Pax Romana dialogues at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Addressing climate change is not a race nor a competition to see who can achieve results faster nor set the record of being the first individual or group or country or institution. It is communal. Climate change is a systemic issue whose effectiveness is intimately linked to the performance of democratically sovereign institutions. To continue amplifying the voices of young people, IMCS Pax Romana together with Soka Gakkai International – SGI -UK, Catholic Youth Network for Environmental, Susttainability in Africa – CYNESA, Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University – BKWSU, Lutheran World Federation – LWF, World Resource Institute – WRI, United Religions Initiative – URI organized the first Global Interfaith Youth Action on Climate Action side event at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh on November 15, 2022

Victor Ayertey, Secretary-General of Pax Romana moderated and shared some highlights the contributions of young people, especially from the global south, towards climate action from diverse faith traditions. Pax Romana is addressing the climate change crisis through the Continued Learning ann Action Program (CLAP), Laudato Si’ Commission actions, National Movements country-specific action projects. A message from a youth during the Interfaith dialogue reads “If your house is burning, you don’t plan how to put out the fire. You just put out the fire. We are in an urgent situation that requires action. We know that climate change is real. The science is there, the reality is there for us to see with our own eyes, the lived experience is there. We need action”

As part of the Catholic Actors present at #COP27 and having met with the Holy See delegation, we presented the following key calls and recommendations in our appeal to for more immediate, inclusive, and impactful climate actions at COP27 and beyond to take care of our Common Home (Laudato Si’):

1. The establishment of loss and damage (L&D) finance as a true pillar for climate action must be formalized during the Sharm El Sheikh negotiations. 
2. The just transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy needs to be enacted without delay. 
3. Current climate financing for co-beneficial, community-based, and ecosystem-based approaches must be enhanced to reduce related risks and vulnerabilities.
4. Existing mechanisms and spaces for meaningful inclusive participation in climate policymaking must be enhanced at the global and national levels.