Razan Al Mubarak for Ms. Magazine: This Mother Earth Day, Let's Follow the Lead of Indigenous People for a More Symbiotic Relationship With Nature

From left: Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Vice Chair of the UNPFII​, speaks with Razan Al Mubarak before a panel discussion on Indigenous values during UNPFII on April 20, 2023 in New York City.

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To mark International Mother Earth Day 2023, Razan Al Mubarak penned an op-ed for Ms. Magazine in which she acknowledged an important ethos of Indigenous Peoples, one that values a symbiotic relationship between all living things and the planet we share. Ms. Al Mubarak said:

“As we battle the twin threats of climate change and biodiversity loss, this Mother Earth Day is an opportunity to rethink our relationship with nature. It might be tempting to view our planet as something that serves and nurtures us – something we conquer and exploit as a means to a human end. Certainly, many of our leaders, policymakers, and governments think this way. But a shift to the Indigenous perspectives, values, and knowledge – one that prioritizes a harmonious relationship with the natural world – can inspire real, impactful, and equitable climate and conservation action.”

Ms. Al Mubarak also emphasized the importance of listening to indigenous voices, as they are often the frontline responders to the consequences of climate change:

“It will only be possible to reach the Paris Agreement and Montreal-Kumming goals by making Indigenous solutions central to global efforts. There are two critical steps we must take now: increase the number of Indigenous people at the decision-making table and ensure funding earmarked for Indigenous Peoples gets to them quickly and easily.”

As the UN Climate ChangeHigh-Level Champion for COP28, Ms. al Mubarak said that, for the first time ever, over 100 young people from Indigenous Peoples and other climate vulnerable groups will be sponsored to participate in the conference in the United Arab Emirates later this year.

Read the full op-ed by Razan Al Mubarak in Ms. Magazine.