Climate Change and Social Justice in the Eyes of Stefan

For some people, social justice is a given. Some others encounter social injustice throughout the day - from waking up in the morning until evening hours. Stefan Petrovic from Çagllavicë/Čaglavica can only move in a wheelchair in certain places, but he wants to enjoy this world just like any individual who is not bound to a wheelchair.

Stefan says that only the nature does not discriminate against him. His desire to be constantly outdoors motivates him in a positive way. "It's very difficult for me to move, but I'm happy because I have a brother who drives me into the nature every day. We spend hours enjoying the nature that remains," says Stefan. When asked why he says so, Stefan says that his village has become so urbanized that he doesn't recognize it anymore.

"I feel drawn to the nature because I want to remember it and save it from oblivion. Everything seems to be disappearing - greenery, trees, fields and meadows, landscapes of flowering fields. Drawing helps me to fight the obstacles in my life and with the injustices that I see every day. When I see what's happening with the nature, I realize how similar we are," Stefan says.

Stefan says that he sympathizes with the nature and loves animals. He loves pigeons and other birds and says that he would like to be like a pigeon: "That association with peace, tranquility, freedom. That's what fascinates me about pigeons". 

Stefan finished high school for electronics. He faced many obstacles while attending school. Access to school, with no transportation nor professional assistant that could accompany students with disabilities. But that didn't stop him from learning. He discovered his love and talent for drawing while he was in school. Stefan's wish is to one day have a painting exhibition. Stefan paints nature and in the center is a dove, as he says, a symbol of freedom and love.

“Few days ago, I went to the bank with my dad. We parked just in front. There are no special parking slots in front of the bank, so we just parked. When we went out of the bank the police was in front. It took me time to explain my situation! Luckily, we did not get a ticket. So many stories I have when it comes to lack of understanding and empathy!” Stefan says. 

"My advantage is that I see what busy, working people do not see. I see that we have changed, we have urbanized to the detriment of the nature. People today cannot live in normal houses, but they want huge villas. They throw garbage wherever they can outside their yard and they don't have time for the flight of a pigeon and other peaceful talks with the nature." Stefan believes that our right to a healthy environment is threatened, and that, eventually, the nature will take revenge on the people. “Everyone has the right on healthy environment, and we must not forget that”, Stefan emphasized.

"As long as I can, my pictures will show my love for nature conservation. I will make my contribution towards a healthier environment, and I hope to motivate people around me. At least let them think about their way of contributing to the world's struggle for nature conservation. And let them think: “If Stefan can do it, so can I". Nothing else is needed. That's all I want."

Stefan has a message for all the world leaders: "Social justice will come when you want it. When you show that you care - that you don't want to leave anyone behind. Money is not everything, because even though industry brings a lot of money, it also destroys everything that is so valuable on our wonderful Planet. Don't give us false promises, just do everything necessary to lead healthier lives, so that we do not have to face terrible diseases and natural disasters. When we love the nature, we also love people, and when people show love, anything can happen!”, Stefan concludes.

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This activity is part of Healthier Kosovo 2 (HK2), as a joint UN project that is focused on improving the health and resilience of Kosovo's population in the face of environmental health threats. The project covers areas such as air pollution, COVID-19-related waste in health facilities, and the impacts of climate change on health. It is a collaborative effort between UNDP, UNV and WHO, aimed at supporting environmental and health institutions in Kosovo with capacity development and technical assistance. Healthier Kosovo is generously funded by Luxembourg. 

FootnotesStory By Danijela Mitic, photos by Xhemail Sllovinja for UNDP Kosovo.