New Delhi, 13th March; A meeting of high-level faith-based organizations from the Christian and Islamic communities was held yesterday at UN House, New Delhi to seek synergies between the ongoing work of many faith institutions and the vision of UNEP as part of the Faith for Earth Councilors Program.
As part of a 4-month long initiative, three cluster meetings are being held to strengthen and consolidate the network of Faith-Based Organizations that are working to address environmental urgencies. Adhering to the Covid 19 guidelines these meeting seeks to engage with Faith leaders primarily from Delhi, only to have a more nuanced engagement at an expansive scale through online convening/training meetings in April.
This unique, one of its kind initiative hopes to create a platform for recognition of the existing best practices, synergize the priorities of UNEP with those of faith-based organizations, share toolkits, roadmaps, and engagement plans for future engagement of leaders from religious and spiritual communities to address environmental urgencies.
Based on the goals and vision of the United Nations Environment Assembly and the survey results from Phase 1 of data collection of the Faith For Earth Councilors Program Dr. Iyad Abu Moghli, Director, Faith for Earth, Strategic Engagement with Faith-based Organizations, UN Environment Programme Nairobi – Kenya and Mr. Atul Bagai Head, UN Environment Country Office, India shared in detail about the formal and informal role faith organizations could embody alongside UNEP to address the urgent need of the only planet we live on. Emphasizing the importance of nature-based solutions Dr. Iyad and Mr. Atul both laid emphasis on faith leaders as advocates for change and a strong pillar in helping UNEP achieve the 2030 targets.
Following the keynote and welcome speeches, all faith leaders also evoked blessings for the mother earth from the Holy Quran and the Holy Bible focusing on the importance of the environment in the Holy scriptures. This was followed by a discussion moderated by Mrs. Gayatri Raghwa, education consultant and focal point for faith-based organization UNEP India on the opportunities and challenges between the on-going program and the existing work on the FBOs.
Amongst the many well-known leaders’ Anil Joseph Thomas Couto Archbishop of Delhi, Father Paul Moonjely, Executive Director, Caritas India Mr. Mathew, Fr. Sunil Simon, Maulana Dr. Kalbe Rushaid, IICF Secretary Athar Hussain amongst many others had joined the first meeting. The successive meeting will happen over 17 and 19th with religious leaders from Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Bahai on the following days.
Religion World is the executing partner of the Faith for Earth Councilors Program, United Nations Environment Program along United Religions Initiative.
About the Program
In partnership with UNEP Faith for Earth Initiative and the United Religions Initiative’s response to the climate crisis, the UNEP-URI India office seeks to launch the Faith for Earth Councilors Program. The program offers hands-on training that unites FBOs and collective action for the protection of our Mother Nature.
This Program seeks to create a network of faith leaders, faith-based organizations, and community members who will respond to the urgent, climate-related concerns at the local, regional and national level. The Faith for Earth Councilor Program is a series of online and in-person training to educate and equip faith leaders with the tools and an engagement plan so they effectively communicate with, and inspire others, to respond quickly and effectively to care for Creation.
Designed and conceptualized with the help of civil society groups like Religion World and Shristi in India, the training program seeks to build and document an active and inspiring network that models cross-sectorial learning and cultures of peace, justice, and healing for all — especially our Mother Earth.
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