Combating Climate Change with Storytelling - Dr. Khalid Khan Keynote Address

July 7, 2024

The "Storytelling for Survival: Literature and Culture in the Age of Climate Change" conference, jointly organized by Khushal Khan Khattak University Karak and the University of Chitral, marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey towards combating climate change's multifaceted crisis. Dr. Khalid Khan shared his vision about the challenges we face in global warming and climate change.

With its unparalleled beauty and rich heritage, Chitral, Pakistan, is highly vulnerable to climatic challenges. It is located in the northern part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and historically used to be the capital of the Chitral princely state. This region deserves our attention and unwavering support from everyone, including communities, governments, and policymakers. The conference convened against this backdrop of urgency, represents one of the most crucial avenues through which we can confront this existential threat.

"Combat Climate Change in all its forms and manifestations"  is a rallying cry that transcends disciplines and boundaries, beckoning us to harness the power of literature, culture, and collective action to safeguard our planet for future generations. The imperative is clear: we must act decisively and with unity of purpose.

At the heart of this imperative lies a simple yet profound principle: "Let's put our progeny first." Our children and grandchildren, the inheritors of the world we shape today, deserve a future not marred by ecological upheaval and environmental degradation. Dr. Khan said that the conference in Chitral is more than a mere academic endeavor; it is our commitment to securing this future.

We weave narratives of resilience, adaptation, and hope through the lens of literature and culture. Stories become our tools of advocacy, empathy, and understanding in the face of adversity. They illuminate the interconnectedness of human experience and the natural world, urging us to forge new paths toward sustainability and stewardship.

In Chitral, where the mountains stand sentinel and the rivers flow with timeless wisdom, we gather to exchange ideas and forge alliances. Together, we explore innovative strategies, amplify marginalized voices, and challenge conventional thinking. The conference is a crucible where knowledge meets action, where discourse inspires tangible change.