In 2020 – one of the warmest years on record according to NASA – around 100 emerging leaders came together in Kerala, India, for a three-day summit on climate justice, organized by Father Bovas Mathew ’12. Participants were between the ages of 15 and 25 years old and from the countries of Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The event aimed to draw awareness to, and promote, the protection of nature and fostering of religious harmony among youth, for a more peaceful world. The event activities included meditation sessions on holy scriptures, panel discussions, field trips to natural sites in India, and a poetry writing competition. Participants heard from distinguished keynote speakers, namely: His Eminence Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, member of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, and environmental activist Kehkashan Basu, founder of the Green Hope Foundation and a recipient of the 2016 International Children’s Peace Prize. Father Bovas organized the event alongside Dr. Abraham Karickam, Secretary-General of the United Religions Initiative (URI) Asia.
“It was a golden opportunity to become a part of the ‘Climate Justice’ program. The interactions with the representatives of different countries aroused curiosity and enthusiasm to protect earth for better survival” -Nadiya Thaha, Program participant
- 3 days of lectures, seminars and presentations
- 150+ participants engaged
- 6 countries represented
