United Nations Undersecretary-General for Global Communications Melissa Fleming, has participated in one of the core events of the EXPO 2022 Dubai, in which journalists took part.
In her address at Wednesday’s SDG Storytelling Lab, part of Expo 2020 Dubai’s Global Goals Week in association with the United Nations, Fleming cited studies by psychologists, saying it is “far easier to relate to a single story than numbers.”
"From climate change to inequality, there is often an overall lack of awareness or willingness to act. The way forward is to invest in compelling narratives, enabling people to relate and empathize, rather than use numbers on their own, which often lack context."
In the same spirit, Fleming said: “Let’s be honest: The world is in a terrible state. But how do you communicate bad news [in a way] that doesn’t shut people off? It seems that the larger the number of people suffering, the more people shut off. The more we die, the less we care.”
Fleming, who is also a visual artist exploring the transient and often unseen aspects of the natural world as well as the interplay of art and science, cited reports of people forced to leave their homes due to persecution, the numbers of which have continued to grow at alarming rates in the past years. She added: “Numbers are dull. Numbers are lifeless. Statistics are human beings with the tears dried out.
“You can completely change people’s minds [through a story]. You can get them to feel empathy. Data is so important. Science is so important. But we need to get these out without making people shut down.”
Fleming made these remarks during an action-packed Global Goals Week (15–22 January) at Expo 2020 in Dubai.
The fruitful event, held at Expo 2020 Dubai’s Business Connect Centre, saw several speakers sharing storytelling methodologies in a masterclass, as well as some who revealed how their efforts have made a difference in promoting sustainability. A workshop also introduced the audience to the joys of creative storytelling.
The aim of SDCs Week is to raise awareness surrounding the Sustainable Developments Goals (SDGs) – 17 targets that aim to reduce poverty and inequality, empower women and girls, and address the pressing issues around climate change to achieve a peaceful and prosperous world by 2030. The week marks the first time such an initiative has taken place outside of New York, according to UN representatives.
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