We are delighted to shine the spotlight on Gunjan Nanda, a passionate and innovative force in the climate action and cultural advocacy space.
Gunjan Nanda (she/her) is the co-founder of Dubai Climate Collective and the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion, where she has been a driving force in merging creativity with climate action. As a key member of the UNFCCC-supported Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action (ECCA) initiative, she played a pivotal role in launching the first-ever Entertainment + Culture Pavilion at COP28 in Dubai. Gunjan's unique blend of fashion design expertise and her studies in global governance fuel her commitment to advancing climate and social justice initiatives around the world. Additionally, she is the creator of Chatty Changemakers, a climate card game designed to spark meaningful conversations among climate enthusiasts.
We had the pleasure of asking Gunjan a few questions. Let’s dive in!
How did your journey as an eco-communicator and facilitator lead to the founding of the Dubai Climate Collective, and what inspired you to mobilize a movement in the UAE?
My journey as an eco-communicator has always been rooted in a deep passion for storytelling and community building. Early on, I recognized the immense power of narrative to not only raise awareness about pressing issues in the world but also to connect people on a profound, emotional level. My work across various climate action initiatives, particularly with the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion and the Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action (ECCA) framework, reinforced this belief. These experiences showed me how vital it is to create spaces where people can come together, share their experiences, and collectively envision a better future.
The founding of Dubai Climate Collective was a natural extension of this journey. It began when Julie and I met at a virtual climate summit, where we quickly realized we shared a common vision: to create a platform that not only addressed the climate crisis but also fostered a sense of community among those who care deeply about the movement. We both felt the urgent need to move beyond isolated efforts and instead build a collaborative, supportive network that could amplify the impact of local climate leaders and advocates. The inspiration to mobilize a movement in the UAE came from a profound realization during our first Climate Café, hosted in partnership with Force of Nature and KAVE in Alserkal Avenue in Dubai. The event was designed as a cozy, friendly space for honest and heartfelt conversations about the climate crisis, where participants could explore how it affected them emotionally and how they could channel those emotions into action. The overwhelming response to that event made it clear that there was a significant demand for more such spaces in Dubai—places where people could connect, share, and collaborate as a collective.
We saw an incredible opportunity to not only meet this demand but also to create a platform that would showcase the efforts of local climate leaders, connect them with resources and opportunities, and empower them to reach their full potential. This vision became the foundation of Dubai Climate Collective—a community-centered initiative that supports conscious changemakers and local climate leaders in the UAE.
Can you share a memorable moment from your experience at COP28 in the Blue Zone?
One of the most memorable and impactful moments I experienced at COP28 in the Blue Zone was when I stumbled upon a small installation near our pavilion. It was a simple yet profoundly moving display of tiny shoes, socks, and sandals belonging to children, carefully placed on the ground with a sign that read, "No climate justice without human rights."
At that moment, I was rushing like everyone else to attend various sessions, but something about the installation made me stop in my tracks. It spoke volumes without uttering a single word. The sight of those little shoes, representing the countless innocent lives lost or endangered in the Palestinian Genocide, moved something deep within me. This installation was a stark reminder of how interconnected climate justice and human rights are, especially for the most vulnerable among us—children. It also underscored the power of artivism—how a simple artistic expression can convey the gravity of an issue and stir people’s emotions in ways that statistics and speeches often cannot. It was a poignant example of how art can elevate cultural narratives and bring attention to the human impacts of climate issues in a way that resonates deeply and personally.
This moment reinforced my belief in the power of artivism and the critical role it plays in our broader efforts to address climate and human rights issues. It reminded me why the work we do at the intersection of art, culture, and climate is so important.
Chatty Changemakers is such a unique and fun way to engage people in climate conversations! What was the creative process behind developing this climate card game, and what impact do you hope it has?
Chatty Changemakers emerged from a desire to make climate conversations more accessible, engaging, and inclusive. The creative process began with the recognition that discussions about the climate crisis can often feel overwhelming and polarizing, making it difficult for people to engage meaningfully. As we built the Dubai Climate Collective, we saw firsthand the need for a tool that could break down barriers, foster open dialogue, and bring diverse perspectives into the conversation. The game was developed through a thoughtful and iterative process. It started with our goal to create a space where people could connect and share their climate journeys in a way that was both fun and impactful. We began by hosting various community events, like climate anxiety workshops and book clubs, to explore how we could best engage people. From these interactions, the idea of a card game naturally emerged as a way to facilitate these important conversations in a lighthearted yet meaningful manner. Our design process was marked by multiple prototypes and community testing phases. We collaborated with illustrators and incorporated feedback from participants at global events like COP28, refining the game to ensure it resonated with both newcomers and seasoned climate advocates alike. The final product, "Chatty Changemakers," consists of five distinct categories that prompt players to discuss dilemmas, debunk myths, and imagine creative solutions to climate challenges, all while having fun.
The impact we hope to achieve with Chatty Changemakers is multifaceted. We want to amplify authentic climate stories, build stronger relationships within the climate movement, and empower organizations by using the game as a community-building tool. Ultimately, we believe that by gamifying climate action, we can foster a sense of joy and emotional resilience, making the climate movement more inclusive and accessible to all.
What challenges have you encountered while leading climate activism in Dubai, and how have you adapted your approach to engage the diverse communities in the UAE?
Leading climate activism in Dubai has come with its fair share of challenges, particularly given the UAE’s deep reliance on oil and fossil fuel industries. The perception that climate activism is in direct opposition to the country’s economic backbone makes it difficult to make your mark in this space. There’s often a tension between advocating for sustainable practices and navigating the national narrative of economic growth through oil. However, this challenge has also opened up unique opportunities. Being a climate advocate in such a context means that our efforts can stand out, and there is significant potential to be noticed and lauded for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainability.
Adapting to the diverse communities in the UAE has required a nuanced approach. The population here is a mosaic of nationalities, cultures, and perspectives, which means that a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. Instead, we’ve focused on creating inclusive, culturally sensitive spaces for dialogue, such as through the Dubai Climate Collective’s Climate Cafés and interactive workshops. These events allow us to tap into the emotional and personal connections people have with the natural environment here, regardless of their background. We’ve also made it a priority to partner with local organizations and global networks to bring diverse voices to the forefront and to ensure that our initiatives resonate with different segments of society.
What advice would you give to someone looking to create a movement or initiative like Dubai Climate Collective in their own community?
If you’re looking to create a movement or initiative like Dubai Climate Collective in your own community, my advice is simple: start with genuine connections and a clear vision. Movements are built on relationships—connecting with people who share your passion and values is the foundation of any successful initiative. Take the time to listen to your community, understand their needs, and identify the unique challenges and opportunities within your local context. Don’t be afraid to think big, but start small. Your initiative doesn’t need to be grand from the outset; sometimes the most impactful movements begin with a single, well-executed event or project. For us, it was a Climate Café—a space where people could come together for honest conversations about the climate crisis. That simple gathering sparked something much bigger because it resonated with the community and met a real need.
It’s also crucial to embrace inclusivity and diversity from the start. The strength of a movement lies in its ability to bring together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Ensure that your initiative is welcoming to all voices, and actively seek out partnerships that can broaden your reach and impact.
Finally, be persistent and adaptable. Creating a movement is not easy, especially when you’re up against systemic challenges. In a place like the UAE, advocating for climate action can feel daunting. But it’s precisely in these environments where your work can stand out the most. Stay true to your mission, be willing to adapt your strategies as needed, and keep pushing forward, even when the path gets tough.
Do you have any other information you'd like to share with our followers?
We’re excited to share that Chatty Changemakers is gearing up for some incredible activations, and we’re constantly evolving the game model to make it even more impactful. If you're passionate about gamifying climate and want to contribute to a project that merges education, fun, and community building, we'd love your support!
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Investors and Funders: If you're interested in backing a project that’s set to make a real difference in climate literacy and activism, we’d love to connect with you.
- Sustainable Print Partners: We’re on the lookout for eco-friendly print companies that can help us bring Chatty Changemakers to life in the most sustainable way possible.
- Game Developers and Companies: If you’re in the gaming industry and see the potential in making climate conversations fun and engaging, we’d be thrilled to explore collaborations.
Additionally, stay tuned for our upcoming events where you can see the game in action and meet the team behind Chatty Changemakers. We’re planning more interactive sessions, workshops, and Climate Cafés where you can experience firsthand how the game fosters meaningful dialogue on climate issues.
Your support can help us take Chatty Changemakers to the next level and ensure it reaches a wider audience. So if you’re interested in being part of this journey—whether as a partner, supporter, or connector—please reach out to us.
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