The first Climate x Culture Summit opened on Thursday, 22 October at the Google AI Community Centre in Accra, bringing together climate practitioners, creative industry leaders, researchers, media professionals, financial sector representatives and technology innovators to explore how culture and creativity can contribute to climate action and sustainable development in Africa.
Organised by CultureJoint in partnership with the Office of the Minister of State in charge of Climate Change and Sustainability at the Office of the President, the summit ran under the theme “Designing Sustainable Creative Experiences for Africa.” The programme sought to widen climate conversations beyond traditional environmental and policy spaces, examining how music, the arts, cultural heritage, storytelling and technology can influence public attitudes and encourage more sustainable practices.
Founder of CultureJoint and Summit Lead Kenneth Awotwe Darko opened the event, followed by a keynote from Ruth Dzokoto of the Ministry of Climate Change and Sustainability. Messages of solidarity were delivered by media executive Ruddy Kwakye and Priscilla Adomaah Nsonwaah of the Centre for CSR, West Africa. The opening ceremony was punctuated by a musical performance from Eli Six30, also known as The Village Boy.
The first panel, “The Big Picture: Climate × Culture — Why Creativity Matters in the Climate Decade,” was moderated by Derick Ashilevi and featured Dr Enoch Bessah of the DIPPER Lab, Valerie Kplorm Nutakor of CDKN, musician and climate activist Okyeame Kwame, and Betty Osei Bonsu Adjei of GAYO. The discussion highlighted the value of blending scientific research with indigenous knowledge, the role of culturally relevant communication, and the need to connect evidence with cultural experiences.
Panel two, “Designing Sustainable Creative Experiences: Greening Ghana’s Events and Creative Industry,” was moderated by Randy Walker and included Joseph Zotoo of The Or Foundation, Nii Noi Kofi Omaboe of GNPAP, culture strategist Peter Ansah and energy expert Benjamin Nsiah. Participants explored how sustainability can be integrated into event planning, production and resource management while preserving the quality and appeal of creative experiences.
The third panel, “Financing the Green Creative Economy: Financing Climate Innovation in Africa’s Creative Economy,” was moderated by Daryl Kwawu. Eva Ackuaku of CBG Bank, Robert Klah of Charterhouse, Kofi Adjei of Multimedia Group and curator Nuna Adisenu‑Doe examined opportunities and challenges in linking creative ideas with investment, sustainable financing mechanisms and partnerships.
With a focus on collaboration between event organisers, environmental organisations and production professionals, the summit underscored that sustainability is both an environmental responsibility and a business opportunity for Africa’s creative industries.
