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Faith-based Engagement at Stockholm+50
- Preparatory Meetings
- Regional Consultations
- Updates
- 31 May & 1 June 2022
- 2 June 2022
- 3 June 2022
- 4 & 5 June 2022
Faith-based Organisations (FBOs) established an interfaith working group to support faith communities understanding of, and engagement on, issues related to Stockholm+50.
This page is a resource guide to facilitate networking, in-person collaboration, and to inspire and build partnerships with civil society, indigenous groups and all other stakeholders.
The protection and improvement of the human environment is a major issue which affects the well-being of peoples and economic development throughout the world; it is the urgent desire of the peoples of the whole world and the duty of all Governments.
1972 Stockholm Declaration
On 4 March 2022 UNEP Faith for Earth facilitated a session during the Faith for Earth Dialogue that spurred coordinated efforts for a consultative interreligious and interfaith approaches to Stockholm+50.
In the dialogue session, FBOs were encouraged to engage in the Stockholm+50 process early enough to set their expectations for governments/leaders for the next 50 years of environmental policy and action. More about the Faith for Earth Dialogue at UNEA 5.2.
Azmaira Alibhai
Faith & Ecosystems Coordinator
UNEP Faith for Earth
(for general inquiries)
Melanie Rideout
Global Sustainable Innovation Manager
Läkarmissionen (LM International)
(for information about in-person events)
Join PMUs Whatsapp Group.
During the Regional Multi-stakholder Consultations, faith representatives highlighted the following key messages:
Latin America and Carribean Regional Multi-Stakeholder Consultation
- FBOs provide good practice at a local and regional level stressing the need to mobilise FBOs and faith communities. Advance FBO engagement (SDG Platform) and work closely with indigenous groups.
- Need for environmental education – collaborate with local experts and scientists about environmental issues.
- Faith literacy – how to engage with faith-based organisations in international meetings and need to facilitate faith-based interventions within other Major Groups & Stakeholders.
Africa Regional Multi-Stakeholder Consultation
- Faith actors as drivers of behavioural change.
- Mobilise funding for smaller local actors – encourage divestment of faith-owned assets and investments from the fossil industry and need to secure adequate funding for grassroots stakeholders.
Wrapping up Day 1 (2 June 2022)
Latest updates and news | IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin (2 June) | UN Meeting Coverage English | Français (2 June) | Side event outcomes | Official photos (updated) | Government of Sweden photos | Selected speech transcripts | Statements as received | Virtual discussion forum (new discussion) | Press release: Stockholm+50 opens with calls to accelerate action for a healthy planet and…..
Faith leaders reassert critical role in confronting climate change ahead of Stockholm+50
"The root causes of the triple planetary crises are deeply fueled by structural greed and apathy that underpin our current economic systems. Amassing of obscene wealth by corporations and select individuals is directly related to global environmental problems and solutions, which is morally and ethically unacceptable," Read
Ahead of Stockholm+50, faith-based organizations call for stronger environmental policymaking
Here's how FBOs are amplifying their support for environmental policymaking- calling for a paradigm shift for #People #Planet. #Faith4Earth Read the Story
Join the Global Major Groups Open Dialogue on Stockholm+50 on 1 June 2022
Major Groups (constituencies) play a key role in shaping environmental and sustainability agendas. Join this discussion and connect with other Major Groups (business, science, media, governments, etc.) globally. The objective of this event is to have an open dialogue session on various S+50 topics/themes/dialogues. Register
Stockholm+50 online community: Submit your blog
Visit the Stockholm+50 online community space hosted by the Green Growth Knowledge Platform. Join the community and its conversations around the central themes of Stockholm+50: a healthy planet, green and inclusive Covid-19 recovery, and the implementation of the environmental dimensions of the SDGs. Do you consider yourself an environmental and sustainability expert, practitioner or enthusiast?…Community Blog
Interfaith Statement Submitted to SG and Co-Chairs of Stockholm+50
On behalf of faith leaders, faith-based organisations, indigenous groups, civil society organisations, and others, UNEP Faith for Earth submitted the Interfaith Statement with 188 endorsements as at 25 May 2022. View
Join the Whatsapp Group!
PMU have created a Whatsapp Group to share live updates about events and connect with FBO representatives and leaders in Stockholm,Sweden. Click to join
FBOs at Stockholm+50 Launch Interfaith Statement
The Interfaith Coordination Team for Stockholm+50 launch an Interfaith Statement calling for ambitious action for the environment. Endorse the Statement
An online event for stakeholders by stakeholders on “Stockholm+50 with a view to 2030” – May 18 & 19
The Stockholm+50 Team at Stakeholder Forum has organised The People’s Environment Narrative to engage civil society and non-state stakeholders in contributing to the content of outcome documents in connection with the Stockholm+50 conference. Join Cluster II from 17:15 CET on 18 May 2022. Read more
Engage with FBOs in Stockholm (Online & In-person Events)
A guide for faith-based engagement during the Stockholm+50 Conference. Read more
31 May 2022
Networking Event: Exchange and Learn with Global Activists | 3pm - 4.45pm CEST / 4pm - 5.45pm EAT
An interactive networking event, bringing together civil society activists across the globe working towards environmental and climate justice – this session is both an opportunity to mobilise resources, learn and exchange on experiences related to environmental and climate action, in addition to finding opportunities for joint collaborations.
All are welcome, but registration is necessary due to limited spaces. Light refreshments will be served.
Contact Melanie.rideout@lakarmissionen.se for more details | Register | Peoples Forum | Venue: ABF Huset, Sveavagen, Sveavägen, 111 34 Stockholm Sweden |
Youth for Ecocide Law: The Legal Framework for the Future We Want | 7.30-9pm CEST
Global youth task force will launch the Youth For Ecocide Law Network and position paper for S+50, calling for all governments to criminalize large-scale environmental destruction by including ecocide in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
The young advocates featured in the panel discussion are part of the Youth Environmental Assembly and the Stockholm+50 Youth Task Force:
- Dalia Márquez from Venezuela (Lawyer with master degree on Human rights, Youth Task Force Stockholm+50 member, founder of Juventud Unida en Acción")
- Hanna Soldal from Sweden (Church of Sweden’s Youth)
- Yoko Lu from Japan (GYBN - Global Youth Biodiversity Network & Stockholm+50 Youth Task Force Member)
- Tova Lindqvist from Sweden (National Council of Swedish Youth Organizations, End Ecocide Sweden, Act Alliance Youth CoP).
- Moderated by: Louise Romain, grassroots outreach for Stop Ecocide International (UK/France).
More information | Venue: The Victory Hotel, Lilla Nygatan 5, Gamla Stan, 111 28 Stockholm.
1 June 2022
Global Environmental Governance: Ethical Foundations & Practical Proposals | 09.30-11.00 CEST / 10.30am-12.00pm EAT
International Environment Forum and the Baha'i International Community:
Humanity's shared destiny as a species is coming into ever greater focus through compounding crises and tremendous societal advances, yet our current institutional structures are struggling to meet the demands of this moment. This dialogue will, in honor of the Stockholm+50 conference, explore both the ethical foundations and practical proposals necessary for our governing systems to ensure a flourishing relationship between humanity and the natural world. "One Planet, One Habitation" will be launched during this session.
More information | Venue: Swedish Parliament
Faith actors and policy Making: How and why should we include faith voices within climate policy? | People’s Forum | 12pm- 1.45pm CEST / 1pm-2.45pm EAT
This roundtable discussion brings intergenerational and inter-religious speakers and leaders together to practically discuss how and where faith leaders and communities can be better included within climate policy decision-making and implementation. Session led by Mary Githiomi, Country Director for IAS Kenya, and the KenyaForResilience Network.
Contact Melanie.rideout@lakarmissionen.se for more details.
Pilgrim’s Walk for Future in memory of extinct species
- Hike in the forest, about 8 km. Hilly! Requires good shoes and clothes. Bring a lunch bag and water. Start:13.00 CEST / 2pm EAT. Gathering at Markuskyrkan in Björkhagen
- Cycle about 8 km. Hilly! Bring a bicycle, water and food. Start:15.00 CEST / 4pm EAT. Gathering outside Åhléns, Sickla köpkvarter
- Walk along the meadows about 6 km. Easy walking route. Bring lunch and water. Start:14.30 CEST / 3.30pm EAT. Gathering at Forumkyrkan, Serenadvägen 25. Bus to Nacka forum.
More Information | Contact tyreso.pilgrimscentrum@svenskakyrkan.se to register.
Interfaith Prayers for the success of Stockholm+50 | 16:30-17:30pm CEST / 5.30pm-6.30pm EAT
An outdoor event at Mynttorget close to the parliament building in Stockholm.
Visit the Facebook Event page of this Stockholm+50 associated event.
Organized by the Swedish Interfaith Council, the Baha'is of Sweden and others, with IEF collaboration.
Healthy Mind, Healthy Planet - Strengthening values and authenticity in sustainable development | 5pm CEST / 6pm EAT
An Associated Event on the role of green corporate strategies, healthy communities, and heightened awareness in achieving sustainable development goals. Focusing on the role of ethics, values and authenticity to strengthen and heal the relationships between humanity and nature.
More Information | In-person Registration | Online Registration
Memorial service for extinct species, An Ecumenical memorial service for all lost species with participants from different churches and the World Wildlife Foundation WWF | 7pm CEST / 8pm EAT
A Christian worship service in memory of extinct species, highlighting the threat towards biological diversity with participants from different churches and the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF).
More information | Contact Elsa.Levinson@svenskakyrkan.se for more information | Venue: Storkyrkan, Trångsund 1, 111 29 Stockholm
Interfaith Prayers
Swedish Interfaith Council (environmental group) will convene faith communities and recite prayers for a successful outcome of Stockholm+50.
More Information | Contact Kamala.iskcon@gmail.com for more information | Venue: Mynttorget, Stockholm
2 June 2022
Guided by Faith: Faith Plans turning commitment into action | 9am-11am CEST / 10am-12pm EAT
A breakfast workshop on how to develop a long-term FaithPlan in your faith community.
- Build capacity among faith participants to recognise their stakeholder role as faith-based actors and build knowledge of how to turn commitment into action through their participation in the Faith Plans programme.
- Showcase initiatives and examples of faith-led environmental action.
- Leverage long-term faith based environmental action.
Climate Action and Water for Life towards Creation Justice - a faith perspective | 2pm-3.30pm CEST / 3pm-4.30pm EAT
When creation is threatened, faith communities are called to speak out and act as an expression of their commitment to uphold life, dignity and justice. We have to act now for climate justice and for water justice. Therefore, this event is planned to engage the participants of the Stockholm+50 towards a roadmap of collective action for eco-justice.
Objectives
For participants /Faith communities
- To understand the urgency of climate change and water crisis with a theological and ethical lens.
- To get inspired by good practices and pledge to take action for eco-justice by walking the talk
- To discuss the interfaith statement to Stockholm+50 and get inspired to take action
- To come up with a road map for creation and restoration for churches with a call to action to reconcile with nature.
For the government and multilateral actors
- To recognise Faith communities as an important actor having the reach and power to influence change to protect our planet earth.
- To adhere to various policies and mechanism in place within the UNFCCC, SDG6, OHCHR, HLPF, etc and achieve the targets there in.
More information | Programme | Register | Venue: tbc
Faith in Earth – A deep conversation on religious perspectives on the way forward for a healthy planet | 5:45pm-7:00pm CEST / 6.45pm-8pm EAT| Stockholmsmässan, Room 4
The Swedish Pentecostal International Relief and Development Agency, LM International, SMC-faith in Development and UNEP Faith for Earth Initiative have organised a seminar to discuss values-based approaches on the themes covered in Stockholm +50.
Speakers:
- Karenna Gore - Union Theological Seminary
- Dr. Iyad Abumoghli, Founder and Director of the Faith for Earth Initiative, and Lead Principal Advisor on Engaging with Faith-Based Organizations.
- Mary Githiomi – Country Director IAS Kenya and Kenya4Resilience Lead
- Festus Mukoya – PMU
- Shahin Ashraf - Head of Global Advocacy, Islamic Relief Worldwide
- Andreas Holmberg, Bishop of Stockholm, Church of Sweden
- Yonatan Neril, Interfaith Centre for Sustainable Development
- Charlotta Norrby, Secretary General, SMC.
More Information | Contact: mikael.jagerskog@pmu.se | Key Messages
How can a shift in mindset contribute to a sustainable planet? | 7pm CEST / 8pm EAT
An Associated Event that will reveal how inner development can enable the change we need to see.
More information | In-person Registration | Online Registration
Faiths for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty | 7.30pm-9.30pm CEST / 8.30pm-10.30pm EAT
Join Church of Sweden, the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, and GreenFaith for a reception with hearty appetizers and Swedish guitarist Göran Lindelöw to learn more about religious support for the Treaty Initiative, and to learn about Faiths for Climate Justice - a multi-faith week of climate action between 2-9 October calling for an end to new fossil fuel and deforestation projects, a managed, equitable decline in fossil fuel production, and a just transition to a sustainable future.
- 1930 - Reception and music begin
- 2000 - Presentations and Q&A
- 2100 - Reception and music
- 2130 - Close
3 June 2022
Guided by Faith: Faith Plans Renewing People and Planet | 7pm-8pm CEST / 8pm-9pm EAT
- Learning and sharing on faith-led environmental initiatives, and discussion and reflection on how we can inspire faith leaders and communities, more broadly, to meet the collective responsibility and join the collective response.
- The role of faith actors in shaping a new values-based environmental paradigm, by drawing on the link between faith-led stewardship and sustainable lifestyles.
- The panel will include Dr. Lorna Gold (FaithInvest), Dr. Iyad Abumoghli (UNEP Faith for Earth), Gopal Patel (Bhumi Global), Golo Pilz (Brahma Kumaris), Lidia Floravanti (The Focolare).
- Conversation is celebrated over light food and refreshments.
How can we tangibly better engage faith communities and actors to leverage on climate action? Venue: Community House, Catholic Cathedral, Stockholm
Because of my faith: Climate Action Driven by Faith”; A Deep Dive Workshop
What added value and difference does faith have for accelerated climate action?
Practical workshop will look at what added value and difference faiths have for accelerated climate action.
Starting with an opening by Archbishop Thomas, Secretary-General of the WEA, the theological discussion of how the faith guides ecological protection and climate action will be framed.
The workshop deep diving into faith-based cliamte action will then be led by Tagele Matteows, Country Director or YBCEDO, LM International’s local Ethiopian partner organisation, with reflections by Antonino Puglisi from the Focolore movement.
Light breakfast will be served; coffee, tea, fruit and sandwiches.
Register | Venue: Sida Head Offices, Valhallavägen 199, SE-105 25 Stockholm, Sweden (Sukur room)
Upon arrival register Åsa Nilson as your Sida host
Global Systems Accounting Beyond Economics | 19:00-20:00 CEST / 1pm EDT / 8pm-9pm EAT, virtual IEF event
The panelists will present a new approach to non-financial global systems accounting covering the environment (carbon, biodiversity, pollution), human well-being (minimum living standard, food, health) and social accounting (work and service, knowledge and education, and spiritual capital)
Panelists:
- Arthur Dahl (Switzerland)
- Rebecca Teclemariam Mesbah (Bosnia-Herzegovina)
- Sara DeHoff (USA)
- Nan Chen (Germany)
- Moderator: Laurent Mesbah (Bosnia-Herzegovina)
4 June 2022
Empowering Local Sustainable Communities | 19:00-20:00 CEST / 1pm EDT / 8pm-9pm EAT, virtual IEF event
The panelists will discuss how local sustainable communities can be empowered with a culture of learning, adapting science for everyone, reading the local reality, and consulting to achieve resilience, regeneration, climate mitigation and adaptation, with panelists presenting case studies from around the world.
5 June 2022
Mindfulness for Earth Virtual Research Symposium | 11.30am - 2pm CEST / 3pm - 9pm IST
Reflecting, connecting and accelerating urgent action for our Mother Earth by understanding the role of mindfulness in addressing connections between the mind's habituations or the 'inner climate' and the 'outer climate' in protecting our Mother Earth from its multiple devastations.
Outdoor World Meditation | from 1pm CEST
Brahma Kumaris & Läkarmissionen in celebration of World Environment Day 2022: Nourish both your mind, body and the planet with peaceful thoughts in meditation and yoga at 13:00 CET outdoors. Both beginners and experienced practitioners can participate. It will be followed by a picknick at 14:00 CET.
More information | Venue: Gärdet, Hakberget; which is the park next to the roundabout; Valhallavägen and Lindarängvägen
Intergenerational Perspectives on Visions for the Future | 14:00-15:30 CEST / 8am EDT / 3pm- 4.30pm EAT, virtual IEF event
This event will bring together a participant from the original 1972 Conference reflecting on his aspirations at that time and what we have learned since, alongside youth expressing their hopes and vision for the future and articulating their ongoing efforts to lay a foundation for that future locally and globally.
