Glad to meet the inspiring young activist Vanessa Nakate today at the The New York Times Climate Hub. It really made me think about representation and inclusively in the Media and at such major events. People of Indian origin are 20% of world population, that is 1 in every 5 people, but representation of India is perhaps a measly 1-2% of the climate justice movement being represented at COP26. This means under-representation of important Indian heritage ideas such as Ahimsa (non-harming), Dharma (responsibility/sustenance), Yoga... Karma...Karuna.. the list goes on and on. These Universally applicable ideas need to be amplified for the benefit of our planet. Africa causes less than 3% of carbon emissions but is devastated by the historical impacts of climate change. We need to celebrate voices like Vanessa who are showing wonderful leadership in raising her voice for the benefit of all living beings. Even after Vanessa was unbelievably cut out of the Davos photo last year, there is still a long way to go for a fairer, more equitable global presence for women, youth, black and ethnic minorities. We need to do everything we can to raise and amplify voices like Vanessa's. We need fairness where we can all see beyond race, creed, tradition and invite everyone to the table. #change

Posted by Hanuman Dass at 2021-11-10 23:22:45 UTC