According to a report by the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), least developed countries contribute to just 1.1% of global CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels and industry. Yet, 69% of climate-related disaster deaths over the past 50 years have occurred in these nations.
Voices from the Roof of the World Expands Its Scope
The award-winning documentary series, Voices from the Roof of the World (VRW), is broadening its focus beyond Central and South Asia’s towering mountain ranges to highlight urgent environmental stories in often-overlooked regions. These include deltas, deserts, forests, and underground systems, areas frequently marginalized in global climate discussions.
Production for Season Four has begun, with the series scheduled to air in the last quarter of 2025.
A Vivid Journey Across Vulnerable Landscapes
From the Pamir mountains of Tajikistan to the treacherous glaciers of Kyrgyzstan, the arid salt ranges of Pakistan’s Punjab to the fertile forests and rivers of Nepal, VRW’s fourth season will take viewers across:
- Pakistan
- India
- Nepal
- Kyrgyzstan
- Tajikistan
- Uzbekistan
The series aims to amplify the voices of those most affected, showcasing how climate change is reshaping lives and landscapes and how communities are responding with resilience, ingenuity, and deep cultural solutions.
Rooted in Place, Resonating Globally
VRW’s stories are deeply connected to their locations yet reflect a universal question: How do we respond to environmental breakdown?
A Collaborative Production with Strong Backing
The series is a joint production of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat. Generous support comes from:
- The Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Fund for the Environment
- Ross Beaty
- The Sitka Foundation
- Jenabai Hussainali Shariff Family
- Gulshan Kassamali Jiva Family
- Aga Khan Foundation
Gratitude and a Call to Action
AKU President Sulaiman Shahabuddin expressed deep appreciation for supporters, stating:
“Their backing has been instrumental in bringing these stories to life stories that aim to inspire policymakers, business leaders, and the public to take meaningful action to reverse climate change, halt ecological destruction, and conserve the planet’s natural resources.”
Empowering Local Filmmakers
Andrew Tkach, VRW’s Executive Producer and multi-Emmy Award winner, emphasized the importance of local storytelling:
“By funding and mentoring local filmmakers, including many talented women, we are helping them spread awareness of the severity of the climate crisis impacting the people and wildlife of their home region.”
Award-Winning Impact
VRW’s documentaries have earned 18 awards, including:
- John B. Oakes Award for Distinguished Reporting on the Environment (2023)
- Yugo BAFTA Student Film Award in Documentary (2024)
- Prizes at the International Nature and Environmental Protection Film Festival (Hungary)
- Honors at the Nepal European Union Film Festival
Over 30 episodes have been screened at 50+ international film festivals and broadcast on networks such as:
- Al Jazeera
- ARTE
- Current TV Czech Republic
- Sharjah TV
- PBS Charlotte