During this time of climate emergency, the URI network is partnering with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to make a change.
Faith Leaders and Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) are pivotal in attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) because of their ability to provide immediate, on-the-ground care and support to people. They can engender the trust of their communities and inspire action that brings social change and transformation to villages and cities around the globe.
Within this context, URI is partnering with the Faith for Earth Initiative (a UNEP initiative) and other local entities to build the capacities and network of Faith Leaders and community members to respond quickly and effectively to the climate crisis.
On April 8 and 9, the Faith for Earth Councillor Online Convening & Training Workshop is commencing in Delhi, India, where there is a growing awareness in India of biodiversity loss and grave concerns regarding water, soil integrity, and the roles humans play in reversing global warming. The Faith for Earth Initiative project will also take place in Bosnia and Lebanon later this year. The four-month project started in February 2021 and is currently on its third phase, Convening & Training.
The April 8 and 9 event features Faith Leaders and expert voices from around the world, including:
Dr. Iyad Abu Moghli
Founder and director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Faith for Earth Initiative
H.H Pujya Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudevji
Founder, Isha Foundation
H.H Pujya Radhanath Swami ji
Spiritual Teacher, Isckon-Eco Village
H.H Pujya Swami Chidananad Saraswatiji
President, Parmarth Niketan, Chair Global Interfaith Wash Alliance
Kamlesh D. Patel, Daaji
Founder and first President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission
Swamini Adityananda Saraswati
URI Interim Executive Director
Atul Bagai
Head of the UN Environment Programme's India Office
Gayatri Raghwa
UN Environment Education Consultant, FBO Coordinator for UNEP India
Bhavya Srivastava
Head of Religion World
Chantal Elkin
Head of the Beliefs & Values Programme at WWF, Society for Conservation Biology
and President, Religion & Conservation Biology Working Group
Pinaki Das Gupta
Secretary, Shristi
Swami Sachchidanand Acharya
Bishnoi Samaj
Dr. A.K Merchant
National Trustee & Secretary, Temple of Understanding India Foundation & National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of India
Ravneet Singh
Project Manager (South Asia), EcoSikh
Shri Lokesh Kumar Sharma
Founder, Aham Brahmasmi
Gayatri Raghwa
UN Environment Education Consultant, FBO Coordinator UNEP India
Rev. Merin Mathew
Delhi Diocese, Faculty, Dharma, Jyoti Vidya Peeth
Basit Jamal
Founder Brotherhood of Humanity
Dr. Barbara Maas
Secretary for Environment and Conservation, International Buddhist Confederation
Prof. Pankaj Jain
Professor and Head, Indic Studies Initiative, FLAME University
Subhi Dhupar
Regional Coordinator for URI Afghanistan and India, North Zone
Rev. Lauren Van Ham
URI Climate Action Coordinator
Trainers and Facilitators for the Faith for Earth Councillor Online Convening & Training Workshop include:
Gayatri Raghwa
UN Environment Education Consultant, FBO Coordinator UNEP India
Bhawana Luthra
Executive Director LEAD (Leadership for Environment and Development) International
Bhavya Srivastava
Head, Religion World
Rev. Lauren Van Ham
URI Climate Action Coordinator
Subhi Dhupar
Regional Coordinator for URI Afghanistan and India, North Zone
