The Dual Faces of Progress: Sustainability and Suffering in 2025
January 19, 2025, 10:19 pm
Location: United States, New York
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In January 2025, two starkly contrasting narratives emerged from the global stage. On one side, the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) unfolded, showcasing the world’s commitment to a greener future. On the other, the grim reality of Syria’s ongoing civil war highlighted the tragic consequences of conflict, particularly for its children. These events, though miles apart, reflect the dual faces of progress and suffering in our world today.
The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week kicked off with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria in attendance. This annual event, held in the heart of the United Arab Emirates, serves as a beacon for sustainable development. It’s a gathering of minds, a melting pot of ideas, where leaders and advocates unite to tackle climate change and promote renewable energy. The theme for 2025, “The Nexus of Next; Supercharging Sustainable Progress,” encapsulates the urgency of the moment.
As President Tinubu took the stage, he was not just representing Nigeria; he was embodying a vision for Africa. His message was clear: Africa has the resources, the people, and the capacity to forge its own path. The continent is at a crossroads, and the time for action is now. His remarks were not mere rhetoric; they were a call to arms for intra-African trade and collaboration.
The summit gathered over 3,500 delegates from 150 countries, including heads of state and industry leaders. They came together to share actionable solutions to combat climate change. The Zayed Sustainability Prize, a hallmark of the event, celebrated innovators who are making a difference. This is the kind of progress that fuels hope.
Yet, as the world celebrated sustainability, another narrative unfolded in Syria. The United Nations reported a chilling statistic: over 100 children were killed or wounded in just one month due to unexploded ordnance (UXO). These remnants of war litter the landscape, turning playgrounds into perilous zones. The UN children’s agency, UNICEF, painted a grim picture of a country where children are caught in the crossfire of a protracted conflict.
For nearly 14 years, Syria has been a battleground. The scars of war run deep, and the toll on its youngest citizens is heartbreaking. In the past nine years alone, there have been at least 422,000 incidents involving UXOs across 14 governorates. Half of these incidents have tragically involved children. The war has displaced over a quarter of a million children, forcing them to flee their homes. For those trying to return, the threat of UXOs is a constant shadow.
The juxtaposition of these two events is striking. In Abu Dhabi, leaders discuss sustainable futures, while in Syria, children navigate a minefield of danger. The contrast is a reminder of the disparities that exist in our world. While some nations strive for progress, others are mired in conflict and despair.
President Tinubu’s agenda at the ADSW included highlighting Nigeria’s advancements in renewable energy and policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. His administration’s focus on energy sufficiency and economic development is commendable. It reflects a commitment to a sustainable future. However, this progress must be viewed through the lens of global responsibility.
The world cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering in Syria. The UN has called for a dramatic increase in explosive clearance efforts. The cost of inaction is too high. Children should not bear the brunt of war’s aftermath. They deserve safe spaces to play and learn, not the constant threat of death lurking in the shadows.
As the discussions in Abu Dhabi continue, the international community must remember the plight of those in conflict zones. Sustainable development cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of conflict and prioritizes the safety and well-being of all children, regardless of their circumstances.
The events of January 2025 serve as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing our world. The pursuit of sustainability is noble, but it must not overshadow the urgent need for humanitarian action. The stories of progress and suffering are intertwined. One cannot exist without the other.
In conclusion, as we celebrate advancements in sustainability, let us not forget the children of Syria. Their plight is a call to action. The world must unite to ensure that progress is inclusive and that no child is left behind. The dual faces of our reality demand a response that is both compassionate and resolute. The time for change is now, and it begins with recognizing the interconnectedness of our global community.
The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week kicked off with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria in attendance. This annual event, held in the heart of the United Arab Emirates, serves as a beacon for sustainable development. It’s a gathering of minds, a melting pot of ideas, where leaders and advocates unite to tackle climate change and promote renewable energy. The theme for 2025, “The Nexus of Next; Supercharging Sustainable Progress,” encapsulates the urgency of the moment.
As President Tinubu took the stage, he was not just representing Nigeria; he was embodying a vision for Africa. His message was clear: Africa has the resources, the people, and the capacity to forge its own path. The continent is at a crossroads, and the time for action is now. His remarks were not mere rhetoric; they were a call to arms for intra-African trade and collaboration.
The summit gathered over 3,500 delegates from 150 countries, including heads of state and industry leaders. They came together to share actionable solutions to combat climate change. The Zayed Sustainability Prize, a hallmark of the event, celebrated innovators who are making a difference. This is the kind of progress that fuels hope.
Yet, as the world celebrated sustainability, another narrative unfolded in Syria. The United Nations reported a chilling statistic: over 100 children were killed or wounded in just one month due to unexploded ordnance (UXO). These remnants of war litter the landscape, turning playgrounds into perilous zones. The UN children’s agency, UNICEF, painted a grim picture of a country where children are caught in the crossfire of a protracted conflict.
For nearly 14 years, Syria has been a battleground. The scars of war run deep, and the toll on its youngest citizens is heartbreaking. In the past nine years alone, there have been at least 422,000 incidents involving UXOs across 14 governorates. Half of these incidents have tragically involved children. The war has displaced over a quarter of a million children, forcing them to flee their homes. For those trying to return, the threat of UXOs is a constant shadow.
The juxtaposition of these two events is striking. In Abu Dhabi, leaders discuss sustainable futures, while in Syria, children navigate a minefield of danger. The contrast is a reminder of the disparities that exist in our world. While some nations strive for progress, others are mired in conflict and despair.
President Tinubu’s agenda at the ADSW included highlighting Nigeria’s advancements in renewable energy and policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. His administration’s focus on energy sufficiency and economic development is commendable. It reflects a commitment to a sustainable future. However, this progress must be viewed through the lens of global responsibility.
The world cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering in Syria. The UN has called for a dramatic increase in explosive clearance efforts. The cost of inaction is too high. Children should not bear the brunt of war’s aftermath. They deserve safe spaces to play and learn, not the constant threat of death lurking in the shadows.
As the discussions in Abu Dhabi continue, the international community must remember the plight of those in conflict zones. Sustainable development cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of conflict and prioritizes the safety and well-being of all children, regardless of their circumstances.
The events of January 2025 serve as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing our world. The pursuit of sustainability is noble, but it must not overshadow the urgent need for humanitarian action. The stories of progress and suffering are intertwined. One cannot exist without the other.
In conclusion, as we celebrate advancements in sustainability, let us not forget the children of Syria. Their plight is a call to action. The world must unite to ensure that progress is inclusive and that no child is left behind. The dual faces of our reality demand a response that is both compassionate and resolute. The time for change is now, and it begins with recognizing the interconnectedness of our global community.