• Overview
  • Schedule
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  • Recorded Sessions

    It is imperative that faith voices are heard, their perspectives are considered, and have an avenue to share their important contributions, especially at the highest environmental policy-making body, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA)

    Click here to find out about the Faith for Earth Dialogue

    UNON

    UNEA will be held from 28 February to 2 March 2022, the theme of which is “Strengthening Actions for Nature to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”. UNEA is open to civil society organisations that are accredited and upon registration. 

    Faith for Earth, in collaboration with a diverse group of faith organisations and leaders will be organising 25+ online dialogue sessions during the period 21 February – 4 March 2022

    The purpose of the Faith for Earth Dialogue is two-fold namely: to uplift evidence-based good practices by faith, indigenous and local actors for the advancement of environmental action, at all levels; and promote cross-sectoral and multi-stakeholder engagement with the presenting organisations.

    The Faith for Earth Dialogue is open to all stakeholders, demonstrating the power and potential of faith-based organisations and faith leaders in shaping the discussions at UNEA as well as engaging in policy dialogue with other stakeholders including governments, major groups, cities, businesses and other civil society organisations.

    More Information about the sessions.

    Register for the Faith for Earth Dialogue at UNEA 5.2 (registration closed).

    All times for this Dialogue are in East African Time (Nairobi)

    For general inquiries, contact Azmaira Alibhai (azmaira.alibhai@un.org).

    The Faith for Earth Strategy has three main goals:

    1. Strengthen Partnership with Faith-Based Organizations’ Leadership for Policy Impact;
    2. Green Faith-Based Organizations’ Investments, Operations and Assets; and
    3. Establish an Accessible Knowledge-Based Support System.

     

    Who's speaking
    • Abbé Donatien Nshole
      Secretary General, Conférence Episcopale Nationale du Congo (CENCO); Co-President, IRI DRC (TBC)
    • Abdullahi Abdi Mohamed
      Chair Person of the Somali Youth Development Foundation
    • Allen Ottaro
      Founder and Executive Director Affiliation: Organization: Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA)
    • Allen Ottaro
      Executive Director Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa
    • Alphonce Munyao Muia
      Faith and Environment Thematic Facilitator in the UNEP Children and Youth Major Group Global Steering Committee & Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability
    • Alvin Chandra
      Programme Management Officer at UN Environment Programme
    • Ambassador Hans Brattskar
      Special Envoy, Ministry of Climate and Environment, Government of Norway
    • Amran Mohamed
      Faith For Climate Youth Ambassador
    • Andre Dzikus
      Chief, Urban Basic Service Section, UN-Habitat
    • Andrew Schwartz
      Center for Earth Ethics
    • Archbishop Mark MacDonald
      Indigenous Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Canada
    • Archbishop Prof. Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher
      Secretary-General, World Evangelical Alliance (WEA)
    • Arianne Neele
      Soil Expert & Product Developer at Terrae Vitae
    • Armen Rostomyan
      Senior Programme Manager KAICIID
    • Atmarpit Vidhiji
      Senior Renunciate and Executive Committee on Environment, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission, Dharampur
    • Aurora Cheung
      Civil Society Unit at UNEP
    • Bishop Francisco Duque
      Anglican Church of Colombia; Advisory Council member, IRI Colombia (TBC)
    • Blanca Echeverry
      National Facilitator, Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Colombia
    • Brennan VanDyke
      Chief, Capacity Development and Innovation Branch - Science Division of UNEP
    • Cardinal Peter Turkson
      The first Prefect of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development
    • Carlos Vicente
      National Facilitator, Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Brazil
    • Carrick Reddin
      Project Manager for the Faith and Sustainability Initiative (WRI) World Resources Institute
    • Catherine Devitt
      Faith Plans Programme Manager FaithInvest
    • Catherine Thane
      International Panel of Parliamentarians for FoRB
    • Chantal Elkin
      Head of the Beliefs & Values Programme at WWF
    • Chris Manktelow
      Young Christian Climate Network
    • Daniel del Valle Blanco
      Political and Youth Advisor - Mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the United Nations
    • Daniel Eror
      URI Global Trustee - President Youth for Peace, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
    • Daniel Perell
      Bahai International Community Representative at the UN
    • David Hales
      Chair of the Climate Action Group at the Parliament of world's Religions
    • Devena Chouhan
      Youth Co-ordinator at Hindu Climate Action
    • Dinesh Suna
      Coordinator of the Ecumenical Water Network (EWN) at World Council of Churches (WCC)
    • Don de Silva
      Buddhist Chaplain, Goldsmiths, University of London and ex-director at UNEP
    • Dr Tara de Mel
      Co-Founder of Mindful Educators, Sri Lanka and Co-Founder of ‘Mindfulness for Earth’ Initiative
    • Dr. Bernd Hirschberger
      European Co-President of FIMCAP, The International Federation of Catholic Parochial Youth Movements (FIMCAP)
    • Dr. Charles McNeill
      Senior Policy Advisor, Forests and Climate, UNEP
    • Dr. Chris Elisara
      World Evangelical Alliance
    • Dr. Cristina Tirado
      International Fund for Agricultural Development – IFAD
    • Dr. Howard Dryden
      Marine Biologist, Chief Scientific Officer - GOES Foundation (Global Oceanic Environmental Survey)
    • Dr. Husna Ahmad
      Executive Director of Global One
    • Dr. Ibrahim Özdemir
      Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences - University of Uskudar
    • Dr. Jane Goodall
      Founder, Jane Goodall Institute by Video
    • Dr. Josh Yates
      Director Ormond Center at Duke University’s Divinity School and executive director of the Thriving Cities Group.
    • Dr. Kumanga Andrahennadi
      Founder of CALM: Centre for Advanced Learning of Mindfulness and Co-Founder of ‘Mindfulness for Earth’ Initiative
    • Dr. Laurel Kearns
      Professor of Ecology, Society and Religion at Drew Theological School and the Graduate Division of Religion of Drew University
    • Dr. Lorna Gold
      Movement Building FaithInvest
    • Dr. Marium Husain
      Islamic Medical Association of North America - IMANA
    • Dr. Sophie Robé
      (FIIND Impact Foundation)
    • Dr. Stefanos Fotiou
      UNFSS Coordination Hub
    • Eda Molla Chousein
      Youth Programme Coordinator of the National Interfaith Youth Network; Executive Committee Member Affiliation: Religions for Peace UK
    • Edward Sonin
      Youth Climate Activist
    • Emina Frljak
      Educational Programmes Coordinator, Youth for Peace
    • Erasto Richard Magamba
      Acting Youth Coordinator of the Diocese of Kampala, Commonwealth Youth Parliamentarian, and Climate Justice & Human Rights Activist Affiliation: The Diocese of Kampala
    • Esben Larsen
      Director of WRI Faith and Sustainability
    • Euan Mccartney
      Associate Programme Management Officer, UNEP Faith for Earth UN Environment Programme
    • Fadila Grine
      Senior Advisor Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum
    • Fazlun Khaled
      Founder of the Islamic Foundation on Ecology and Environmental Studies
    • Finn Pierau
      MSc, Sustainable Consumption
    • Fletcher Harper
      Executive Director of GreenFaith
    • Francisca Ziniel
      Representative Affiliation: Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA)
    • Gayatri Raghwa
      Education Specialist, UNEP India Office UN Environment Programme
    • Gopal Patel
      Director of BhumiGlobal
    • Gorden Simango
      Director, Liaison Office to the African & Advocacy All African Conference of Churches (AACC)
    • H. E. Dr. Hans Brattskar
      Special Envoy at the Ministry of Climate and Environment of Norway representing H. E. the Minister of Climate and Environment – President of UNEA
    • H. H. Sadhguru
      A Yogi, Mystic & Visionary - Founder of Isha Foundation
    • Henrik Grape
      World Council of Churches
    • Hon. Shri Swami Dipankar Ji
      Founder and Chairman Dipankar Dhyan Foundation
    • Hon. Dr Mathew Koshy Punnackad
      Hon. Director CSI Synod Department of Ecological Concerns, Church of South India
    • Hon. Dr. AK Merchant
      General Secretary Temple of Understanding India Foundation; National Trustee cum Secretary, Lotus Temple & Bahá’í Community of India
    • Hon. Haji Syed Salman Chishty Ji
      Chairman, Chishty Foundation, Ajmer Sharif
    • Hon. Mr. Atul Bagai
      Head of UNEP India Office
    • Hon. Ms. Mamta Bishnoi
      Project Coordinator for Bishnoi community
    • Hon. Pujya Sister BK Shivani ji
      Director for Europe and Middle East of Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU) and Brahma Kumaris NGO Representative to the United Nations, Geneva
    • Hon. Shri Bhayva Shrivastava
      Head, Religion World
    • Hon. Shri Gauranga Das Ji
      ISKCON Governing Body Commissioner (GBC) and Director, Govardhan Eco Village
    • Hon. Shri Yuri Jain ji
      Isha Foundation Former Global Vice President, Unilever
    • Imam Habib Khan
      'Religious Advocate of the Year’, British Muslim Awards 2020
    • Imam Saffet Abid Catovic
      ISNA Office for Interfaith and Community Alliances (IOICA) and Chair of Climate Action at PoWR
    • Inger Andersen
      UN Under Secretary General and Executive Director of UNEP
    • Iyad Abumoghli
      Director - Faith for Earth at UNEP
    • Jakir Manela
      CEO of Hazon and Pearlstone
    • James Lomax
      United Nations Environment Programme
    • Jasmeet Kaur
      Youth Ambassador, EcoSikh UK
    • Jean F. Duff
      President, Partnership for Faith and Development
    • Jessica Troni
      Portfolio Manager, Climate Change Adaptation - UNEP
    • Joan Okitoi-Heisig
      Project Manager, World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) Sustainability Centre
    • John Knox
      Former UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment
    • Judge Dr. Mohammad Abdussalam
      Chair of the Higher Committee of the Human Fraternity
    • Jungin Hwang
      ICE Network
    • Kamran Shezad
      Founder of Bahu Trust and Director of the Islamic Foundation on Ecology and Environmental Studies
    • Kamran Shezad
      Director of The Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IFEES); Director of The Bahu Trust UK
    • Kanyinke Sena
      Indigenous Peoples of African Coordinating Committee - IPACC
    • Karenna Gore
      Founder and Director - Center for Earth Ethics - Moderator of the Session
    • Karina Soemarwoto
      FIIND Impact Foundation
    • Kehkashan Basu
      Founder of Green Hope and Trustee at Parliament of World’s Religions
    • Kelly Moltzen
      Interfaith Public Health Network – IPHN
    • Khushwant Singh
      Head of Secretariat, PaRD International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development
    • Kusumita Pedersen
      Chair Interfaith Center of New York and Trustee Parliament of the World’s Religions
    • Laura D'Arcy
      Trillion Trees
    • Laura Vargas
      National Facilitator, Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Peru
    • Lauren Van Ham
      Climate Coordinator United Religions Initiative (URI)
    • Lejla Hasandedic-Dapo
      URI Europe CC Liaison Officer Affiliation: United Religions Initiative
    • Lindlyn Moma
      Director of Advocacy at Laudato Si Movement
    • Lucy Plummer
      Soka Gakkai International UK and Religions for Peace UK Interfaith Youth Network
    • Luyanda Hlatshwayo
      African Reclaimers Organisation
    • Lyla June Johnston
      Indigenous Scholar and Artist
    • Mari Williams
      Senior Policy Adviser, Tearfund
    • Marina Pires de Lacreda
      Intern, UNEP Faith for Earth
    • Martin Palmer
      Founder and CEO of FaithInvest
    • Mary Evelyn Tucker
      Co-Chair of Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology
    • Mary Githiomi
      Team Leader at International Aid Services - Kenya
    • Mary Pat Fisher
      Gobind Sadan
    • Mona Polacca
      Original Caretaker - Center for Earth Ethics
    • Monseñor Alfredo Vizcarra
      Coordinador of Red Eclesial Panamazónica (REPAM) in Perú; Advisory Council member, IRI Peru (TBC)
    • Ms Bhuvana Santhanam
      CEO - Global Outreach, Sai Global Federation of Foundations
    • Ms Kamna Swami
      Senior Technical Advisor and Project Coordinator Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
    • Natalija Vojno
      Rotary Peace Fellow
    • Nicholas Pande
      Team lead – Environmental Stewardship & Disaster Resilience Affiliation: Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa
    • Niklas Hagelberg
      Climate Change Global Coordinator
    • Norah Norah Cherotich Ngeny
      Global Adaptation Network, UNEP
    • Oscar Ivanova
      Regional Liaison for the African Region, Global Adaptation Network (GAN)
      Climate Change Adaptation Unit (CCAU)
    • Othman Abd-ar-Rahman Llewellyn
      Ecological planner and member of the IUCN World Commissions on Protected Areas and Environmental Law
    • P. Joshtrom Isaac Kureethadam
      Coordinatore del Settore di "Ecologia & Creato" Dicastero per lo Sviluppo Umano Integrale
    • Parthaa Bosu
      Lead Advisor India, Environmental Defense Fund
    • Peter Aburi
      Baha'i International Community
    • Peter Nitschke
      Global Director of Community Partnerships - Plastic Bank
    • Peter Prove
      Director, Commission of the Churches on International Affairs
      World Council of Churches
    • Petra Wadström
      Solvatten
    • Priestess Beatriz Schulthess
      Religions for Peace Governing Council
    • Prof. Dr. Azizan Baharuddin
      UKM-YSD Chair for Sustainability and Director of University Malaya Centre for Civilisational Dialogue
    • Prof. Dr. Azza Karam
      Secretary General of Religions for Peace
    • Prof. Dr. Patricia Mbote
      Director - Law Division - UNEP
    • Prof. Katherine Marshall
      Director, World Faiths Development Dialogue (WFDD)
    • Prof. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati
      President of Divine Shakti Foundation and Secretary-General of GIWA
    • Rabbi Awraham Soetendorp (tbc)
      Founder, Green Cross International and GIWA
    • Rabbi Daniel Swartz
      Executive Director Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life
    • Rabbi David Rosen
      American Jewish Committee, International Director of Interreligious Affairs
    • Rabbi Ed Rosenthal
      Founder, Tikkun HaYam (Repair the Sea)
    • Rabbi Yonatan Neril
      Founder and Director of The Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development (ICSD)
    • Rachel Mander
      Founder and Campaigns Lead, YCCN (Young Christian Climate Network) - Strategy Development Officer, A Rocha International
    • Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter
      Religion and Science: Food and Ecojustice
    • Rev. Dr. Michael Reid Trice
      Spehar-Halligan Professor and Director of the Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement at Seattle University. Founder of Religica,
    • Rev. Dr. Rachel Mash
      Anglican Consultative Council
    • Rev. Matthieu Bonketo
      National Facilitator, Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Peru
    • Rev. Romi Bencke
      General Secretary, National Council of Christian Churches of Brazil (CONIC); Advisory Council member; IRI Brazil (TBC)
    • Rt. Rev. Dr. Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian
      Bishop, Church of South India
    • Runa Ray
      Fashion designer and environmentalist
    • Saba Yasin
      Climate Action Project Officer, Islamic Help
    • Sanaa Pasha
      Coming sooon
    • Shantanu Mandal
      Youth representative of the Brahma Kumaris to UN Environment Program Major Group for Children and Youth. Thematic Facilitator - Faith-Based Engagement
    • Shayna Cohen
      Community and Expansion Director, Tikkun HaYam (Repair the Sea)
    • Sheren Shrestha
      Manager – Wildlife Programs, WWF Nepal
    • Shri Pinaki Dasgupta
      Secretary - Shristi Cooperation Circle, United Religions Initiative
    • Shri Vipul Shah
      Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, COO, Reliance Petrochemical Industries
    • Siham Drissi
      Program Management Officer, UNEP OR
    • Sonam Yangchen
      Program Officer, WWF Bhutan Program
    • Stephen Avino
      Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Parliament of World's Religions
    • Steve Chiu
      Buddhist Tzu Chi United States of America Foundation
    • Subhi Dhupar
      UNEP India
    • Susan Hendershot
      President at Interfaith Power & Light - Session Moderator
    • Suzanne Deering
      Manager Partnerships at Terrae Vitae
    • Swami Gunatitananda Saraswati
      Resident Swami of Chinmaya Mission of Sri Lanka and Member of ‘Mindfulness for Earth’ Initiative
    • Tanya Sablok
      URI North India
    • Tatiana Brailvskaya
      Author and Executive Editor
    • Teboho Bino Makhalanyane
      ACSA Provincial Green Anglican Youth - Affiliation: Green Anglicans Movement
    • Tim Christophersen
      Head, Nature for Climate Branch - Ecosystems Division - UNEP
    • Tom Barasa
      Consultant with WWF on faith tree growing, from Kenya.
    • Ursula Goodenough
      Professor of Biology Emerita at Washington University
    • Venerable Ringu Tulku Rinpoche
      Founder of Bodhicharya International and Co-Chair of ‘Mindfulness for Earth’ Initiative
    • Venerable U. Dhammajiva Maha Thero
      Abbot of Nissarana Vanaya Monastery and Co-Chair of ‘Mindfulness for Earth’ Initiative

    21 Feb 2022

    Time & Place
    Event Details
    10:00
    Online
    Faith Communities Enabling Inclusive & Equitable Cities Since the beginning of time, religions have significantly influenced the way cities are constructed and function. Cities were established around houses of worship that provided essential services and today, multiple religious markers are scattered around every city around the world, ranging from small local churches to cathedrals, mosques, synagogues, charity shops, schools, monuments of remembrance, gardens and parks, cemeteries, and others.

    This session will provide a space to discuss the interlinkages between creating inclusive and equitable people-centered cities and the role world religions, their communities, and faith leaders play in bringing forward SDG 11.
    Dr. Chris Elisara World Evangelical Alliance
    Andre Dzikus Chief, Urban Basic Service Section, UN-Habitat
    Dr. Josh Yates Director Ormond Center at Duke University’s Divinity School and executive director of the Thriving Cities Group.
    Kamran Shezad Director of The Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IFEES); Director of The Bahu Trust UK
    Priestess Beatriz Schulthess Religions for Peace Governing Council
    Khushwant Singh Head of Secretariat, PaRD International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development
    Ms Bhuvana Santhanam CEO - Global Outreach, Sai Global Federation of Foundations
    Iyad Abumoghli Director - Faith for Earth at UNEP
    14:00
    Online
    Official high-level Launch of the Faith for Earth Dialogue at UNEA 5.2 Join the Executive Director of UNEP and the President of UNEA along with eminent faith and interfaith leaders in their address at the opening session. The role of faith actors is it an add-on or is it a strategic approach? What has worked and what needs to happen? Can religions come together unified in their call for a better future for humanity based on spiritual and moral responsibilities towards our only planet?
    Inger Andersen UN Under Secretary General and Executive Director of UNEP
    H. E. Dr. Hans Brattskar Special Envoy at the Ministry of Climate and Environment of Norway representing H. E. the Minister of Climate and Environment – President of UNEA
    Cardinal Peter Turkson The first Prefect of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development
    Don de Silva Buddhist Chaplain, Goldsmiths, University of London and ex-director at UNEP
    Dr. Husna Ahmad Executive Director of Global One
    Stephen Avino Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Parliament of World's Religions
    Archbishop Prof. Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher Secretary-General, World Evangelical Alliance (WEA)
    Prof. Dr. Azza Karam Secretary General of Religions for Peace
    Judge Dr. Mohammad Abdussalam Chair of the Higher Committee of the Human Fraternity
    H. H. Sadhguru A Yogi, Mystic & Visionary - Founder of Isha Foundation
    Rabbi David Rosen American Jewish Committee, International Director of Interreligious Affairs
    Iyad Abumoghli Director - Faith for Earth at UNEP
    16:00
    Online
    Launch of Online Courses During this session the following online learning courses will be presented:
    - UPEACE, LWF, ISCREB and Faith for Earth, KAICIID's joint e-learning course Engaging Faith Actors to Support the Implementation Process of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    - Faith for Earth and KAICIID's 8 thematic online courses called Faith, Environment and Climate Change focusing on the intersection of faith and various aspects of environmental sustainability.

    - Yale FORE and Coursera's free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) titled Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community.
    Gayatri Raghwa Education Specialist, UNEP India Office UN Environment Programme
    Armen Rostomyan Senior Programme Manager KAICIID
    Euan Mccartney Associate Programme Management Officer, UNEP Faith for Earth UN Environment Programme
    Iyad Abumoghli Director - Faith for Earth at UNEP
    Mary Evelyn Tucker Co-Chair of Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology
    17:30
    Online
    Faith for Earth: A Call for Action A quick look at the uptake of the book by different religious organizations as well as discuss ways and means to strengthen it by discussing with scientific institutions its adoption as a global resource in educational institutions as a resource book, while digitizing some relevant training courses emanating from its different chapters.
    Mary Evelyn Tucker Co-Chair of Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology
    Iyad Abumoghli Director - Faith for Earth at UNEP
    David Hales Chair of the Climate Action Group at the Parliament of world's Religions
    Tatiana Brailvskaya Author and Executive Editor
    Kusumita Pedersen Chair Interfaith Center of New York and Trustee Parliament of the World’s Religions
    Rev. Dr. Michael Reid Trice Spehar-Halligan Professor and Director of the Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement at Seattle University. Founder of Religica,
    Imam Saffet Abid Catovic ISNA Office for Interfaith and Community Alliances (IOICA) and Chair of Climate Action at PoWR
    Dr. Laurel Kearns Professor of Ecology, Society and Religion at Drew Theological School and the Graduate Division of Religion of Drew University
    Ursula Goodenough Professor of Biology Emerita at Washington University

    22 Feb 2022

    Time & Place
    Event Details
    14:00
    Online
    The Role of Accredited Faith-based Organisations FBOs accredited with UNEP can effectively engage in the design and implementation of UNEP global programs and initiatives. As Civil Society Organizations, they play a central role in providing expertise and scientific knowledge, informing local needs and opinions, as well as identifying and assessing the “on the ground” realities of policy decisions. This session aims to explore the role that accredited faith-based organisations need to play in multilateral environmental negotiations.
    Aurora Cheung Civil Society Unit at UNEP
    Gorden Simango Director, Liaison Office to the African & Advocacy All African Conference of Churches (AACC)
    Peter Aburi Baha'i International Community
    Rev. Dr. Rachel Mash Anglican Consultative Council
    Dr. Husna Ahmad Executive Director of Global One
    Henrik Grape World Council of Churches
    16:00
    Grassroots Interfaith Action for Climate Justice The purpose of this session is to facilitate a space for dialogue and exchange of views about climate impacts and practical actions FBOs can take to address them and promote an interfaith collaboration and inclusive perspective to climate action .
    Niklas Hagelberg Climate Change Global Coordinator
    Kanyinke Sena Indigenous Peoples of African Coordinating Committee - IPACC
    Dr. Sophie Robé (FIIND Impact Foundation)
    Karina Soemarwoto FIIND Impact Foundation
    Rev. Dr. Rachel Mash Anglican Consultative Council
    Dr. Sophie Robé CEO of FIIND Impact
    Beth Roach Co-founder of Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
    Meryne Warah Co-facilitator and coordinator of GreenFaith

    23 Feb 2022

    Time & Place
    Event Details
    16:00
    Working Group on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration This sessions aims to facilitate a space for dialogue and exchange of views, ideas, and practices on biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration related issues and activities and promote interfaith collaboration and inclusive perspectives to ecosystems restoration.
    Gopal Patel Director of BhumiGlobal
    Chantal Elkin Head of the Beliefs & Values Programme at WWF
    Tom Barasa Consultant with WWF on faith tree growing, from Kenya.
    Andrew Schwartz Center for Earth Ethics
    Laura D'Arcy Trillion Trees
    Sheren Shrestha Manager – Wildlife Programs, WWF Nepal

    24 Feb 2022

    Time & Place
    Event Details
    14:00
    Faith for Earth Youth Coalition: UK Youth Council Launch of the UK Youth Council under the Faith for Earth Coalition.
    Saba Yasin Climate Action Project Officer, Islamic Help
    Imam Habib Khan 'Religious Advocate of the Year’, British Muslim Awards 2020
    Finn Pierau MSc, Sustainable Consumption
    Edward Sonin Youth Climate Activist
    Devena Chouhan Youth Co-ordinator at Hindu Climate Action
    Rachel Mander Founder and Campaigns Lead, YCCN (Young Christian Climate Network) - Strategy Development Officer, A Rocha International
    Amran Mohamed Faith For Climate Youth Ambassador
    Sanaa Pasha Coming sooon
    Jasmeet Kaur Youth Ambassador, EcoSikh UK
    Lucy Plummer Soka Gakkai International UK and Religions for Peace UK Interfaith Youth Network
    16:00
    Online - Limited Audience
    Freedom of Religion & Belief: Climate Change and FoRB: Protecting our Environment and Needs of All This Dialogue will provide parliamentarians, faith leaders and influencers and civil society actors space to look together at the relationship between FoRB and climate change. It will explore the role that each can play in ensuring that the needs of all unempowered groups are addressed and how these can be integrated into national (city, town and village-wide) climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. It will also explore the steps that need to be taken to address the existing discrimination against religious or belief communities that make them more susceptible to climate vulnerability.
    John Knox Former UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment
    Iyad Abumoghli Director - Faith for Earth at UNEP
    Catherine Thane International Panel of Parliamentarians for FoRB
    Archbishop Mark MacDonald Indigenous Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Canada
    17:30
    Online
    Innovation Expo A demonstration of innovative and creative projects by faith-based organisations around the world with the potential to scale climate solutions.
    Mary Githiomi Team Leader at International Aid Services - Kenya
    Suzanne Deering Manager Partnerships at Terrae Vitae
    Arianne Neele Soil Expert & Product Developer at Terrae Vitae
    Petra Wadström Solvatten
    Runa Ray Fashion designer and environmentalist
    Brennan VanDyke Chief, Capacity Development and Innovation Branch - Science Division of UNEP
    Peter Nitschke Global Director of Community Partnerships - Plastic Bank

    25 Feb 2022

    Time & Place
    Event Details
    16:00
    Online
    Faith for Earth Coalition: Faith-Science Consortium This session seeks to discuss the nexus of religion/faith and science and its definition for the purpose of the Faith Science Consortium within the Faith for Earth Coalition and identify the work plan and strategy of the Faith-Science Consortium.
    Partner Organizations:
    World Resources Institute WRI
    Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology FoRE
    Mary Evelyn Tucker Co-Chair of Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology
    Esben Larsen Director of WRI Faith and Sustainability
    Iyad Abumoghli Director - Faith for Earth at UNEP
    Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter Religion and Science: Food and Ecojustice
    Ursula Goodenough Professor of Biology Emerita at Washington University
    17:30
    Online
    Faith, Values & Ethics in Environmental Governance Belief systems – among which stand culture and religion – hold the potential to influence both individual behaviors, and societal norms and laws. These systems affect human’s interaction with, and perception of the environment. This makes them important components and mediums for galvanizing action towards protecting the environment, with the mobilization of belief systems’ forming an important backdrop in advancing environmentally conscious agendas.
    Kusumita Pedersen Chair Interfaith Center of New York and Trustee Parliament of the World’s Religions
    Mona Polacca Original Caretaker - Center for Earth Ethics
    Prof. Dr. Patricia Mbote Director - Law Division - UNEP
    Dr. Husna Ahmad Executive Director of Global One
    Kehkashan Basu Founder of Green Hope and Trustee at Parliament of World’s Religions
    Rabbi Daniel Swartz Executive Director Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life
    Hon. Shri Gauranga Das Ji ISKCON Governing Body Commissioner (GBC) and Director, Govardhan Eco Village
    Daniel Perell Bahai International Community Representative at the UN
    Archbishop Prof. Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher Secretary-General, World Evangelical Alliance (WEA)

    28 Feb 2022

    Time & Place
    Event Details
    14:00
    Online
    Strengthening Linkages Between Faith Communities and Nature-Based Solutions Showcasing successful stories from the field, the session will focus on the perspective and role of faith actors by looking at case studies and best practises that could be replicable - addressing Indigenous knowledge, adaptation measures, partnerships/ coalition building and ecosystem restoration.
    Tim Christophersen Head, Nature for Climate Branch - Ecosystems Division - UNEP
    Tom Barasa Consultant with WWF on faith tree growing, from Kenya.
    Jessica Troni Portfolio Manager, Climate Change Adaptation - UNEP
    Rabbi Yonatan Neril Founder and Director of The Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development (ICSD)
    Alvin Chandra Programme Management Officer at UN Environment Programme
    Norah Norah Cherotich Ngeny Global Adaptation Network, UNEP
    Jungin Hwang ICE Network
    Oscar Ivanova Regional Liaison for the African Region, Global Adaptation Network (GAN)
    Climate Change Adaptation Unit (CCAU)
    Lindlyn Moma Director of Advocacy at Laudato Si Movement
    16:00
    Online
    What the World Expects from Faith-based Organisations and What We Should Do The directors of six leading religion and ecology NGOs and initiatives will share their perspectives on the religion and ecology movement. Their work addresses the climate and environmental crises through policy advocacy, grassroots activism, sustainable lifestyles, religious education and worldviews, asset and facility management, habitat and species protection, science-policy-faith nexus integration, and more. There is a huge upswelling globally of innovative faith-based environmental programs - from religious funds in the trillions of dollars moving to sustainable investments, to on the ground forest and wildlife protection projects, to channeling vast faith-based tree planting to restore degraded natural areas, to powerful climate change advocacy and sustainable consumption initiatives.

    Well organized and mobilized, the religious sector could become one of the most effective forces to address the climate and environmental crises. Over the past thirty years, researchers, environmentalists, and business and political leaders have come to understand the uniquely valuable role of religion in relation to climate change and environmental conservation. Groundbreaking work by a core of global religious environmental organizations, select high-level religious leaders, and many religious communities, has begun to harness the religious sector’s enormous size and considerable power for ecological sustainability.
    Susan Hendershot President at Interfaith Power & Light - Session Moderator
    Martin Palmer Founder and CEO of FaithInvest
    Fletcher Harper Executive Director of GreenFaith
    Rabbi Yonatan Neril Founder and Director of The Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development (ICSD)
    Jakir Manela CEO of Hazon and Pearlstone
    Chantal Elkin Head of the Beliefs & Values Programme at WWF
    Sonam Yangchen Program Officer, WWF Bhutan Program

    01 Mar 2022

    Time & Place
    Event Details
    14:00
    Online
    Al-Mizan: Covenant for the Earth Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth presents an Islamic outlook of the environment in a bid to strengthen local, regional, and international actions that combat climate change and other threats to the planet. It is a global endeavor to engage Islamic scholars and Muslim institutions in the development and adoption of this Call.

    Al-Mizan - A Covenant for the Earth is a restatement of the principles governing the protection of nature in a form that meets current challenges. It examines the ethics behind the social patterning of human existence and enquires into how they could be brought to life today working in harmony with the heartbeat of the natural world.
    Fazlun Khaled Founder of the Islamic Foundation on Ecology and Environmental Studies
    Othman Abd-ar-Rahman Llewellyn Ecological planner and member of the IUCN World Commissions on Protected Areas and Environmental Law
    Dr. Ibrahim Özdemir Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences - University of Uskudar
    Prof. Dr. Azizan Baharuddin UKM-YSD Chair for Sustainability and Director of University Malaya Centre for Civilisational Dialogue
    Kamran Shezad Founder of Bahu Trust and Director of the Islamic Foundation on Ecology and Environmental Studies
    Fadila Grine Senior Advisor Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum
    Iyad Abumoghli Director - Faith for Earth at UNEP
    16:00
    Online
    Local Challenges, Local Solutions: Faith Groups for Climate Action Given the size of their influence, and the significance of their wisdom and experience, FBOs are key stakeholders in helping to ensure a livable planet for all.
    To realise their full potential, it is essential to engage and support faith actors through capacity-building activities, which includes education, grassroots coordination and support for taking plans to scale, locally, regionally, nationally and globally.
    This session seeks to explore the ways in which faith-based organisations can leverage on support from the Faith Plans Programme and the Faith for Earth National Coordination Hubs.
    Daniel Eror URI Global Trustee - President Youth for Peace, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
    Dr. Lorna Gold Movement Building FaithInvest
    Allen Ottaro Executive Director Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa
    Lauren Van Ham Climate Coordinator United Religions Initiative (URI)
    Catherine Devitt Faith Plans Programme Manager FaithInvest
    Iyad Abumoghli Director - Faith for Earth at UNEP
    17:30
    Online
    Interfaith Rainforest Initiative (IRI) The world’s rainforests are a sacred trust, an irreplaceable gift and essential to life on Earth. Rainforests are also critical to combat climate change, offering up to one third of the solution needed. Tragically, from the Amazon to the Congo Basin to Southeast Asia, rainforests are being cut down at an alarming rate, driven by land conversion for agriculture and extractive industries. The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative is an international, multi-faith alliance that is bringing moral urgency and faith-based leadership to global efforts to halt and reverse tropical deforestation.

    This session will include presentations by the leaders of the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative country programs in Brazil, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Peru. The session will offer reflections on achievements made in the areas of education, on-the-ground mobilization and political advocacy, as well as lessons learned, plans for the coming year and how the program is serving as a unique model for bringing religious leaders, indigenous peoples, the UN, and environment NGOs into cooperation and shared purpose for the protection of forests and the rights of indigenous peoples.
    Rev. Matthieu Bonketo National Facilitator, Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Peru
    Blanca Echeverry National Facilitator, Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Colombia
    Carlos Vicente National Facilitator, Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Brazil
    Laura Vargas National Facilitator, Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Peru
    Dr. Jane Goodall Founder, Jane Goodall Institute by Video
    Siham Drissi Program Management Officer, UNEP OR
    Dr. Charles McNeill Senior Policy Advisor, Forests and Climate, UNEP
    Ambassador Hans Brattskar Special Envoy, Ministry of Climate and Environment, Government of Norway
    Rev. Romi Bencke General Secretary, National Council of Christian Churches of Brazil (CONIC); Advisory Council member; IRI Brazil (TBC)
    Monseñor Alfredo Vizcarra Coordinador of Red Eclesial Panamazónica (REPAM) in Perú; Advisory Council member, IRI Peru (TBC)
    Bishop Francisco Duque Anglican Church of Colombia; Advisory Council member, IRI Colombia (TBC)
    Abbé Donatien Nshole Secretary General, Conférence Episcopale Nationale du Congo (CENCO); Co-President, IRI DRC (TBC)

    02 Mar 2022

    Time & Place
    Event Details
    10:00
    Online
    Mindfulness, Faith & Sustainability The purpose of this session is to provide a space to discuss the interlinkages between how mindfulness can induce individuals and communities to adopt sustainable behaviours, specifically, working towards SDG 12.

    This session will also focus on how ideas of mindfulness are already present in many different faiths, and how focusing on meditation, collective prayer, and other mindfulness practices can help address the triple planetary crisis.
    Venerable U. Dhammajiva Maha Thero Abbot of Nissarana Vanaya Monastery and Co-Chair of ‘Mindfulness for Earth’ Initiative
    Swami Gunatitananda Saraswati Resident Swami of Chinmaya Mission of Sri Lanka and Member of ‘Mindfulness for Earth’ Initiative
    Venerable Ringu Tulku Rinpoche Founder of Bodhicharya International and Co-Chair of ‘Mindfulness for Earth’ Initiative
    Dr. Kumanga Andrahennadi Founder of CALM: Centre for Advanced Learning of Mindfulness and Co-Founder of ‘Mindfulness for Earth’ Initiative
    Dr Tara de Mel Co-Founder of Mindful Educators, Sri Lanka and Co-Founder of ‘Mindfulness for Earth’ Initiative
    Iyad Abumoghli Director - Faith for Earth at UNEP
    14:00
    Online
    The Power of Religious/Faith Partnerships to Safeguard Nature: PaRD a case in point The International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD), established in 2016, brings together partners from all over the world in order to harness the positive impact of religion and values in sustainable development and humanitarian assistance. Membership in PaRD is voluntary and currently comprises of 135 organisations bringing diverse perspectives and expertise. Membership is open to all governmental and intergovernmental entities, civil society and nongovernmental organisations such as religious and value-driven organisations, secular NGOs, community initiatives, foundations, academic institutions and other relevant development organisations.
    Archbishop Prof. Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher Secretary-General, World Evangelical Alliance (WEA)
    Dinesh Suna Coordinator of the Ecumenical Water Network (EWN) at World Council of Churches (WCC)
    Joan Okitoi-Heisig Project Manager, World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) Sustainability Centre
    Peter Prove Director, Commission of the Churches on International Affairs
    World Council of Churches
    Jean F. Duff President, Partnership for Faith and Development
    Prof. Katherine Marshall Director, World Faiths Development Dialogue (WFDD)
    Dr. Husna Ahmad Executive Director of Global One
    Prof. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati President of Divine Shakti Foundation and Secretary-General of GIWA
    Rabbi Awraham Soetendorp (tbc) Founder, Green Cross International and GIWA
    16:00
    Faith and Food: Nature Positive Solutions for a Flourishing World This discussion should seek to leverage the role of faith actors in addressing major issues across food systems. Naturally, faith actors can’t address all the above factors simultaneously, so focus should be on establishing where faith actors can draw upon their comparative advantages to have the most immediate and positive impact, rather than discussing the broader issues.
    Andrew Schwartz Center for Earth Ethics
    Kelly Moltzen Interfaith Public Health Network – IPHN
    Steve Chiu Buddhist Tzu Chi United States of America Foundation
    Lyla June Johnston Indigenous Scholar and Artist
    Dr. Stefanos Fotiou UNFSS Coordination Hub
    Dr. Marium Husain Islamic Medical Association of North America - IMANA
    Dr. Cristina Tirado International Fund for Agricultural Development – IFAD
    James Lomax United Nations Environment Programme

    03 Mar 2022

    Time & Place
    Event Details
    10:00
    Online
    Faith in Action: Only One Earth All religions, faith traditions and spiritual teachings guide us to care for the bountiful creation of the nature, living simply, and preventing the generation of waste. In line with the 2022 World Environment Day theme, ‘Only One Earth’ and building on the saga of the initiatives that Faith for Earth Councillors in India, began last year this session aims to highlight the indisputable fact that the time is Now to bring about a transformative change. It is time to live sustainably in harmony with nature and bring about the choices that create a positive impact on the environment we live in. Choices that can be influenced by spiritual guidance at an individual level and community level.
    This dialogue seeks to highlight the knowledge resources that individuals and communities at the local level can use to alter their choices and address global problems like pollution, desertification and climate change. The engagement also seeks to provide a call to action to strengthen the movement of living in harmony with nature, translate our values and spiritual teachings into action, empower the youth to make sustainable choices and support local initiatives. It aims to strengthen the fabric of interfaith relations at a national level to make our planet a harmonious place to live in.
    Hon. Mr. Atul Bagai Head of UNEP India Office
    Hon. Shri Gauranga Das Ji ISKCON Governing Body Commissioner (GBC) and Director, Govardhan Eco Village
    Shri Pinaki Dasgupta Secretary - Shristi Cooperation Circle, United Religions Initiative
    Ms Kamna Swami Senior Technical Advisor and Project Coordinator Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
    Hon. Pujya Sister BK Shivani ji Director for Europe and Middle East of Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU) and Brahma Kumaris NGO Representative to the United Nations, Geneva
    Hon. Shri Yuri Jain ji Isha Foundation Former Global Vice President, Unilever
    Shri Vipul Shah Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, COO, Reliance Petrochemical Industries
    Hon. Shri Swami Dipankar Ji Founder and Chairman Dipankar Dhyan Foundation
    Hon. Ms. Mamta Bishnoi Project Coordinator for Bishnoi community
    Hon. Dr Mathew Koshy Punnackad Hon. Director CSI Synod Department of Ecological Concerns, Church of South India
    Hon. Dr. AK Merchant General Secretary Temple of Understanding India Foundation; National Trustee cum Secretary, Lotus Temple & Bahá’í Community of India
    Hon. Shri Bhayva Shrivastava Head, Religion World
    Atmarpit Vidhiji Senior Renunciate and Executive Committee on Environment, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission, Dharampur
    Mary Pat Fisher Gobind Sadan
    Hon. Haji Syed Salman Chishty Ji Chairman, Chishty Foundation, Ajmer Sharif
    Subhi Dhupar UNEP India
    Tanya Sablok URI North India
    14:00
    Online
    Faith – The Solution to Pollution This session will introduce the purpose and efforts of the Multifaith Action Group on Pollution, focusing on sharing knowledge, exchanging experiences, and promoting good practices. It will serve to mobilize engagement between and among Faith-Based-Organizations and encourage interfaith collaboration in tackling pollution and waste issues.
    Rt. Rev. Dr. Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian Bishop, Church of South India
    Luyanda Hlatshwayo African Reclaimers Organisation
    Rabbi Ed Rosenthal Founder, Tikkun HaYam (Repair the Sea)
    Shayna Cohen Community and Expansion Director, Tikkun HaYam (Repair the Sea)
    Mari Williams Senior Policy Adviser, Tearfund
    Parthaa Bosu Lead Advisor India, Environmental Defense Fund
    Emina Frljak Educational Programmes Coordinator, Youth for Peace
    Marina Pires de Lacreda Intern, UNEP Faith for Earth
    Rev. Dr. Rachel Mash Anglican Consultative Council
    Dr. Howard Dryden Marine Biologist, Chief Scientific Officer - GOES Foundation (Global Oceanic Environmental Survey)

    04 Mar 2022

    Time & Place
    Event Details
    14:00
    Online
    Faith for Earth Youth Coalition Council of the Youth: Composed of young faith leaders as well as leaders of youth movements advocating for the protection of the Earth. The Council of Youth is a platform to mobilize young people as global ambassadors on Faith for Earth across the Coalition and beyond. Participating young leaders will learn how to address environmental degradation and climate change at the local level and will encourage innovation, mobilize actions, especially focusing on the local level. The Council of Youth aims to promote an understanding of the connection between faith principles and environmental issues among young people. The Council of the Youth has Regional and Local sub-councils. Their task is to mobilize youth on the ground and implement Coalition projects and activities in local faith communities.
    Shantanu Mandal Youth representative of the Brahma Kumaris to UN Environment Program Major Group for Children and Youth. Thematic Facilitator - Faith-Based Engagement
    Alphonce Munyao Muia Faith and Environment Thematic Facilitator in the UNEP Children and Youth Major Group Global Steering Committee & Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability
    Nicholas Pande Team lead – Environmental Stewardship & Disaster Resilience Affiliation: Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa
    Erasto Richard Magamba Acting Youth Coordinator of the Diocese of Kampala, Commonwealth Youth Parliamentarian, and Climate Justice & Human Rights Activist Affiliation: The Diocese of Kampala
    Kehkashan Basu Founder of Green Hope and Trustee at Parliament of World’s Religions
    Fadila Grine Senior Advisor Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum
    Dr. Bernd Hirschberger European Co-President of FIMCAP, The International Federation of Catholic Parochial Youth Movements (FIMCAP)
    Abdullahi Abdi Mohamed Chair Person of the Somali Youth Development Foundation
    Carrick Reddin Project Manager for the Faith and Sustainability Initiative (WRI) World Resources Institute
    Daniel del Valle Blanco Political and Youth Advisor - Mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the United Nations
    Lejla Hasandedic-Dapo URI Europe CC Liaison Officer Affiliation: United Religions Initiative
    Francisca Ziniel Representative Affiliation: Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA)
    Chris Manktelow Young Christian Climate Network
    Rachel Mander Founder and Campaigns Lead, YCCN (Young Christian Climate Network) - Strategy Development Officer, A Rocha International
    Natalija Vojno Rotary Peace Fellow
    Iyad Abumoghli Director - Faith for Earth at UNEP
    Allen Ottaro Founder and Executive Director Affiliation: Organization: Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA)
    Eda Molla Chousein Youth Programme Coordinator of the National Interfaith Youth Network; Executive Committee Member Affiliation: Religions for Peace UK
    Teboho Bino Makhalanyane ACSA Provincial Green Anglican Youth - Affiliation: Green Anglicans Movement
    16:00
    Online
    Faiths Respond to Stockholm+50 & UNEP@50 The international Stockholm+50 high-level meeting serves as an urgent, all-out effort to turn things around, thus playing a crucial role in making 2022 a year defined by successful global action. Thus, the core aim of Stockholm+50 is to accelerate progress towards the SDGs, overcome the setbacks induced by the global pandemic through long-term recovery plans, and redefine humanity's relationship with nature to foster prosperity within the planetary bounds. Five elements are center stage at Stockholm+50: Regeneration, Recovery, Rebalance, Renewal, and Reimagination.
    Karenna Gore Founder and Director - Center for Earth Ethics - Moderator of the Session
    Fazlun Khaled Founder of the Islamic Foundation on Ecology and Environmental Studies
    P. Joshtrom Isaac Kureethadam Coordinatore del Settore di "Ecologia & Creato" Dicastero per lo Sviluppo Umano Integrale
    Archbishop Mark MacDonald Indigenous Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Canada
    Gopal Patel Director of BhumiGlobal
    Henrik Grape World Council of Churches

    All Recorded Sessions

    UNEA 5.2 Closing Statement on Behalf of Faith-Based Organizations

    On Behalf of Faith Actors at UNEP @ 50 Celebrations. Archbishop Prof. Thomas Schirrmacher

    Stakeholders remarks on the anniversary of UNEP @50: "What I have learnt from Faith for Earth"