2020 Edition of the Night of Ideas with the theme: “Being alive” organized by the Embassy of France at Islamabad – President ECOSF attended

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The Embassy of France organized the 2020 edition of the Night of Ideas (La Nuit des idées) at COMSATS University-Islamabad on 30 January 2020.

Intellectuals, researchers and artists debated and exchanged on the theme 'being alive in the age of climate change' with a large gathering of around 100 peoples from all walks, On behalf of the ECOSF Prof. Dr. Manzoor H. Soomro attended the event.

French Ambassador Dr. Marc Baréty welcomed all the distinguished guests and gave a brief on the French-Pakistani cooperation in the field of climate change, through Agence Française de Développement (climate co-benefits target of 70% for any project) and the Cultural and Cooperation Section of the Embassy of France in Pakistan (master’s scholarships in the fields of climate change and environmental sciences). The event was meant to celebrate the stream of ideas between countries, cultures, topics and generations. Every year, the Night of Ideas gives the opportunity to discover the latest discoveries in knowledge and arts, listen to the ones who contribute to bring more ideas to their field, and take part in the discussion about the main issues of the times.

At the heart of 'La Nuit des Idées' 2020 is the question of ecological balance and humanity’s relationship with the world and other species. The phrase can be understood as a command, a call to awareness, action and commitment. What is being alive? What is our place in the living world? How does "Being Alive" impose us to take action? What is our present made of? How to face what our present requires? In a time of multiple emergencies, what memory and what future?

Among panelists were; Mr. Shahid Kamal of the Center for Climate Research & Development of COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Dr. Fatima Khushnud of the Independent Power Producers Association, Dr. Fauzia Saeed of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, Dr. Zeba Sathar of the Population Council, Dr. Jabir Hussein Syed of the CUI Department of Meteorology, and artist and fashion designer Mr. Yousef Bashir Qureshi.

Mr. Ali Tauqueer Sheikh, a development sector expert and former head of the Lead-Pakistan moderated the event and created a passionate debate among panelists and with the audiences.

Contribution of art to the understanding of present times, creativity in arts and science, supporting research and knowledge, prompting awareness and discourse, power of social media to educate and empower the younger generation, change of behaviors and daily habits of ordinary citizens, the need of collective thinking and acting, were some of the many themes discussed by the panelists.