot recently tackled holistic security at the Arctic Spirit Conference in Rovaniemi, Finland (May 5-7, 2025).
The core message: Understanding natural, human-made, and future existential threats demands a collective, cross-cultural approach and can be sometimes turned into opportunities in a constructive and fair manner.
He highlighted complex challenges from North Korea to Bangladesh and from Haiti to the Arctic, emphasizing that security is not isolated. With global experts and Indigenous voices like the Saami, the conference underscored the urgent need to bridge cultural divides and integrate diverse perspectives to navigate the interwoven security risks of our planet.
Existential Threats: A Springboard for Opportunity or another Schism of Reality?
A key takeaway: AI's booming energy demands and investments are immense, with the top three AI firms out-earning Africa's entire GDP. This raises a critical question: Is AI truly serving the global majority, or just a select few? Looking at the ethics of AI certainly remains essential.
This challenge presents a unique opportunity: Can we redirect this powerful technological wave to address pressing global needs and turn existential threats into pathways for shared prosperity?
