What do we think of when we talk about climate justice and social justice? The two concepts, at first glance discordant, are actually closely interconnected and interdependent. The screening of the docufilm Sh’hili (Sirocco), held on 21 October at the Rouge et Noir cinema in Palermo, provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the precise nature of this link.
Franco-Tunisian director Habib Ayeb, guest of honor at the event, introduced his work as part of a cycle of meetings in the context of YxP, aimed at exploring the deep connection between environment and society through social justice. The film, shot between France, Italy, Tunisia and Morocco, brings together the voices of farmers, peasants and experts from these realities, painting a multi-faceted picture of climate change and the impact it has not only on their lives, but also on those of each of us. These testimonies served to evoke a sense of closeness and thus concrete awareness of the climate (and consequently also social) crisis we are currently experiencing.
Following the screening, a panel discussion took place with Ayeb and representatives of the Valdibella agricultural cooperative and Climavore. The discussion promptly identified the interconnection between climate crisis and social activism, ultimately characterizing climate change as a global crime. Subsequently, the concept of ‘climate resilience’ was examined. It was defined as a participatory and inclusive approach that not only defends against risks but also aims to transform and innovate the system, thereby facilitating a transition towards a more sustainable future for future generations.
The debate encompassed a number of significant points, including proposals for resilient solutions such as agroecology, arboriculture and aridoculture. The participants identified these innovative techniques that could facilitate international cooperation and solidarity, thereby enhancing the collective capacity to address climate challenges.
In conclusion, a question from the audience prompted a reflection on the potential of internationalism as a tool to address global crises. Emblematic, in this regard, was Ayeb’s response: «If internationalism existed, we would not be witnessing the genocide in Gaza or the crisis in Lebanon today. The real question is: does internationalism really exist?» he said. This reflection left important points of discussion open for the next meetings of the YxP project, with the hope that the dialogue will continue to explore concrete solutions for a fair and sustainable future.
To find out more about the project contact Antonina Albanese: antonina.albanese@cesie.org.
About the project
YxP – Youth for Peace in the Mediterranean Sea is a project funded by Erasmus+, KA2 Capacity Building in the field of Youth.
Partners
- Association Initiativa Internacional Joven (Spain, coordinator)
- Foro Para La Paz en El Mediterraneo (Spain)
- Institut Méditerranéen de Formation, Recherche, Et Intervention Sociale (France)
- CESIE ETS (Italy)
- Association Solidarité, échange et developpement Ased (Tunisia)
- Jovesolides Egypt (Egypt)
- HR180 Business Solutions (Jordan)
- Youth Development Organization (Lebanon)
- Forum de la Modernité et de la Démocratie (Morocco)
For further information
Read more about the project.
Contact Antonina Albanese: antonina.albanese@cesie.org.
