As a member of the Interfaith Liaison Committee (ILC), Dominicans for Justice and Peace co-sponsored and co-organised the Talanoa Dialogue on 30 November. More than 150 faith-rooted representatives participated both online and in person as a prelude to the COP28.
The Interfaith Talanoa Dialogue served as a catalyst, strengthening faith-based partnerships and coordinating advocacy efforts at COP28. The event highlighted the great unity that exists between different faiths and spiritual traditions in caring for our Planet.
During the introductory panel discussion, participants shared urgency to act against technology-driven solutions, short-termism, and economic models that do not prioritise the well-being of communities and ecosystems.
A new narrative is needed – one that put our moral obligation at the centre of actions. It is crucial to ensure the protection of the most vulnerable, while compelling those who benefitted from outdated economic and social business models to act responsibly. The new narrative should draw inspiration from the principles advocated by various faiths, emphasising our shared responsibility to care for and protect our neighbours and environment.
The panel was followed by group discussions covering various climate-related topics, which then culminated in the formulation of an Interfaith Talanoa Call. This declaration was shared with the UNFCCC Presidency on Friday, 15th of December.
The Call covered nine themes, presenting key recommendations to the international community ahead of COP28 negotiations.
Watch the summary video:
Photos credit: LWF/Albin Hillert