Stories from the Hearth Stories from the Hearth

Hearth Summit Athens Session Featuring:

Becky Young

Head of Ops & Community, Earth Percent
🌍 London, England

Vickie Amiralis

Label Development Manager, In Place of War / EarthSonic
🌍 London, England

Tori Tsui

Climate justice activist, organiser, writer, consultant & speaker
🌍 Bristol, England

Misia Furtak

Musician, Music Declares Emergency
🌍 Poznań, Poland

In Athens, a co-created agenda with arts group Act in Synch invited changemakers to reflect on social change through an artistic lens. In the music industry, different musicians, producers, organizers, and non-profits have been taking a step outside their bubble to drive change in both environmental and social justice arenas. Hear from four different examples of this innovative approach bridging arts for positive change with:

Becky Young, Head of Ops & Community, EarthPercent. EarthPercent invites artists and the music industry at large to donate a small percentage of their income, making change through organisations that meaningfully address the climate and nature crises. Over 250 artists and companies have already pledged their support.
Vickie Amiralis, Label Development Manager, In Place of War, and EarthSonic. In Place of War is a global organisation that uses artistic creativity in places impacted by conflict and climate change as a tool for positive change. It enables grassroots changemakers in music, theatre and across the arts to transform cultures of violence and suffering into hope, opportunity and freedom. EarthSonic is a global project telling the story of climate change through music, working with indigenous communities, musicians, cultural organisers, scientists and climate activists and experts.
Tori Tsui, climate justice activist, organiser, writer, consultant & speaker; and
Misia Furtak, musician, Music Declares Emergency. Music Declares Emergency brings together artists, music industry professionals and music fans to call for an immediate governmental response to the climate change emergency to protect all life on Earth.

Act in Synch ‍brings together leaders from across industries to confront climate change. Its mission is to inspire action by addressing our relationship with the planet and the choices we make.

Watch the session (in English).

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Dive Into Stories From Around the World

Discover Wellbeing and the Arts Discover Wellbeing and the Arts

Meet and hear stories from the changemakers championing wellbeing in the arts.

Wellbeing is Resilience: Bagoré BathilyWellbeing is Resilience: Bagoré Bathily

Stories from the Hearth

Interview With:

Bagoré Bathily

Director General, La Laiterie du Berger
🌍 Dakar, Senegal

In this interview, hear from Bagoré Bathily, the Director General of La Laiterie du Berger, a dairy brand in Senegal that is also the country’s first certified B Corporation. Hear how in his view, wellbeing is all about finding the beauty and resilience in one’s self to do incredible things. At the first regional wellbeing summit for social change in Senegal, Bagoré joined hundreds of changemakers to share his story building a business that benefits people and planet — as well as generate profit.

Watch the interview below.

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Dive Into Stories From Around the World

Discover the Wellbeing Movement in AfricaDiscover the Wellbeing Movement in Africa

Meet and hear stories from the changemakers championing the wellbeing movement in Africa.

An Emerging Movement for Wellbeing in Bangladesh: Abdallah Naeefy An Emerging Movement for Wellbeing in Bangladesh: Abdallah Naeefy

Stories from the Hearth

Interview With:

Abdallah Naeefy

Country Director, Porticus Bangladesh
🌍 Dhaka, Bangladesh

In this interview, join Abdallah Naeefy from Porticus Bangladesh as he discusses the importance of wellbeing, starting from inner vulnerability and strength to ecological awareness. Based in Dhaka, where the first regional summit in Asia was hosted in March 2024, Naeefy emphasizes the need for collective efforts to harmonize with our environment and society. He highlights the significance of regional collaboration and expresses his optimism about uniting various initiatives across Bangladesh for a better future.

Watch the interview below.

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Dive Into Stories From Around the World

Discover the Wellbeing Movement in AsiaDiscover the Wellbeing Movement in Asia

Meet, hear stories, and learn from the changemakers championing the wellbeing movement in Asia.

The Cultural and Ecological Treasures of the BassariThe Cultural and Ecological Treasures of the Bassari

Stories from the Hearth

Ritual Alchemist Experience With:

Antoine Boubane

Artist, Bassari Culture Ambassador, and Arts Curator for Hearth Summit Thiès
🌍 Dakar, Senegal

The Bassari, a community living in eastern Senegal and northern Guinea Conakry, face significant challenges related to environmental degradation, climate change and the erosion of their cultural heritage. Defining themselves as the “Guardians of the Earth”, their way of life, which is intimately linked to nature, is now under threat.

As farmers and descendants of hunters, the Bassari consider themselves an integral part of nature; responsible for the defense and protection of the environment on which they depend. They adopt a lifestyle that is quite respectful of nature from a young age and strive to transmit this ecological wisdom from generation to generation.

In this documentary film, emphasis is placed on the deep relationship between the Bassari community and their natural environment as a source of resilience and wellbeing. Ritual Alchemist Antoine Boubane (Black Keme) brought the treasures of the Bassari to Hearth Summit Thiès, sharing lessons from his community’s sacred relationship with nature.

Across the Hearth Summits, communities of changemakers are embracing their local cultures, revitalizing traditions and rituals, and reconnecting with the Earth as they drive transformative social change for wellbeing.

Watch the session below.

Want to go further into the stories of the Bassari?

Visit Antoine’s online atelier, where you can learn more about the sacred objects used in Bassari traditions. Discover masks, clothing, jewellery, musical instruments, hunting materials and more in this virtual space created by Tostan and Atoflow.

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Dive Into Stories From Around the World

Discover Ecological BelongingDiscover Ecological Belonging

Meet and hear stories from the changemakers reconnecting with the Earth and wellbeing

Music Creatives for ChangeMusic Creatives for Change

Stories from the Hearth

Hearth Summit Athens Session Featuring:

Becky Young

Head of Ops & Community, Earth Percent
🌍 London, England

Vickie Amiralis

Label Development Manager, In Place of War / EarthSonic
🌍 London, England

Tori Tsui

Climate justice activist, organiser, writer, consultant & speaker
🌍 Bristol, England

Misia Furtak

Musician, Music Declares Emergency
🌍 Poznań, Poland

Becky Young, Head of Ops & Community, EarthPercent. EarthPercent invites artists and the music industry at large to donate a small percentage of their income, making change through organisations that meaningfully address the climate and nature crises. Over 250 artists and companies have already pledged their support.

Vickie Amiralis, Label Development Manager, In Place of War, and EarthSonic. In Place of War is a global organisation that uses artistic creativity in places impacted by conflict and climate change as a tool for positive change. It enables grassroots changemakers in music, theatre and across the arts to transform cultures of violence and suffering into hope, opportunity and freedom. EarthSonic is a global project telling the story of climate change through music, working with indigenous communities, musicians, cultural organisers, scientists and climate activists and experts.

Tori Tsui, climate justice activist, organiser, writer, consultant & speaker; and

Misia Furtak, musician, Music Declares Emergency. Music Declares Emergency brings together artists, music industry professionals and music fans to call for an immediate governmental response to the climate change emergency to protect all life on Earth.

Act in Synch ‍brings together leaders from across industries to confront climate change. Its mission is to inspire action by addressing our relationship with the planet and the choices we make.

Watch the session (in English).

EXPLORE THE REGIONAL SUMMITS FURTHEREXPLORE THE REGIONAL SUMMITS FURTHER

Dive Into Stories From Around the World

Discover Wellbeing and the ArtsDiscover Wellbeing and the Arts

Meet and hear stories from the changemakers championing wellbeing in the arts.

Wellbeing for People and the PlanetWellbeing for People and the Planet

Sustainability x Regional Hearth Summits

The regional Hearth Summits are transforming the way we approach sustainability, weaving it into every aspect of their mission to foster wellbeing and drive social change. These groundbreaking events delve into sustainability not just in their discussions — highlighting innovative solutions and community-driven practices — but also in their design, prioritizing eco-conscious operations, waste reduction, and local partnerships. By aligning their content and practices with a commitment to planetary and social health, the Hearth Summits inspire individuals and communities to rethink their role in creating a sustainable, thriving future for all.

Explore the inspiring stories of changemakers worldwide and discover how they are advancing sustainability, wellbeing, and social change in impactful ways.

Want to get involved with the Hearth Summits?

Members of our global network are co-creating regional wellbeing for social change movements around the world.

Express your interest in getting involved and we’ll share your information with them.

RENEWING OUR APPROACHRENEWING OUR APPROACH

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

George Bernard Shaw

Learning From Living Buildings at the Omega Institute

THE OMEGA CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING

In addition to enjoying magical moments of inner and outer discovery on the Omega Institute campus, participants also learned about innovative solutions for ecological preservation at the Omega Center for Sustainable Living (OCSL). The OCSL’s award-winning living building hosted talks on regenerative, climate-positive design, using the center’s Eco Machine™, a water reclamation system that uses only natural processes to treat wastewater, as an example. Answering the question, “how should we live?”, the OCSL inspired changemakers to reexamine how they relate to the world and natural resources.

Ways for Decentralization

Session at Hearth Summit Athens

In Athens, representatives from corporations, civil society, impact ventures, and institutions discuss strategies, initiatives and challenges to build more sustainable relationships between urban and rural areas. Panellists include: Savvas Chionides, Secretary General for Decentralization; Dimitrios Kaliampakos, National Technical University of Athens; Sotiris Tsoukarelis, Ta Psila Vouna; Sheila Darmos, The Southern Lights and Regenerative Farming Greece initiative; Nikos Politis, Coffee Island. Watch the session (in Greek).

The Campus of the FutureThe Campus of the Future

FACENS UNIVERSITY, SOROCABA

In 2024, Hearth Summit São Paulo received the CARBON RESPONSIBLE seal, a certification element developed by Aguama which recognizes the offsetting of emissions and indicates that in addition to offsetting, emissions were positive through an action that will plant more trees than necessary to offset. Working with the Ipê Institute, FACENS will plant 40 seedlings of native species from the Atlantic Forest Biome in the forest restoration projects in the Cantareira and Mantiqueira Mountains, as a way of joining forces for water security, which corresponds to the event’s emissions, plus an additional 20%.

The host and venue of the second regional summit in Brazil, the Facens University Center, Sorocaba, is an innovation and technology hub, and a Smart Campus which aligns the development of projects with the axes of smart cities and the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Facens is a signatory to the UN Global Compact, in a green space of 100 thousand m², with more than 60 specialized laboratories and 12 Innovation Centers. In 2023, the institution recycled more than 6 tons of waste, which corresponds to 69% of its waste diverted from landfills. It has 100% smart water meters and 100% of the water consumed is treated on campus. The energy consumed is 100% from renewable sources and FACENS plans to be carbon neutral by 2028.

Ecological Belonging and Regeneration

Session at Hearth Summit São Paulo

In São Paulo, a diverse panel reflected on the environmental challenges Brazilians face today and the path forward to planetary wellbeing, featuring: Carolina Sampaio Machado, Instituto Terra; Josué Graton, FIT Instituto de Tecnologia; Nathalia Manso, Ecotuner (Facilitator of Reconnection with Nature); and Telma Silva, Flex Brasil. Watch the session (in Portuguese).

Designed With the Earth in Mind

THE WELLBEING SUMMIT DHAKA

The Wellbeing Summit Dhaka was decorated with Ecological Belonging in mind. All materials used to accentuate Bangla Academy’s lush gardens were:

Upcycled, such as printed signs on cotton from used sarees;
Locally handmade, reducing the environmental footprint of production and transportation;
Free of single-use plastic; and
Designed to be used again or recycled rather than thrown away after the event.

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Dive Into Sustainability Stories From Around the World

Our Wellbeing Is Tied to the Health of the Planet: Jane NjugunahOur Wellbeing Is Tied to the Health of the Planet: Jane Njugunah

Stories from the Hearth

Guest post by:

Jane Njugunah

Climate activist, Climate Mobility Community Action Network; youth member, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
🌍 Nairobi, Kenya

Jane Njugunah, a youth activist with Climate Mobility Community Action Network and member of the official youth constituency to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), attended her first Hearth Summit in Nairobi in July 2024. As the Summit weaved together the topics of intergenerational wellbeing, Ecological Belonging, and personal resilience, Jane was deeply impacted by the two-day gathering.

Read Jane’s reflections from the event and how the Summit has inspired further action in her organization to promote climate resilience and youth wellbeing.

Attending the Hearth Summit Nairobi was more than just an event — it became a catalyst for change in my personal, organizational, and community wellbeing. As a youth advocate passionate about climate diplomacy and international relations, I’ve always felt the weight of responsibility to contribute to sustainable solutions. However, the Summit provided me with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity, particularly in aligning my personal goals with the greater wellbeing of my community and my work with CMCAN (Climate Mobility Community Action Network).

On a personal level, Hearth Summit Nairobi expanded my understanding of how climate change deeply affects wellbeing — not just in terms of environmental health, but also mental and social resilience. It underscored the importance of self-care as an advocate and emphasized the need for sustainable personal practices as we work toward larger goals. I left the Summit with a stronger commitment to both my own wellbeing and that of my fellow youth advocates.

For my organization, CMCAN, Hearth Summit Nairobi became a turning point. I brought back innovative ideas and strategies, particularly around youth-centered climate action, that we’ve since incorporated into our initiatives. We now focus not only on climate mobility but also on building community resilience and wellbeing, thanks to insights I gained from the Summit on holistic sustainability. The ripple effects are already being felt in my community: through workshops and dialogues inspired by the Summit, we are fostering a greater sense of collective responsibility for climate action. The conversations that started at Hearth Summit Nairobi are now shaping community-based solutions, empowering youth and marginalized voices to take leadership roles in local environmental actions.

The Hearth Summit Nairobi has become a foundational experience in my journey, reinforcing the belief that wellbeing — whether personal, organizational, or community — is tied to the health of our planet.

The global network I connected with continues to inspire me, and I look forward to contributing even more to this shared mission. I am looking forward to more Hearth Summits. Thank you for having me!

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Dive Into Stories From Around the World

Discover Ecological Belonging FurtherDiscover Ecological Belonging Further

Meet and hear stories from the changemakers exploring our relationship with the planet and nature.

A Plastic-Free Future for Senegal: Modou FallA Plastic-Free Future for Senegal: Modou Fall

Stories from the Hearth

Interview With:

Modou Fall

L’Homme Plastique (The Plastic Man)
🌍 Dakar, Senegal

In this interview, meet L’Homme Plastique (Modou Fall), a former soldier as he shares his journey after his military service, and how he became aware of environmental issues in his country. He highlights the urgent need to raise awareness about reducing plastic waste and adopting more sustainable lifestyles. Modou’s campaign of wearing a dress made from collected plastic bags highlights the devastating impact of discarded plastic waste and the importance of environmental health for the wellbeing of all, which he shared at the first regional wellbeing summit in Thiès.

Watch the interview below.

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Dive Into Stories From Around the World

Discover the Wellbeing Movement in AfricaDiscover the Wellbeing Movement in Africa

Meet and hear stories from the changemakers championing the wellbeing movement in Africa.

Ecological Wellbeing in Kenya: Where Are We Now and Where Should We Go?Ecological Wellbeing in Kenya: Where Are We Now and Where Should We Go?

Stories from the Hearth

Interview With:

Session Recap From:

Hearth Summit Nairobi 2024
🌍 Nairobi, Kenya

Hearth Summit Nairobi invited changemakers to reflect on their relationship with the natural world by being held in the landscape of the Karen neighborhood of Nairobi, known for its forests, flowers, and vegetation.

Quick Reads

Ecological Belonging and planetary wellbeing were key themes at Hearth Summit Nairobi, the first regional wellbeing summit for social change held in East Africa by Axum.
A diverse group of experts – Fridah Kiboori, Nyaguthii Chege, Constant Cap, and Kevin Juma – shared perspectives on contributors and inhibitors to ecological wellbeing in Kenya.
They recognized drastic environmental changes over the years in Kenya, including the loss of green spaces in cities like Nairobi, and the need for conservation and green urbanization.
Community-driven initiatives, justice, and equity were highlighted as necessary to successfully reclaim and transform urban spaces and achieve ecological wellbeing throughout the country.
Possible solutions explored include significant investments in accessibility to green spaces, successful biodiversity conservation, and community-led projects.

At Hearth Summit Nairobi, the first regional wellbeing summit for social change in East Africa, 300 changemakers gathered to explore a new culture of social change in Kenya and beyond. With Ecological Belonging as a core pillar of the Summit’s program, changemakers reflected on their relationships with the natural world, climate change in Kenya, and the rich cultural heritage present in the region. The Summit was organized by consulting firm Axum as part of their work to foster climate-positive, digitally innovative, inclusive growth, economic development, and social advancement across Africa, the Middle East, and the world.

A diverse group of experts were brought together to explore the intersection of urban development, nature conservation, and the future of green spaces. Fridah Kiboori, Associate Partner, Axum, moderated the conversation featuring:

Nyaguthii Chege, Director, Natural Justice East Africa Hub
Constant Cap, urban planner and researcher, and
Kevin Juma, Africa Climate Director, The Nature Conservancy

Each speaker shared personal experiences and professional insights, creating a rich dialogue that highlighted both challenges and opportunities in the realm of ecological wellbeing.

Catch a glimpse of the Summit here in this short video:

Scene Setting: Changes in the Kenyan Landscape

Each panellist shared personal stories of their relationship with nature, particularly reflecting on their memories from childhood and how they shape their present perspectives. From their stories, the discussion was rooted in real-world examples and human-centered views on the complexities of conservation, urbanization, and community action.

Kevin Juma shared his journey from a nature-loving boy in Western Kenya to a leading forestry specialist. He recounted his childhood experiences of gathering wild fruits and playing outdoors, which later inspired him to study forestry. Kevin highlighted the drastic changes he observed over the years, from shrinking rivers to disappearing fruit trees, underscoring the urgent need for conservation. His career spanning over two decades has been dedicated to understanding and preserving the intricate connections between natural environments and human wellbeing.

Constant Cap brought a contrasting viewpoint as someone who grew up in an urban setting. He vividly described how Nairobi has evolved from the 80s and 90s, where open spaces and public parks were more accessible. Over time, these green spaces have been encroached upon, impacting the city’s ecological balance. Constant mentioned the intentional grabbing of public land and the subsequent deterioration of communal spaces. Despite these challenges, he highlighted positive community actions and initiatives aimed at reclaiming and preserving urban green spaces.

Nyaguthii Chege tied the conversation to her childhood memories and larger societal impacts. She discussed the systematic theft of public land and how it has reshaped Nairobi’s urban landscape. Nyaguthii emphasized the importance of justice and equity in ensuring ecological wellbeing, pointing out how past struggles to protect spaces like Uhuru Park are still relevant today. She touched upon the emotional and psychological benefits of green spaces and the necessity of fighting to protect and reclaim these areas for future generations.

Conservation Matters

Watch episodes of NTV’s Wild Talks with Smirthi Vidyarthi to discover five captivating stories of The Nature Conservancy’s conversation work in Kenya.

Looking Forward: Actionable Solutions for Ecological Wellbeing

As Fridah guided the panel towards discussing actionable solutions and developments, the panellists gave examples of projects and initiatives that are driving positive impacts for ecological wellbeing. Kevin talked about the necessity of balancing conservation with economic activities. He advocated for better enforcement of environmental laws and the inclusion of indigenous communities in conservation efforts. Constant highlighted grassroots initiatives like the Dandora Transformation League and Nairobi Placemaking Movement, which are successfully reclaiming urban spaces. Nyaguthii pointed out community-driven efforts like the Ghetto Farmers of Mathare, which transform trash-filled areas into green spaces and cultivate local produce. These initiatives showcase the power of community action in restoring and maintaining ecological health.

Watch to learn more about the Ghetto Farmers of Mathare, one of the solutions highlighted by the panel.

Envisioning the Future: Headlines of Hope

The panelists concluded by sharing hopeful headlines they would like to see in the future. Constant envisioned a significant investment in walking and cycling infrastructure in African cities, aligning with a broader push for sustainable mobility and making green spaces more accessible. Kevin’s ideal headline focused on a dramatic increase in the population of black rhinos, indicating successful conservation efforts and biodiversity protection. Nyaguthii’s emphasized the need for social justice as a foundation for ecological wellbeing, envisaging a society where fairness and equity drive environmental actions.

Fridah wrapped up the session by underscoring the interconnectedness of individual actions, community efforts, and systemic changes in achieving ecological wellbeing. The conversation highlighted the dual need for protecting natural spaces and ensuring equitable access to these areas for all.

Go further and learn about Axum’s work to pioneer sustainable forestry management and drive biodiversity conversation in East Africa.