Chiangmai Catholic Civic (CCCF) Forum 2025: Uniting for Justice, Peace, and Youth Empowerment
January 16-18, 2025 | International Youth Training Centre (IYTC), Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai, Thailand—The Chiangmai Catholic Civic (CCC) Forum 2025, held from January 16 to 18 at the International Youth Training Center (IYTC) in Chiang Mai, Thailand, brought together youth leaders, faith-based organisations, academics, and civil society representatives from across the region. This gathering created a vibrant space for dialogue, collaboration, and action on some of today’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.
A Platform for Advocacy and Collaboration
The forum was organised by the International Youth Training Center (IYTC)-Laudato Si’ Center, the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) Pax Romana, and Pax Christi Korea (PCK) in partnership with like-minded organisations. It provided a crucial opportunity to reflect on key international events, such as the UN Summit of the Future (SOTF) and the Synod on Synodality, while strengthening the voice of Catholic civil society in global discussions.
The forum, which included in-person and virtual participation, gathered over 30 attendees and promoted conversations on social justice, environmental sustainability, and peacebuilding. A key highlight was developing a Collective Action Plan to enhance collaboration among Catholic organisations worldwide.
Major Initiatives from CCC 2025
1. Pax Jubilee Campaign: A Century of Spirituality in Action
The Pax Jubilee Campaign (PJC) aims to gather one million signatures and real-world commitments to justice, peace, and care for creation. This campaign commemorates the Jubilee Year 2025 and prepares for World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 in Seoul, Korea. It also connects to the Post-Synod on Synodality (2021-2024) and the Post-UN Summit of the Future (SOTF) 2024, answering the call of Pope Francis’ messages to Pax Romana IMCS in 2022 and 2024.
The signatures and commitments will be presented to Pope Francis at WYD 2027 and to the UN Secretary-General at the 3rd SDG Summit in New York (September 2027).
This campaign, organised by Pax Romana IMCS in collaboration with youth organisations worldwide, is a key part of the Pax Romana IMCS Centennial 7-Year Journey (2021-2027).
The campaign advocates for economic, social, and gender equality, climate justice, human rights, peace, and better global governance, reinforcing peace appeals made in Nagasaki, Rome, and Geneva (2024).
The key priorities focus on urgent, bold, and actionable changes, including three proposals from Pope Francis’ World Day of Peace message (January 1, 2025).
2. Catholic Peace Forum: Faith-Based Solutions for a Better World
The Catholic Peace Forum continues to serve as a hub for faith-based advocacy. Discussions at CCC 2025 emphasised three key themes:
Interfaith Dialogue: Strengthening relationships among religious communities to build peace and understanding.
Environmental Action: Mobilizing Catholic organisations to take concrete steps in line with Laudato Si’ to protect the planet.
Youth Leadership in Peacebuilding: Equipping young people with skills in conflict resolution, policy advocacy, and community activism.
A Commitment to Change
The CCC Forum 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to creating strong networks, fostering new partnerships, and amplifying Catholic voices in global decision-making. The launch of the Collective Action Plan marks the beginning of a transformative year dedicated to justice, peace, and sustainability through faith-driven action.
As these initiatives move forward, CCC 2025 stands as a testament to the power of unity and faith in creating a better world. The voices of young leaders and faith communities will continue to drive meaningful change, ensuring a future built on hope, justice, and solidarity.
