PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BOSTON: An online petition calling for global recognition of Southasia’s shared climate crisis and collective potential has been launched ahead of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Belém, Brazil, 10–21 November 2025.
Titled “Recognize Southasia’s shared climate crisis and fund a just transition at COP30”, the petition, launched by the volunteer organisation Southasia Peace Action Network, or Sapan (www.southasiapeace.com), urges major emitters and wealthy nations to honor and expand their commitments on climate finance, adaptation, and loss and damage.
It urges a fair, inclusive transition that uplifts farmers, women, youth, and marginalized communities on the climate frontlines.
The petition builds on Sapan’s recent virtual dialogue, “Bridging Borders: A Southasian Vision for COP30”, 26 October 2025, which gathered youth leaders, environmental advocates, and peacebuilders from across the region and its diaspora.
Highlights
Climate cooperation must transcend political boundaries, said panelists, emphasising that justice and peace inextricably linked to environmental survival. They shared insights on the importance of collaboration and connection — every connection begins with communication.
In climate action, empathy and dialogue are as essential as technology and finance, they said, reminding participants that Southasia’s strength lies in its shared histories and intertwined futures.
The event underscored the importance of regional solidarity, youth leadership, and community-led climate action as pathways toward a sustainable and peaceful Southasia. Speakers and participants agreed that the region’s environmental challenges are deeply intertwined, and that cooperation is the key to solutions, rather than competition.
Quotes
“Southasians have a shared responsibility to ensure that our youth inherit not just cleaner air, but also a sense of hope. Climate cooperation is peacebuilding in action.” – Afia Salam, moderator and journalist, Karachi
“We cannot wait for global leaders to solve our regional problems. Whether it’s air pollution, water scarcity, or migration, these are shared struggles, and our solutions must be shared too.” – Manshi Asher, environmental activist and researcher, Palampur, Himachal
“The borders drawn on maps cannot contain rivers, wind, or compassion. If we want peace, we must start by protecting the planet we all live on.” – Sher Abbas, student and peace advocate, Islamabad
“Collaboration begins with connection, and every connection begins with how we communicate. In climate action, empathy and dialogue are just as vital as technology and finance.” – Asantha Kalyananda, Communication Strategist and Climate Communication Advocate, Co-founder of the Climate Change Communication Hub, Colombo
“Despite political divides, Bangladesh’s experience shows that continuity and collaboration can save lives. Our fight is not just against rising seas but against indifference.” – Bareesh Chowdhury, environmental lawyer and researcher, Dhaka
“We need Southasian solutions for Southasian problems. Those living on the frontlines of the climate crisis, Indigenous peoples, mountain communities, and rural women, must be at the center of every conversation.” – Manita Murmu, youth climate justice activist, Jhapa, Nepal
“This discussion is just the beginning. Sapan will continue to amplify regional voices and transform dialogue into action that brings Southasians together for peace and climate justice.” – Bidhi Adhikari, host and Sapan volunteer, Kathmandu
Outcomes
- Launched the Southasian Statement for COP30, outlining regional priorities on climate justice, adaptation, and cooperation.
- Agreement on a continued advocacy roadmap to amplify Southasian voices at COP30 and beyond.
- Strengthened cross-border networks among youth, activists, and civil society groups.
About the Event
“Bridging Borders: A Southasian Vision for COP30” is part of Sapan’s Imagine! Neighbours in Peace dialogue series, a platform fostering regional collaboration, peace, and shared action on issues that transcend borders.
Watch the Live video recording, here.
About Sapan
The Southasia Peace Action Network or Sapan, is a cross-border coalition of peacebuilders, journalists, activists, and advocates who advocate for freedom of trade, travel, and tourism within the region, upholding human rights and dignity, and collaboration in all areas. The Sapan online series Imagine! Neighbours in Peace brings together individuals and organisations from Southasia* and the diaspora across all kinds of borders and barriers – caste, class, religion, nationality, politics – for a minimum common agenda: Southasia peace. We need it now, for the sake of the people of the region, and beyond.
For Media Enquiries
Name: Sarita Bartula
Email: sarita@southasiapeace.com
Quick facts:
- COP30 will be held in Belém, Brazil, from 10–21 November 2025.
- Southasia is home to 1.8 billion people and is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions.
- COP theme: Action Agenda
*Why do we write ‘Southasia’ as one word? Because our histories are intertwined, our futures interlinked, and our struggles deeply connected.
Sapan is a voluntary organisation. We connect Southasia and the diaspora, and work to build a narrative of regionalism, peace, and dialogue. Please donate tax-free to help us cover our costs.
Thank you!