1971 – Design Space, the multi-functional space dedicated to exhibitions and discussions on contemporary art, will host its 7th PechaKucha night (PKN SHJ 7) on June 13th from 8:20pm – 10:00pm. The popular event, named after the Japanese word for “chit-chat”,is held four times a year and allows all members of the public to share their initiatives and experiences in an expressive setting.

The event, which is free of charge and open to anyone who wishes to attend, targeted members of the ‘green community’who work in environment protection and are involved in various UAE sustainability startup projects to apply.PKN SHJ 7 follows a 20x20 format, whereby each presenter has 20 seconds to show 20 images in a slide presentation to keep the evening running at a quick pace.

Speaking on the event Dana Al Sadek, PKN SHJ organiser, said, “PechaKucha Nights is a great platform for those who aim to make a difference in their communities to share their creative thoughts and projects in a casual and fun setting. This is the first themed PKN event, and we received many impressive applications from prospective presenters, which proves the importance of sustainability  in our daily lives.”

The topics that were chosen for the event range from global warming, desert vegetation, Japanese fermentation processes and sustainable water, to biopackaging, interior design, and ethically produced clothing. The presenters due to speak at the event are Matthew King, Cofounder of BaemBu, a performance apparel brand that is 100% eco-conscious;Jo Marengo and JanineSheard, founders of Bokashi, a home made rich organic compost; Tatiana Abella, Founder & Managing Director of GOUMBOOK, an online information platform which is the main reference on green practices for environmentally conscious people and businesses across the UAE and the Gulf region; Ameera Al Haranki, a student from RAK who completed a journey to Antarctica and witnessed the effects of global warming; Amal Taryam, a student at the American University in Sharjah who has helped create contemporary interior designs out of recycled wood;and Lamis Harib, Green Designer &entrepreneur behind the first Arab owned biodisposables design and supply business, BioD Packing & Packaging.

Additionally, Ada Natoli, founder of the Dolphin Watch Project, will talk about the results of the first ever dolphin survey conducted in Dubai waters and how the public can actively contribute to science by helping to protect this species, and Ryan Ingram of Banyan Tree, RAK, will present responsible tourism and the road to sustainable development; Alya Al Hamad at Diamond Developers will present The Sustainable City development in Dubai, inventor Ali Abdel-Hafez will present IsolarWorkx, the first company in the UAE dedicated to teaching the young generation about solar energy and how it can be applied, andthe youngest presenter, Abdul Muqeet, a high school student known as the ‘paper bag boy’ will discuss how he applied his own initiative and imagination to create recycled carry bags using discarded newspapers.

RandahTaher, Founder of YomiCal, will also showcase her homemade, colourful stationery made from 100% recyclable materials.