Queen Diambi: Our ancestors understood the geometry of nature and built thriving societies

Evangelizing the Third Pole and the Eastern Himalaya: A Call for Wisdom in Development and Climate Justice

ANJAN SARMA

On November 27, 2024, Assam played host to a profound dialogue on environmental sustainability and human rights, spearheaded by Balipara Foundation and Royal Global University.

The event, titled “Evangelizing the Third Pole and the Eastern Himalaya,” brought together distinguished voices from across the globe. Moderated by Rituraj Phukan, founder of the Indigenous People’s Climate Justice Forum and Climate Editor at Mahabahu.com, the event tackled pressing issues of climate change, sustainable development, and indigenous rights in the context of the Third Pole, a region often overshadowed by global discussions on the Amazon and polar regions.

Her Royal Highness Queen Diambi Kabatusuila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, known for her unwavering commitment to environmental justice and human dignity, delivered an impassioned speech that resonated deeply with the audience.

Other notable speakers included Anil Chaudhury, former Managing Director and CEO of Schneider Electric, India; Ruma Devi, social worker and entrepreneur; and Dr. Ashok Khosla, Chairman of Development Alternatives, India.

Yet, it was Queen Diambi’s powerful narrative that left an indelible mark, blending her African heritage with a universal message of resilience and ecological wisdom.

Challenging Paradigms and Reclaiming Identity

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Queen Diambi urged the audience to question entrenched global paradigms that perpetuate inequality. “We never called ourselves the global South, and we don’t call them the global North. These labels are constructs imposed upon us,” she declared. Her call for reclaiming identity and dismantling colonial frameworks resonated across the room, sparking a profound introspection about what development truly means.

The Queen criticized conventional development models that prioritize resource extraction, environmental degradation, and human exploitation. She highlighted how such models have historically marginalized countries, especially in Africa, stripping them of their cultural and natural wealth under the guise of progress. “Development cannot just be about building roads and breaking mountains,” she stated. “It must be about preserving humanity, culture, and nature in harmony.”

Her plea was not merely about preserving the environment but also about preserving humanity itself. She lamented the social disintegration seen in urbanized societies: “Children are killing themselves because we have built societies where there is no connection, no community. Women’s work in the home is disregarded, forcing them into labor markets, and now children are raised by daycare centers.” This, she argued, was a direct consequence of a developmental model that disregards human well-being in favor of material gain.

A Return to Ancestral Wisdom

Queen Diambi emphasized the importance of ancestral knowledge and sustainable living practices, particularly from Africa’s rich heritage. She recounted how Africa’s ancient civilizations mastered mathematics, architecture, and medicine long before colonization. These civilizations thrived by living in harmony with nature, constructing cities based on fractal mathematics that respected natural laws. “Our ancestors understood the geometry of nature and built thriving societies. Why are we now following models that disconnect us from these roots?” she asked.

The Queen’s message extended beyond Africa. She drew parallels with indigenous communities in the Himalayas and other parts of the world, stressing the need for a global coalition to defend biodiversity. She warned of the environmental consequences of ignoring ancestral wisdom, pointing to the rising tide of e-waste and pollution affecting marginalized communities.

The Third Pole: A Silent Crisis

Rituraj Phukan, the event’s moderator, underscored the significance of the Third Pole, home to the Himalayas and the lifeblood of nearly 40% of humanity. Despite its critical role as a water source for Asia, the Third Pole often goes unrecognized in global environmental discourse. Phukan remarked, “We hear about the Amazon and the polar regions, but the Third Pole remains largely ignored. Yet, it is central to our survival, shaping biodiversity, culture, and livelihoods across Asia.”

Queen Diambi’s address further amplified the importance of this region, urging immediate action to prevent irreversible environmental degradation. “If we lose our biodiversity, we lose life itself. We are biological beings, and without our ecosystems, we cannot survive,” she warned.

Development with Wisdom, Not Just Intelligence

A recurring theme in Queen Diambi’s speech was the distinction between being “smart” and being “wise.” While technological advancement has given humanity tools to reshape the world, wisdom lies in choosing not to use them destructively. “Being smart means creating an atomic bomb. Being wise means refusing to build one,” she said, drawing a stark contrast between intelligence and ethical responsibility.

This wisdom-driven approach to development was echoed throughout the event. The speakers collectively advocated for a model that values ecological balance, community well-being, and long-term sustainability over short-term economic gains. Dr. Ashok Khosla highlighted the role of innovative, eco-friendly technologies, while Ruma Devi shared grassroots strategies for empowering rural communities through sustainable livelihoods.

A Call for Global Responsibility

Queen Diambi’s call extended to the international community, urging global institutions to reconsider their roles in perpetuating economic and environmental colonization.

She criticized entities like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank for their continued exploitation of resource-rich but economically vulnerable nations. “Colonization has evolved into economic mechanisms that still oppress and exploit,” she asserted, calling for a reevaluation of global economic policies to ensure equity and justice.

Her vision for a reconciled human family, where Africa is recognized for its contributions and treated with dignity, was both a critique and a hopeful plea. She expressed gratitude for the symbolic gesture by Royal Global University to welcome 10 African students annually, describing it as a step towards bridging global divides and fostering mutual respect.

The Way Forward: A Collective Vision

The event concluded with a unified call to action: to protect the Third Pole and the planet by embracing ancestral wisdom and fostering global partnerships. Queen Diambi’s message was clear—development must be redefined to include respect for nature, cultural preservation, and social cohesion.

As the session ended, the audience left with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the Queen’s call for courage, resilience, and collective responsibility. In a world facing unprecedented environmental and social challenges, her words served as both a warning and a beacon of hope: “We have the solutions, but only if we dare to challenge the paradigm. The time for wisdom is now.”

This historic gathering marked a pivotal moment in the discourse on sustainable development, setting a powerful precedent for future collaborations between nations, communities, and individuals committed to preserving the planet for generations to come.

27-11-2024

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