UN, Environment& Faith Organization to host Climate Emergency Conference.

.BY SAMUEL NABWIISO

United  Nations Environment Program( UNEP)  is to host a two days International UN Environment’s Faith for Earth Initiative conference as part of the commemoration of the fourth Anniversary of the  Laudato Si', the second encyclical of Pope Francis, specifically on the environment.

The conference is being organized by UN Environment’s Faith for Earth Initiative—along with partners including the Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa, the World Wildlife Fund, and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and it will take place at the UN Environment Head offices in Nairobi Kenya.

The 15-16July conference will focus on climate emergency and ecosystems restoration to spur governments and young people to heed the calls of many indigenous peoples for better global stewardship of the environment.

Cardinal Peter Turkson  will be the main speaker at the Conference 

On many occasions the Catholic Church headed by   Pope Francis has already warned about the dangers of global heating. Thus the only way to combat it is through the collaboration between the faith based organizations like the Catholic Church working closely with Environment Organizations   like UN Environment to come up with solution to mitigate climate change.

Commenting on the upcoming Conference, Charles McNeill, Senior Policy Advisor on Forests and Climate, UN Environment says youth are key in combating climate change but on many occasions have been left out to participate in decision making that is why the organization has brought them on board as strong shareholders in the fight against climate change.

“Youth will be the foundation of any faith-based movement to end tropical deforestation, and we welcome this conference as an opportunity to deepen and expand commitment across faiths and sectors. “He said in Press statement.

 The Faith for Earth Initiative is also working with faith-based investment institutions to help them make the switch from carbon-based investments towards more sustainable energy and other investments. Speakers at the conference will be led by Cardinal Peter Turkson  a Ghanaian  who will provide a scientific perspective on the current state of the world and stress the importance of youth engagement.

According to the statement, the conference will address urgent needs and opportunities in Africa and showcase best practices across the continent and the role of youth leadership and innovation.

Commenting on the perspective on the catholic youth the Executive Director of the Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa Allen Attaro says  “Africa’s youth feel the urgent responsibility to ensure their communities, countries and the continent act as frontrunners for a safe, sustainable and productive future for them and for future generations,”