• Overview
  • Schedule
  • Documents
  • 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"