EMEA Advisor Verónica de Nogales is the creator of the sculpture ‘The UnforeSeen Variable’ which was unveiled at the center of Davos during the World Economic Forum 2025, in collaboration with the Climate Hub and “Homeless Entrepreneur”, to help raise awareness about homelessness around the world.
Homelessness, the climate crisis, and wars are deeply interconnected, creating a vicious cycle of displacement and vulnerability. Armed conflicts displace millions, leaving them without homes, while the climate crisis intensifies extreme weather events, forcing even more people to flee as climate refugees.
These crises disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations, compounding poverty and social exclusion. As resource scarcity driven by climate change fuels conflict, the resulting wars further degrade the environment, worsening the impacts of climate change. Addressing homelessness requires a holistic approach that integrates climate adaptation, conflict prevention, and social resilience. Equally important is the need to reintegrate displaced and homeless individuals into society, enabling them to rebuild their lives and contribute to economic, social, and community development.
As the artist Verónica de Nogales said: “While completely open to interpretation, the sculpture depicts a person who has lost everything, symbolized by the empty space at the core of the piece where the vital organs should be. Being homeless is not just about losing a roof over your head—it means losing the sense of home, often being left without family and friends to rely on, and hanging on to one’s sanity in survival mode.
However, it was crucial that “The UnforeSeen Variable” sculpture did not depict resignation. Instead, it represents a person seeking a way out, full of hope, and willing to accept help and be empowered. That’s why the figure wears a collar and a tie, suggesting the potential to become an active member of the society if given the right support.”
EMEA has strongly supported the power of art and creativity for climate action. In 2023 EMEA sponsored the movie “Whispers of the Earth: A symphony of change” and presented it at the COP28 in Dubai. Now EMEA also supported the presentation of the sculpture “The UnforeSeen Variable” at the WEF 2025 in Davos.
EMEA President and Founder, Prof Rym Ayadi underlined: “Art, particularly sculpture, has a powerful ability to expose and amplify the societal challenges such as homelessness, the climate crisis, and war, offering a visual language that transcends barriers and sparks critical conversations. Accessible installations in prominent spaces can provoke reflection and empathy, engaging communities and policymakers in dialogue. Through artistic expression, the stories of those affected can be highlighted, encouraging society to confront these challenges and advocate for sustainable and inclusive solutions.”
For more details on the sculpture please visit Verónica de Nogales website: https://www.damdenogales.com/
