Location: Palace of Westminster, House of Lords, London | Date: June 5, 2025
As a powerful prelude to London Climate Week, the Unified Human Foundation UK convened a groundbreaking event, “Forging a Sustainable Consensus: Climate, Food and the Wellbeing of Nations,” held at the illustrious Palace of Westminster on World Environment Day. Graced by the generous hosting of The Lord Rami Ranger FRSA, this gathering brought together a constellation of world experts, thought leaders, and diplomatic representatives to ignite vital conversations on humanity’s most pressing challenges.
The air in the historic halls was thick with anticipation and a shared commitment to actionable solutions. Unified Human Foundation Chairperson, Dr. Sangeeta Sahi, skillfully directed the proceedings, guiding attendees through a dynamic program designed to inspire, inform, and foster genuine collaboration. Notably, the event proudly reflected a significant commitment to diversity, with more than 50% of the gathering comprising female participants, a testament to the inclusive spirit of the Unified Human Foundation’s core pillars.
World-Class Expertise and Diverse Perspectives
The calibre of the speakers was truly exceptional, each offering unique and profound insights into the multifaceted dimensions of climate change and its interconnectedness with global well-being:
Prof. Dr. Pierre Friedlingstein, from the University of Exeter, who journeyed from Devon, captivated the audience with his deep expertise on carbon capture and the imperative of Net Zero. His presentation underscored the scientific intricacies and monumental effort required to rebalance our planet’s carbon cycle, offering a stark reminder of the urgent need for innovative technological solutions and policy frameworks to achieve ambitious climate targets. Professor Friedlingstein’s work is at the forefront of understanding global carbon budgets, providing crucial data for climate modelling and mitigation strategies.
Laura Rizzotti from PriceWaterhouseCoopers illuminated the critical nexus between finance and fund distribution in the fight against climate change. Her insights shed light on the immense capital flows needed for sustainable transitions, the challenges of directing investment where it’s most needed, and the innovative financial instruments that can accelerate climate action. Ms. Rizzotti’s expertise is invaluable in navigating the complex world of climate finance, ensuring that resources are deployed effectively to build a resilient future.
Venkata “Serish” Gandikota from the intellectual hub of Cambridge, shared cutting-edge information about the transformative potential of Frugal AI in enhancing climate resilience. His discussion highlighted how resource-efficient artificial intelligence can be deployed in diverse settings, particularly in vulnerable communities, to optimize resource management, predict environmental shifts, and build adaptive capacities with minimal computational and energy footprints. This innovative approach offers a beacon of hope for scalable and accessible climate solutions.
Dr. Balgis Osman-Elasha, flying in from Tunisia, delivered a poignant and powerful address on her extensive work at the Africa Development Bank, detailing the severity of climate change impact in Africa. Her passionate account painted a vivid picture of the disproportionate burdens borne by African nations, from extreme weather events to food insecurity, underscoring the critical need for equitable climate finance and adaptation strategies tailored to the continent’s unique vulnerabilities. Dr. Osman-Elasha’s on-the-ground experience provided invaluable context and a compelling call to action for global solidarity.
Dr. Sven Gohla, who travelled from Zurich, provided a thought-provoking reminder about the paramount importance of the “community up” approach versus the “Government down” approach in addressing climate challenges. His emphasis on local empowerment, grassroots initiatives, and community-led solutions resonated deeply, highlighting how true sustainability blossoms from the collective action and engagement of individuals at the local level. Dr. Gohla’s perspective is a powerful advocate for participatory governance and decentralized climate action.
Dr. Santosh Sahi, adding a vital spiritual and holistic dimension, from the board of directors for Unified Prakriti Foundation in India, flew in from Delhi to speak about heart-centred, compassionate approaches to community health during climate and environmental crises. Her insights emphasized the intertwined nature of human well-being and planetary health, advocating for empathetic, community-driven health interventions that address both the physical and psychological impacts of environmental degradation. Dr. Sahi’s contribution underscored the fundamental importance of compassion in building truly resilient and thriving communities.
A Global Consensus for a Sustainable Future
The event’s significance was further amplified by the presence of diplomatic representatives from the Embassy of Germany, the Embassy of the Republic of Sudan, the Embassy of Yemen, the Uganda High Commission, and the Embassy of Morocco. Their attendance underscored the global nature of the climate crisis and the shared commitment of nations to seek collaborative solutions.
Following the illuminating presentations, a dynamic, interactive, and truly passionate networking session unfolded. Attendees, including experts, diplomats, and passionate individuals, engaged in vibrant exchanges of ideas, interests, and contacts. The palpable energy in the room was a testament to the shared desire to reconnect, forge new alliances, and collectively drive forward the agenda for a sustainable future. The event truly embodied the Unified Human Foundation’s pillars of diversity, interconnectedness, integrity, and collaboration, fostering an environment where these vital principles were not just discussed, but actively expressed and put into practice.
“Forging a Sustainable Consensus” was more than just a conference; it was a catalyst for change, a vibrant crucible of ideas, and a powerful demonstration of humanity’s collective will to confront the climate crisis with intelligence, compassion, and unwavering determination. The Unified Human Foundation UK, with the gracious support of The Lord Rami Ranger FRSA, has set a formidable precedent, paving the way for meaningful action as London Climate Week now begins. The seeds of consensus planted at the Palace of Westminster on World Environment Day are poised to blossom into a future where climate, food, and the wellbeing of nations are harmoniously intertwined.
“Forging a Sustainable Consensus” was more than just a conference; it was a catalyst for change, a vibrant crucible of ideas, and a powerful demonstration of humanity’s collective will to confront the climate crisis with intelligence, compassion, and unwavering determination. The Unified Human Foundation UK, with the gracious support of The Lord Rami Ranger FRSA, has set a formidable precedent, paving the way for meaningful action as London Climate Week now begins. The seeds of consensus planted at the Palace of Westminster on World Environment Day are poised to blossom into a future where climate, food, and the wellbeing of nations are harmoniously intertwined.
