Azadeh and the Club of Rome
2021, I proudly became the youngest associate member of the Club of Rome, a testament and acknowledgment to my dedication and innovative contributions. The once-wistful girl who had wandered the streets of Rome became part of a circle of elite thinkers dedicated to fostering a sustainable future. As I attended meetings alongside seasoned members, I realized that this was not just an honor; it was also a profound responsibility.
From half-full to full
Today, as a full member of the Club of Rome, I carry forth their legacy with unwavering passion. I actively foster discussions on soil health and advocates for policies that prioritize ecological balance, community awareness, and regenerative (agricultural) practices. Through workshops, papers, and collaborations, I continue to uplift voices in the grassroots movement for sustainable development. Reflecting on my journey, I often recall that fleeting moment in the café where my dreams first began to intertwine with the mission of the Club of Rome. With every step I take, I am reminded of the power of connection, passion, and belief in a better world—forever grateful for the serendipity that set my path alight. But wait a moment! Have I already talked about how my journey with the Club of Rome began?
A journey of passion and purpose
In the autumn of 2018, amidst the enchanting streets of Rome, I arrived with a heart full of hope and a mind buzzing with ideas. I was there to attend the 50th Anniversary of the Club of Rome (CoR) on sustainability topics. It was there that I met members of the CoR for the first time. I only knew them from television, books and the media. As I recognized them, my heartbeat quickened, haha. These were not just names in my textbooks; they were visionary leaders I admired, known for their tireless commitment to sustainable development and holistic thinking.
A turning point
I felt to be special of carrying a huge duty and my spirit ignited by dreams of making a difference in the world. As I wandered through the ancient city of Rome, the whispers of history seemed to call to me, urging me to contribute to the future. One fateful evening, after a full day of engaging discussions, I found myself seated in a cozy café, where the vibrant colors of the shining moon painted the sky. I was not alone there. The person who made my conversation unique was one of the thought leaders known for his interconnectivity and interdisciplinary work. I remember him and me talking non-stop for almost 5 hours. Our conversation was so deep that we didn't even realise how time was passing.
From ground to top
Gathering my courage on the second day, I introduced myself to the CoR co-presidents and told them about my vision of making the world a better place for everyone. I was still a student at the time, there was no betterSoil startup yet. However, through my university studies, soil health was a big ship that I was traveling with. I was convinced that this issue was, amongst others, central to food security and ecological balance. Inspired by those serendipitous encounters, I returned home and dedicated myself to pursue my vision with hope and no fear.
My life consists of many coincidences
Two years later, at a soil conference in Austria, I met Dr Franz Fischler, the former EU Commissioner. In his keynote speech, he mentioned several times that he could take a paper highlighting the importance of soil health, signed by important, globally recognised scientists, to Brussels to get more political support – in case there was a paper. That moment was a spark in my life and changed it entirely. I took the idea home and started writing a discussion paper on soil health. I poured my heart and research into articulating how soil health was intricately linked to climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture. I sent him the paper and it took flight by drawing attention not only for its depth but also for its urgency in addressing the challenges of a changing planet. Quite a few supporters I met at the Club’s 50th anniversary in Rome.
What was the next step?
We had to find globally recognised supporters for the discussion paper because the aim was to reach the European Parliament with it. Of course, with a lot of passion and the support of Franz Fischler, I started to list important people, contacted them and convinced them to support the discussion paper. The list grew longer and longer and the support became ever greater! We had not expected this. In a moment that felt like a dream come true, the vice president and co presidents of the Club of Rome acknowledged my work and supported the discussion paper. Also the CoR’s Honorary President E. U. von Weizsäcker supported our initiative. By the end of 2020, we were able to attract more than 35 names to the paper. This was a great success. We also attracted the attention of some Members of the European Parliament. A webinar for the Committee on Environment and Agriculture was the result of the discussion paper's flight. Back to today, my journey with the Club of Rome began with my first meeting in 2018. As a passionate scientist, entrepreneur and soil health advocate, my insights were recognised, leading to me becoming the youngest member until 2021. Since then, our intense collaboration has led to impactful discussions and innovative solutions for a sustainable future!