Aga Khan Schools Climate and Environment Conference 2023

From 10-11 November 2023, the Aga Khan Schools (AKS) held its annual Climate and Environment Conference. The conference was attended by more than 160 students from the Aga Khan Academies in Dhaka, Hyderabad, Maputo and Mombasa, Aga Khan Mzizima Secondary School, Dar es Salaam; The Aga Khan School, Dhaka; Aga Khan High School, Kampala; Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Karachi; Aga Khan School, Garden, Diamond Jubilee High School, Mumbai; Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi; and Aga Khan School, Osh. 

During the two-day virtual event, students from Grade 8 through Grade 12, or Diploma Programme (DP) 2, presented their research projects on innovative solutions to combat climate change within their local context and beyond. They also engaged in discussions with global experts and their peers across AKS. 

“The whole conference was really informative and interactive,” said Anseeba Ali Jivani, a Grade 12 student at the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Karachi. “It was amazing to see how people from around the globe are acknowledging and equally concerned about climate change. I love the way the whole conference went through and got many ideas that I can implement in my society as well as to raise awareness.” 

The conference hosted two prominent guest speakers, such as Zeynab Wandati, an award-winning science journalist at the Nation Media Group in Nairobi, Kenya. In addition, Rohan Chakravarty was present, a cartoonist, illustrator and the creator of Green Humour, a series of cartoons, comics and illustrations on wildlife and nature conservation.  

"I had a blast presenting my work to students from the Aga Khan Schools network, and I must thank the bright, young talents for making my session truly interactive with a barrage of interesting questions that sparked some curious conversations!” Rohan said. “I certainly hope to do an interactive workshop one on one with the students next." 

Students also participated in an art competition, presenting work that depicted their perspectives on climate change and other environmental issues. The winning piece, entitled “The Dance Between Harmony and Disruption”, visually articulated the dynamic relationship between ecological harmony and disruption, inviting viewers to contemplate the intricate dance between the natural world and the impact of human activities on the environment. This piece was created by DP1 students Kwezi Nuwagaba and Dominique Magero from the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa. 

“We are truly honoured and grateful for the recognition in the competition,” Dominique said. “Our art piece was inspired by a shared passion for the effect of human activity on our environment, resulting in climate change. Inspired by images of the split perspective of the environment and the virtual art exhibition held, we hoped to create art that would communicate an important message on a more interconnected and harmonious world. Thank you for this incredible opportunity to showcase our artistic expression. We are looking forward to taking part in this again.” 

Environmental stewardship is an integral part of AKS, with students and staff members leading environmentally sustainable initiatives across their schools and local communities. This annual conference is one of the many initiatives students across AKS have participated in to promote environmental responsibility.  

“This conference was a beautiful and enlightening experience!” said Dootee Oronna, a Grade 8 student at the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka. “I can confidently say, I am definitely leaving this Conference more knowledgeable and experienced than when I first entered.” 

Click here to view the students' artwork for this year’s AKS Climate and Environment Conference.