Dr Rajwant Singh champions indigenous voices at COP28

Following the completion of planting 850 sacred forests, Dr. Rajwant Singh, Eco-Sikh’s Global President was invited to COP 28 to showcase the Sacred Forests initiative as a key note panel speaker at the Urban Wisdom: Indigenous knowledge and governance of future cities forum.

With most indigenous people now residing in cities, the panel scrutinised the disparities they face in urban life, and whether we can reconcile Indigenous life with modern cities.

Despite their growing urban presence, indigenous communities often grapple with under representation, limited consultation in the urban planning processes, impoverishment, erosion of ancestral knowledge, and the historical acquisition of their lands – issues that demand meaningful attention.

The panel’s discourse revolved around the concept of genuine representation and the involvement of indigenous communities when it comes urban design and planning. It focussed on their profound understanding of healthy housing principles, harmonious coexistence with nature, and dedication to preserving biodiversity.

Indigenous communities should not merely be stakeholders – but leaders in urban planning that can bring environmental consciousness to the fore.

Dr Rajwant Singh, Founder & Global President at Eco Sikh said:

‘We all need to take action urgently in response to devastating rising temperatures. We cannot wait for some entity or government to find solutions to the ecological disasters we are facing all around us now.

‘Many communities are losing their ancestral lands due to several environmental factors beyond their control. We cannot sit and watch while people are suffering due to catastrophe’

Charan Singh, Forest Convener at Eco Sikh said:

‘Our strategy to fight climate change should not only be focused on emission reduction. We need to remove carbon from the atmosphere.

‘Sacred Forests is one effective way to achieve that goal. Mass action of such kind can help control the rising temperatures’

Dr Rajwant Singh was joined on the panel by Dr. Doliwura Zakaria, Assistant Controller & Accountant General at the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in Ghana, as well as Umesh Balal Magar, Project Manager at Nepal Water Conservation Foundations.