International Conference on Laudato Si at United Nations Environmental Programme

International Conference on Laudato Si, 15 and 16 July 2019 at UNEP

Around 300 young leaders from around the world met over two days 15 and 16 July in Nairobi for the 2^nd International Conference on Laudato Si Generation marking the 4^thAnniversary of Laudato Si and 5^th Anniversary of CYNESA. Monsignor Bruno Duffè lead the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development delegation. As an immediate action, some young participants have already started the formation of the Faith for Earth Youth Council as part of the Global Faith for Earth Coalition. Working groups were engaged in discussing interfaith collaboration, youth, indigenous people and Africa. Presentations of the conference can be downloaded HERE. Photos can be downloaded HERE and videos HERE. During the conference “Our Planet” Series by WWF and Netflix was played (Trailer here). The third day high level meetings were organized between the Vatican and UNEP after which the Great Green Wall Documentary was pre-screened and discussions were held (See a short video here).

Kofi Annan Faith Briefings at the High Level Political Forum 15 July 2019

Annual Kofi Annan FAITH BRIEFINGS – Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality was held on Monday in New York on 15 July by the UN Task Force on Religion and Development and the Interfaith Advisory Council. The Faith for Earth Initiative organized the part on Climate Change. The discussions were moderated by Charles McNeill and Rev. Victor Kazanjian (URI) and included eminent speakers representing different interfaith organizations:

Opening Remarks: Ms. Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director, UN-Habitat

Jamil Ahmad (Director of Intergovernmental Affairs- UNEP’s New York Office), Presentation on UN Environment  Faith for Earth Strategy and UNEA Faith for Earth Dialogue that has mobilized 135 faith leaders representing 56 FBOs

Mary-Evelyn Tucker (Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology) – Presentation on the Rainforest initiative as an interfaith practical initiative with several FBOs

Gopal Patel – GreenFaith Interfaith work

Audrey Kitagawa (Chair of the Parliament of Worlds’ Religions and member of the Advisory Council) – Presentation on the Climate Action Interfaith project

Rev. Ken Kitatani, Forum 21

Karenna Gore – Engagement on Climate Action