Changing the Future FAITH FOR EARTH DIALOGUE - 21 February - 4 March 2022 - Indico
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The United Nations Environment Assembly - UNEA 5.2
FAITH FOR EARTH DIALOGUE
Changing the Future
21 February – 4 March 2022
https://www.unep.org/events/unep-event/faith-earth-dialogue-unea-52
FOREWORD
Brothers and Sisters,
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the Faith for Earth Dialogue being held as
part of the United Nations Environment Assembly 5.2 with the theme
“Strengthening Actions for Achieving the SDGs”.
A moment in history is being created today to see hundreds of faith actors,
academia, scientists, private sector, and other stakeholders coming together from
around the world to celebrate the creation of the Divine. We are far from being
content with the state of the environment. What we have is a moral and spiritual
Dr. Iyad Abumoghli, Founder and Director of the Faith for Earth
duty that also dictates on us to protect the gifts of the Divine.
Initiative, has more than 35 years of experience with
international organizations, the private sector, and scientific
Fifty years ago, the world woke up for the necessity that we need a new
institutions. Dr. Abumoghli’s expertise focus on strategic
development paradigm that integrate the environment as an essential component
planning, sustainable development, natural resources
in our economic and social wellbeing.
management, interfaith collaboration and knowledge and
Fifty years from now, our children and grandchildren will judge us on the state we
innovation. Dr. Abumoghli is currently the Lead Principal Advisor
left their only home. Today, either we leave a legacy that is based on our values,
on Engaging with Faith-Based Organizations at UNEP.
spiritual beliefs and ethics or we leave an inheritance that is governed by greed,
Previously Dr. Abumoghli held several leading positions including
selfishness, and materialism. Do we live with egoism, or we live with eco-ism? The
the Regional Director and Representative of UNEP in West Asia,
call is ours and the answer is now.
Director of Knowledge and Innovation at UNDP’s Regional Office
Looking forward to welcoming you all in these exciting and interesting sessions,
for the Arab states, Senior Environment Advisor at UNDP’s Sub-
being led by you for you.
Regional Resource Facility in Beirut, Global Practice Manager for
the Energy and Environment Group in New York, Assistant
Resident Representative of UNDP in Jordan. Dr. Abumoghli holds
a doctorate degree in Bio-Chemical Engineering from the
University of Bath/UK, and an outstanding graduate of the
Iyad Abumoghli
Virtual Development Academy - Johns University.
Director – Faith for Earth
TABLE OF CONTENT
21 February 2022 28 February 2022
Faith Communities Enabling Inclusive & Equitable Cities Strengthening Linkages Between Faith Communities and Nature-Based Solutions
Official Launch of the Faith for Earth Dialogue What the World Expects from FBOs and What We Should Do
Launch of Online Courses 1 March 2022
Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth
Faith for Earth: A Call for Action
Local Challenges, Local Solutions: Faith Groups for Climate Action
22 February 2022
The Role of Accredited Faith-based Organisation Religions in Action for the Protection and Restoration of Forests: Lessons from
the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative inBrazil, Colombia, DRC and Peru
Grassroots Interfaith Action for Climate Justice
2 March 2022
23 February 2022 Mindfulness, Faith and Sustainability
Working Group on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration
The Power of Faith Partnerships to Safeguard Nature: PaRD a Case in Point
24 February 2022
Faith for Earth Youth Coalition: UK Youth Council Faith and Food: Nature Positive Solutions for a Flourishing World
Freedom of Religion & Belief: Climate Action 3 March 2022
Faith in Action: Only One Earth
The Innovation Expo
Faith - the Solution to Pollution?
25 February 2022
Faith for Earth Coalition: Religion-Science Consortium 4 March 2022
Youth Council: A Forum for Environmental Action
Faith, Values & Ethics in Environmental Governance
Faith for Stockholm +50
Official Launch of the Faith for Earth Dialogue- 21 February 2022; 2pm-3.30 East African Time (GMT+03:00)
Inger Andersen – UN Under H. E. Dr. Hans Brattskar - Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Prof. Dr. Azza Karam - H. H. Sadhguru - A Yogi,
Secretary General and Special Envoy at the Ministry Turkson - Prefect Emeritus of Secretary Mystic & Visionary
Executive Director of UNEP of Climate and Environment the Dicastery for Promoting General of Religions for - Founder of Isha Foundationy
of Norway representing H. E. Integral Human Development, Peace
the Minister of Climate and Archbishop emeritus of Cape
Environment – President of Coast.
UNEA
Rabbi David Rosen - Don de Silva - Buddhist
Archbishop Prof. Dr. Thomas Chaplain, Goldsmiths, Dr. Husna Ahmad - Executive
American Jewish Committee,
Schirrmacher Stephen Avino - University of London and Director of Global One 2015
International Director of
- Secretary General of the Executive Director of the ex-director at UNEP
Interreligious Affairs
World Evangelical Alliance Parliament of World's Religions
Faith Communities Enabling Inclusive & Equitable Cities - 21 February 2022; 10am-11.30am East African Time (GMT+03:00)
Dr. Chris Elisara Dr. Iyad Abumoghli Andre Dzikus Priestess Beatriz Schulthess
In 2012 Dr. Chris Elisara founded the World Dr. Iyad Abumoghli, Founder and Director of the Andre Dzikus is the Chief of the Urban Basic Priestess Schulthess has 30 years of expertise in
Evangelical Alliance’s environmental as the Faith for Earth Initiative, has more than 35 years of Services Section at the United Nations Human multilateral diplomacy on behalf of Indigenous
director of the WEA Creation Care Task Force. experience with international organizations, the Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). Previously Peoples, Women and Environment and
In 2019 he co-founded the WEA Sustainability private sector, and scientific institutions. Dr. he was the Coordinator of the Urban Basic Development organisations. Priestess Schulthess
Center, in Bonn, Germany, which he currently Abumoghli’s expertise focus on strategic planning, Services Branch (UBSB) and the Acting currently serves as the President for the
co-leads. In this role Dr. Elisara represents sustainable development, natural resources Coordinator of the Risk Reduction and Indigenous People Ancestral Spiritual Council in
evangelicals at the United Nations and other management, interfaith collaboration and Rehabilitation Branch. Urban basic services at UN Costa Rica. She has previously served as a
international bodies on a wide range of knowledge and innovation. Dr. Abumoghli is Habitat covers its work on water and sanitation, consultant in preparation for and in negotiations of
environmental issues including food systems, currently the Lead Principal Advisor on Engaging energy, transport, solid waste, ICT. This work the United Nations Conference on Environment
climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable with Faith-Based Organizations at UNEP. covers all three pillars of the UN: humanitarian and Development, also known as the ‘Earth
urbanism. Previously Dr. Abumoghli held several leading response, peace and security and development. Summit,’ and was subsequently engaged in the
A champion of urban design and placemaking, positions including the Regional Director and monitoring and follow up of the Climate Change
Dr. Elisara leads the Placemaking Studio for the Representative of UNEP in West Asia, Director of Andre Dzikus has been with UN-Habitat for more and Rio + 20 negotiation processes. She founded
Ormond Center at Duke Divinity School. Dr. Knowledge and Innovation at UNDP’s Regional than 30 years and managed large projects and and co-founded various organisations, notably the
Elisara’s urban work includes being a long term Office for the Arab states, Senior Environment programmes in Africa, Asia and Latin America. He Indigenous Peoples Ancestral Spiritual Council. In
member, and former board member from 2014- Advisor at UNDP’s Sub-Regional Resource Facility was instrumental in setting up the Water and addition, she was the Executive Director of the
2018, of the Congress for the New Urbanism in Beirut, Global Practice Manager for the Energy Sanitation Trust Fund (WSTF) to address the International Indigenous Commission from 1989 to
(CNU); co-founder of the CNU Members and Environment Group in New York, Assistant MDGs, which was converted into an Urban Basic 1992.Priestess Schulthess was instrumental in
Christian Caucus; co-founder of the Better Resident Representative of UNDP in Jordan. Dr. Services Trust Fund in response to the adoption of negotiations which led to the Proclamation of the
Cities Film Festival and UN-Habitat Better Abumoghli holds a doctorate degree in Bio- the Agenda 2030 by member states. Andre holds a International Year of the World’s Indigenous
Cities Film Festival; international work through Chemical Engineering from the University of degree in Urban Geography, with specialization in Peoples, 1993, as well as in the drafting of the
UN-Habitat’s World Urban Campaign (WUC). Bath/UK, and an outstanding graduate of the urban and regional planning in developing Universal Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous
Virtual Development Academy - Johns University. countries. Peoples.
Faith Communities Enabling Inclusive & Equitable Cities - 21 February 2022; 10am-11.30am East African Time (GMT+03:00)
Dr. Josh Yates Bhuvana Santhanam Khushwant Singh Kamran Shezad
Dr. Josh Yates is the Executive Director of Ormond Bhuvana has close to 24 years of experience in Khushwant Singh is the Head of Secretariat of Kamran Shezad is the Director for the Islamic
Center for Thriving Congregations and Brand Marketing and Strategy, PaRD – the International Partnership on Religion Foundation for Ecology and Environmental
Communities at Duke Divinity School, Senior Communications, Sustainability and Corporate and Sustainable Development. PaRD has around Sciences (IFEES/EcoIslam), he is also the
Fellow at the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke Social Responsibility (CSR). She was the Head 150 members and convenes governments, Sustainability Lead for the Bahu Trust and the
University, and Founder and CEO of Thriving Cities of Corporate Communications and CSR at a six multilateral entities, civil society, especially Climate Change Advisor to the Mosques & Imams
Group, an independent NGO dedicated to billion USD retail and hospitality conglomerate religious actors, and academia in a safe space National Advisory Board, UK (MINAB). A qualified
equipping cross-sector leaders to work for the in Dubai, before she moved back to India in providing continuity for dialogue, learning, and environmental specialist with practical field and
flourishing of their local communities and regions. December 2012, after more than 15 years in collaboration to better inform policy and practices managerial experience in the sustainable
He also currently serves on UN-Habitat's "SDG the Gulf. She joined as the National Director for in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals development sector.
Cities Taskforce." one of India’s leading Image Management (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda.
firms, consulting and advising corporate boards He is a strong advocate of using faith-based
As a cultural sociologist and experienced social of national and international brands. In 2015, Singh studied education and social anthropology. approach in promoting the message of
practitioner, Dr. Yates weaves together two Bhuvana quit her lucrative and high-profile He has been working in the field of international environment and guiding behavioural change.
decades of academic research, community corporate career and decided to follow her development cooperation since 2006 having begun Kamran is a grassroots environmental activist, he
development experience, and social impact calling, by joining the service mission of Indian his career with GIZ, the German Agency for has worked with a diverse range of faith groups
expertise in an on-going quest to understand what philanthropist and humanitarian, Sai Baba, International Cooperation. He is a founding and has produced toolkits, practical guides, and
it means and takes to work for the human dignity which brings respite to thousands of member of the Council of the Sikh Religion and the mobilised communities for climate action. Kamran
of all people in today's changing community underprivileged and needy children through Interreligious Council of Religions Frankfurt and holds a master’s degree in Environmental
contexts. Prior to coming to Duke Divinity, Dr. free healthcare, education, and nutrition across served as its president from 2014 to 2017. Singh Sustainability (Strategy & Management), he has
Yates was Research Assistant Professor of 30 countries. She is a speaker and presenter of publishes articles on the interlinkages of spiritual been awarded ‘Chartered Environmentalist’ status
Sociology at the University of Virginia and former hundreds of successful events, conferences and wisdom, ethics, behavioural change, sustainability, by the Society for the Environment and is a full
Director of UVA's Institute for Advanced Studies in presentations, and a published author. and the global challenges facing humanity. member of the Institute for Environmental
Culture. Management and Assessment.
Launch of Online Courses - 21 February 2022; 4pm-5.30 East African Time (GMT+03:00)
Mary Evelyn Tucker Armen Rostomyan Gayatri Raghwa Euan McCartney
Mary Evelyn Tucker teaches at Yale University Armen Rostomyan is the Senior Programme Gayatri Raghwa joined UNEP in early 2019 as Euan McCartney worked as an Associate
at the School of the Environment and the Manager for the KAICIID Dialogue Knowledge Hub UNEP’s sole environmental education consultant Programme Management Officer at UNEP’s Faith
Divinity School. She is co-director with John (DKH) as well as the KAICIID Online Course based in India. She launched the Tide Turners for Earth Initiative from January 2021 until
Grim of the Yale Forum on Religion and Coordinator. He is responsible for development, Challenge in India and focuses on higher education February 2022, following on from an internship.
Ecology. They co- organized 10 conferences on management, and implementation of the DKH work. As of mid-2021 Gayatri is in the process of Euan holds a BA in Anthropology and International
World Religions and Ecology at Harvard and portfolio of E-learning and training programmes, setting up the India Green University Network. She Development from the University of Sussex as well
were series editors for the 10 resulting volumes online resources and thematic webinars. has ensured the dissemination of Earth School as an MSC in International Development Studies
Harvard volumes. She also co-edited (where India is second to the USA in terms of from the University of Amsterdam.
Confucianism and Ecology, Buddhism and He has over 20 years of experience working as a participation), and supported UNEP initiatives such
Ecology, and Hinduism and Ecology. Moreover, programme manager, lead-trainer and online as the Little Book of Green Nudges and the Race to Alongside his colleagues at Faith for Earth, Euan
she has authored (with John Grim) Ecology and courses content moderator/coordinator in various Zero. was in charge of producing the 8 modules in the
Religion (Island Press, 2014), and co-edited the UN Agencies and international organizations such online learning course “Faith, Environment and
Routledge Handbook of Religion and Ecology as: United Nations Office for Disaster Risk A teacher by training, with 22 years of experience Climate Change”. He hopes these online courses,
(2017) with Willis Jenkins. They also have Reduction (UNISDR), United Nations Development at college and school levels in India, Gayatri also and the other excellent modules produced by
created six online courses in Religions and Program (UNDP), World Bank (WB), Habitat for spent 15 years raising the profile of environmental KAICIID’s and its partners, will help drive greater
Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community. Humanity International, Aga Khan Foundation education in the UAE. She advises several and more effective faith engagement with the
Mary Evelyn won the Inspiring Yale Teaching (AKF-AKDN), and Amnesty International international organizations and is honorary SDGs and contribute to overcoming the
Award in 2015 and has been awarded 5 Secretariat in UK, being responsible for Executive Director at Wildecologue, an environmental challenges we face.
honorary degrees. With John Grim, she received development, management and implementation of organization committed to providing real life
a Lifetime Achievement Award from the various humanitarian and sustainable sustainability experiences to youth and other
International Society for the Study of Religion, development programmes in 26 countries of target audiences.
Nature, and Culture. Europe, Asia, and Africa regions.Faith for Earth: A Call for Action - 21 February 2022; 5:30pm-7 pm East African Time (GMT+03:00)
Mary Evelyn Tucker Kusumita P. Pedersen David Hales Imam Saffet Abid Catovic
Mary Evelyn Tucker teaches at Yale University Kusumita P. Pedersen is Professor Emerita of David Hales served as President of the Imam Saffet Abid Catovic has his MBA and has been a
at the School of the Environment and the Religious Studies at St. Francis College, a Trustee of College of the Atlantic, Chair and President of long-time US Muslim Community Organizer/Activist and
Divinity School. She is co-director with John the Parliament of the World's Religions and Chair Second Nature, the managing organization of Environmental Leader. He is the new Co-Chair of the
Grim of the Yale Forum on Religion and of the Interfaith Center of New York. the American College and University Parliament of the World's Religions Climate Action Task
Ecology. They co- organized 10 conferences on Presidents Climate Commitment, and as Force and serves on the Parliament's, Board of Trustees,
World Religions and Ecology at Harvard and She is also a member of the Parliament's Climate Director of the Michigan Department of and has recently been re-elected as Treasurer. He is
were series editors for the 10 resulting volumes Action Task Force and of the Climate Working Natural Resources. He led environmental also a member of the Statewide Clergy Council of Faith
Harvard volumes. She also co-edited Group of the Committee of Religious NGOs at the policy and sustainability programs for the US in New Jersey, a Faith in Action affiliate, and also serves
Confucianism and Ecology, Buddhism and United Nations. She is co-author of Faith for Earth: Agency for International Development. As a on their Board of Directors. Saffet is a GreenFaith
Ecology, and Hinduism and Ecology. Moreover, A Call for Action (UN Environment Programme and diplomat, he has represented the USA in Muslim Fellow and serves as their Senior Muslim
she has authored (with John Grim) Ecology and Parliament of the World’s Religions, 2020) and co- numerous negotiations on climate change, advisor.
Religion (Island Press, 2014), and co-edited the author of Global Ethics in Practice: Historical urban affairs and policy, and biodiversity. He
Routledge Handbook of Religion and Ecology Backgrounds, Current Issues and Future Prospects served in the Carter administration as Deputy He is a Co-drafter of the Fiqh Council of North America
(2017) with Willis Jenkins. They also have (Edinburgh University Press, 2016). Assistant Secretary of the Interior. He was (FCNA) "Fatwa" Religious ruling on fossil fuel
created six online courses in Religions and the first American to serve as Chair of the divestment and member of the scholars Drafting team
Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community. She has compiled and edited librettos for two World Heritage Convention. of "Al-Mizan - Covenant for the Earth" organized under
works by Philip Glass: Symphony No. 5: Bardo, the auspices of the United Nations Environmental
Mary Evelyn won the Inspiring Yale Teaching Requiem and Nirmāṇakāya (1999) and The Passion Program (UNEP) - Faiths for Earth and the Islamic
Award in 2015 and has been awarded 5 of Ramakrishna (2006). Kusumita has been a World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
honorary degrees. With John Grim, she student of Sri Chinmoy (1931-2007) since 1971 and (ICESCO). Most recently, Imam Saffet has been
received a Lifetime Achievement Award from is the author of The Philosophy of Sri Chinmoy: appointed to head ISNA's Office for Interfaith and
the International Society for the Study of Love and Transformation (Lexington Books, 2021). Community Alliances and Government relations in
Religion, Nature, and Culture. Washington, DC.Faith for Earth: A Call for Action - 21 February 2022; 5:30pm-7 pm East African Time (GMT+03:00)
Rev. Dr. Michael Reid Trice Dr. Laurel Kearns Ursula Goodenough Tatiana Brailovskaya
Rev. Dr. Michael Reid Trice is Spehar-Halligan Dr. Laurel Kearns co-founded the Green Seminary Ursula Goodenough is Professor of Biology Tatiana Brailovskaya works as an author,
Professor and Director of the Center for Initiative, and is Professor of Ecology, Society and Emerita at Washington University with a science journalist, and editor. The focus of
Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement at Religion at Drew Theological School in New Jersey, Ph.D. from Harvard in 1969; she has been her professional writing is on biodiversity
Seattle University. Trice is also the founder of USA where she has taught since 1994. During this living by the ocean on Martha’s Vineyard since and conservation biology, marine
Religica, a popular virtual and multimedia time, she has helped eco-justice to become rooted 2017. Her research has focused on the wilderness protection, and sustainable
platform that highlights religious traditions, in the Drew curriculum so that there is now a molecular, cellular, and evolutionary biology of natural resources management.
spiritual pathways, and indigenous wisdom required course: Global Faiths and the Earth. unicellular algae. Her first IRAS conference
as virtues of public life. The Religica Theolab was in 1987. She holds an M.S. in conservation biology
Podcast collaborates with national and global Her research is focused on religious involvement in and natural resources policy from The
partners for a growing distribution. ecological issues and movements, with a particular She has served in several IRAS leadership University of Michigan. She has published in
interest in environmental justice, climate change, positions and co-chaired 6 conferences. Her the peer-reviewed journal Conservation
Trice’s book Encountering Cruelty (2009) won and food. In addition to EcoSpirit: Religions and interest in the religious naturalist orientation Biology and has developed communications
the humanities award at Loyola University. He Philosophies for the Earth, she has contributed was birthed at IRAS and lead to a book (The programs and written extensively for
is currently co-editing a forthcoming text chapters to volumes such as, The Oxford Sacred Depths of Nature) and many articles in numerous state and federal environmental
Injury, Repair and Gratitude in a Pandemic Handbook on Climate Change and Society, Zygon. She participated in the founding of the agencies, research institutions, and
Age. He participates in the PWR-Vatican Grassroots to Global: Broader Impacts of Civic Religious Naturalist Association (RNA) in environmental organizations.
Ecology Writing Group, was a fellow at both Ecology, Quakers, Creation Care, and 2014 and currently serves as its president.
the American Association for the Sustainability, Living Cosmology: Christian She has 5 children and 8 grandchildren. She is a member of the Climate Action Task
Advancement of Science in Seminaries Responses to the Journey of the Universe and the Force at the Parliament of the World’s
program as well as at the Shalom Hartman Bloomsbury Handbook on Religion and Nature. Her Religions and is the executive editor of Faith
Institute. decades-long involvement in religious for Earth—A Call for Action, published in
environmentalism has roots in the island where October 2020 through a partnership
she was born, Sanibel, Florida. between the Parliament and the United
Nations Environment Programme.The Role of Accreditd Faith-based Organizations - 22 February 2022; 2pm-3.30 East African Time (GMT+03:00)
Aurora Cheung Gorden Simango Rev. Henrik Grape Dr. Husna Ahmad Rev Dr. Rachel Mash Peter Aburi
Aurora joined the Civil Society Unit Gorden serves as Director of the All Senior Advisor on Care for Creation, Dr Husna Ahmad OBE is the CEO of Rev Dr Rachel Mash is the Peter Aburi joined the Baha'i
of UNEP in 2019, mainly working on African Conference of Churches Sustainability, and Climate Justice Global One 2015 and Board Environmental Coordinator for the International Community’s (BIC)
accreditation and youth (AACC), Liaison Office to the at the World Council of Churches; member of Faith for the Climate, Anglican Church of Southern Africa United Nations Office as a
engagement. Before joining UNEP, African & Advocacy. He is and Co-chair of the Interfaith Faith In Water, and Palmers Green (South Africa, lesotho, Namibia, Representative to UNEP, Nairobi in
Aurora worked for UNESCO since passionate about bringing voices Liaison Committee to the UNFCCC Mosque (the MCEC). She is also a Eswatini) and the movement known 2019. His areas of work include
2012, first in Paris, then in Nairobi, from the fringes to power centres to member of the Women’s Faith as Green Anglicans. She is also the climate change and the
focusing on teacher education in influence policy and decision Forum UK; Executive committee secretary of the Anglican environment, social and sustainable
Sub-Saharan Africa. Prior to joining making; and empowering local member of Barnet Faith Forum; and Communion Environmental Network development, and recycling. In
the UN, she was a teacher and an partners in advocacy and policy of the Multi faith Advisory Council and lives in Cape Town 2019, Mr. Aburi worked with a team
examiner in Hong Kong. influencing, through compelling to the UN Inter-agency Task Force of experts and manufacturers to
storytelling, promoting faith and on Religion and Development. launch the Kenya Plastic Action
She received an MA from United societal values; and evidenced- Plan to promote circular economy.
College London, a post-graduate based research to preserve the He holds an MBA from the
diploma and a BA from the integrity of creation and to promote University of Nairobi. He is also a
University of Hong Kong. sustainable peace, human dignity & private sector expert with
justice. experience of working with the East
African Community (EAC) Members
States to enhance regional trade
integration in the East Africa region.
Mr. Aburi was part of BIC
delegation to COP26 in Glasgow,
Scotland.Grassroots Interfaith Action for Climate Justice - 22 February 2022; 4pm-5.30 East African Time (GMT+03:00)
Niklas Hagelberg Beth Roach Meryne Warah
Niklas Hagelberg is a Senior Programme Officer at Beth Roach is a Co-founder of Alliance of Native Meryne Warah is co-facilitator and coordinator of
UN Environment where he is the Coordinator of UN Seedkeepers, an organization that was formed to GreenFaith. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, she has
Environment's subprogramme on Climate Change. keep ancestral seeds alive and to rebuild culture worked with the Pan African Climate Justice
Niklas work includes setting the strategic direction and food security in native communities. Beth has Alliance where she coordinated climate justice
of the subprogramme, programme oversight and an extensive background in grants management, policy advocacy in eight African countries, and
progress review and fundraising. conservation, financial management, and served as Programme Officer for Gender,
organizing. She is also a storyteller for her tribe. Environment and Climate Change for the
Previously Niklas worked as Coordinator for the Beth’s work with Alliance of Native Seedkeepers Interreligious Council of Kenya.
Healthy and Productive Ecosystems aligns with her rural and agricultural roots and
subprogramme. In the Natural Resources Branch enables her to contribute to the resilience that is
at UN Environment, his responsibilities included desperately needed in her region, particularly with
building a project portfolio on forests and regard to native communities’ cultural and food
integrated landscape management. Niklas was security.
also part of the team that established the global
UN-REDD programme and UN-REDD country Since participating in the 2019 cohort WEA and
programmes in Tanzania and Vietnam. Sierra Club’s U.S. Grassroots Accelerator for
Women Environmental Leaders, Beth has joined
Prior to joining UN Environment, Niklas worked the design team for the program. Building off her
with various organizations in the development two years as chairperson for the Virginia
sector including a small NGO, a consultancy Environmental Justice Council, she was also
company and WWF. recently tapped to coordinate a new tribal climate
resilience project for the North Carolina
Commission on Indian Affairs.Grassroots Interfaith Action for Climate Justice - 22 February 2022; 4pm-5.30 East African Time (GMT+03:00)
Rev Dr. Rachel Mash Karina Soemarwoto Dr. Sophie Robé
Rev Dr Rachel Mash is the Environmental I am an independent researcher and investment Sophie co-founder and CEO of FIIND Impact, an
Coordinator for the Anglican Church of consultant specialized in helping institutional asset Amsterdam-based investment advisory boutique
Southern Africa (South Africa, lesotho, owners (e.g. banks, pension funds, and foundation dedicated to impact investing.
Namibia, Eswatini) and the movement known endowments/foundations and faith-based FIIND Impact foundation's mission is to be catalyst
as Green Anglicans. She is also the secretary organizations) allocate their capital towards for change. We want to inspire other investors to
of the Anglican Communion Environmental investments that have a positive social and invest responsibly and to commit to a net positive
Network and lives in Cape Town environmental impact. I have worked on a variety impact on people and planet in line with their
of projects related to institutional impact investing unique set of values. Prior to this, she founded
and have a special interest in Islamic finance. My Phenix Capital, an impact investing intermediary in
most recent work was on the Faith Impact Project. July 2012, and was co-CEO until March 2020.
Prior to working in impact investing, I was a
physicist, working in research related to magnetic The company successfully run seven impact
resonance imaging (MRI) at Leiden University investing summits, convened some among the
Medical Center. I have an academic background in largest asset owners, representing trillions in
(theoretical) physics and Middle Eastern studies assets under management, and inspired numerous
from Leiden University and studied Arabic in Cairo, institutional investors to build impact mandates.
Egypt. In addition, I completed a graduate program Sophie is a former board of the CFA society Prior
in Science-Based Business, focusing on how to to Phenix Capital, Sophie was a Director and Head
translate scientific research into marketable of Hedge fund Sales at Jupiter Asset Management
solutions. in London and a Vice President and Head of
Quantitative Equity Analysis at Commerzbank
Asset Management in Germany.Working Group on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration - 23 February 2022; 4pm-5.30 East African Time (GMT+03:00)
Chantal Elkin Gopal Patel Andrew Schwartz Tom Barasa
20 years of experience in international Gopal D. Patel is a faith-based As director of sustainability and global affairs, Consultant with WWF on faith tree growing, from
conservation related to the protection of environmental activist, campaigner and Andrew Schwartz leads the Center of Earth Ethics' Kenya.
forests and wildlife, with a particular focus consultant. For more than a decade he has programs, such as the 2021 Faith + Food Coalition
on the illegal wildlife trade, and on religion spearheaded the development of Dialogue series, that bring together voices from
around the world to further environmental and
and conservation. Eight years with Asia environmental initiatives engaging religious
climate justice. He has nearly a decade of
programmes at Conservation International, communities and leaders in India, East
experience working with community leaders and
with director level expertise in programme Africa, Europe and North America. He is Co-
government officials to create multilateral
management, fundraising and donor Founder and Director of Bhumi Global, a coalitions and support environmental movements.
relations, and working with interdisciplinary non-profit organization that works to
global teams. Director of the Wildlife & educate and mobilize Hindu communities Before joining CEE, Andrew worked as interim
Forests Programme with the Alliance of globally for environmental action. He is co- executive director of Bend 2030, a coalition of
Religions and Conservation in the UK for 9 chair of the United Nations Multi-faith diverse stakeholders in Bend, Oregon, co-director
years. Head of new Beliefs & Values Advisory Council and is a member of the of the Micah Challenge USA, an advocacy group
Programme at WWF global network since Advisory Board to the UN Decade on focused on ending extreme poverty, and program
July 2019. Ecosystem Restoration. He also serves on manager of the Climate Reality Project, founded by
the Board for Interfaith Power & Light and is Al Gore to influence national and international
environmental policy on climate change.
an Advisor to the WWF Beliefs and Values
Andrew earned his bachelor’s degree from Pacific
Programme, Born and raised in England, he
Lutheran University and his master’s from Union
currently lives in the New York City Metro
Theological Seminary.
Area.Working Group on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration - 23 February 2022; 4pm-5.30 East African Time (GMT+03:00)
Sonja Ohlsson Laura D’Arcy Sheren Sestra
Sonja Ohlsson is a meditation teacher with the Prison Head of Trillion Trees WWF-UK. Sheren is currently the Manager for Wildlife Programs
and Probation Service in Copenhagen and A joint venture between WWF, WCS and Birdlife at WWF Nepal and based in Kathmandu. He oversees
occasionally gives lectures at The Asian Studies International to support the end of deforestation and the organization’s snow leopard conservation
Department at Copenhagen University. Previously, restore forests to benefit people, nature and climate. projects, aiding in planning and implementation of
she worked as a community nurse for more than 20 research and conservation interventions. With special
years. Born and raised in Sweden, she has been interest in human-wildlife conflict management, he
based at the Brahma Kumaris (BK) centre in enjoys working closely with communities to find
Copenhagen since 1988. solutions for well-being of nature and people. As part
of the holistic snow leopard conservation strategy of
In 2009, Sonja Ohlsson was instrumental in WWF Nepal, Sheren also assists with engagement
developing the Brahma Kumaris Environmental with faith institutions for wider conservation
initiative in order to meet the need for a higher awareness, documentation of traditional knowledge,
environmental awareness within the international BK and adaptation of cultural practices to current
community, and also to add the inner dimension to context, among others.
discussions at the UN Climate Change conferences A post-graduate in Environmental Sciences, Sheren
has been working for wildlife conservation in India
and Nepal since 2006. He believes in the need for
partnerships, and in finding common grounds with
diverse stakeholders, for unified conservation efforts.
His interests include traveling, communication,
photography, and singing-songwriting about
conservation and social issues.Faith for Earth Youth Coalition: UK Youth Council - 24 February 2022; 2pm-3.30 East African Time (GMT+03:00)
Kamran Shezad Saba Yasin Imam Habib Khan Edward Sonin Devena Chouhan
Kamran Shezad is the Director for the Islamic Foundation Saba Yasin is a Politics and An award-winning Imam, Habib Khan Edward Meyer Sonin. Age 19. Youth Youth Co-ordinator at Hindu Climate
for Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IFEES/EcoIslam), International Relations graduate as studied at Jamia Al-Karam and climate activist in the reform Jewish Action
he is also the Sustainability Lead for the Bahu Trust and well as currently a Climate Action Cambridge Muslim College before community. I am passionate about
the Climate Change Advisor to the Mosques & Imams Project Officer at UK based NGO, completing his MSc in Islamic and climate injustice and using cross-faith
National Advisory Board, UK (MINAB). Islamic Help. She works on delivering Middle Eastern Studies at Edinburgh cooperation to create grassroots
A qualified environmental specialist with practical field sustainable projects to empower University. In recognition of his work, solutions in marginalised communities
and managerial experience in the sustainable those in need, while also advocating Imam Habib was the ‘Religious who lack a voice in the mainstream
development sector. He is a strong advocate of using and campaigning for climate justice Advocate of the Year’ at the British discourse. Currently a first year
faith based approach in promoting the message of and using this platform to stand up Muslim Awards 2020, speaker for the Undergraduate Geographer at the
environment and guiding behavioural change. Kamran is for the rights of those who have been ‘Time for Reflection’ and Interfaith University of Cambridge.
a grassroots environmental activist, he has worked with a unfairly impacted by the effects of Summit 2018 at the Scottish
diverse range of faith groups and has produced toolkits, climate change across the globe Parliament and met Her Majesty, the
practical guides and mobilised communities for climate Queen, at Buckingham Palace. He is
action. Kamran holds a Master’s degree in Environmental currently pursuing an MA in
Sustainability (Strategy & Management), he has been International Human Rights Law and
awarded ‘Chartered Environmentalist’ status by the Justice at the American University in
Society for the Environment and is a full member of the Cairo. He is also a Research Advisory
Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment. Board Member for the ‘Understanding
Kamran is also currently serving on the Civil Society & British Imams’ project at Islam UK
Youth Advisory Council to the Presidency of COP26. Centre, Cardiff University.Faith for Earth Youth Coalition: UK Youth Council - 24 February 2022; 2pm-3.30 East African Time (GMT+03:00)
Rachel Mander Amran Mohamed Sanaa Pasha Lucy Plummer Jasmeet Kaur Finn Pierau
Since his MSc thesis on
Rachel was one of the founders of
sustainable consumption from a
YCCN (Young Christian Climate
Buddhist perspective, Finn has
Network) and is their current
been involved in various
Campaigns Lead. She works as
environmental projects. He has
Strategic Development Officer at the
organised intergenerational
conservation charity A Rocha
dialogues with a youth network
International
called "My Faith and the
Environment", where young and
old come together to listen and
learn from each other. Finn has
also worked in a secondary
school and is currently working
in the fashion sector to drive
sustainability transitions.Freedom of Religion & Belief: Climate Action- 24 February 2022; 4pm-5.30 East African Time (GMT+03:00)
John Knox Former - UN Special Dr. Iyad Abumoghli - Director of Catherine Thane - International Archbishop Mark MacDonald
Rapporteur on Human Rights and UNEP 's Faith for Earth Initiative Panel of Parliamentarians for Indigenous Archbishop of the
the Environment FoRB Anglican Church in CanadaThe Innovation Expo- 24 February 2022; 5.30pm-7pm East African Time (GMT+03:00)
Runa Ray Peter Nitschke Brennan Van Dyke Petra Wadström
Runa Ray is a fashion designer and Dr. Peter Nitschke is the Faith Program Chief, Capacity Development and Innovation Born and raised in Sweden, Petra Wadström is
environmentalist who uses fashion to advocate Manager at Plastic Bank. Peter designed and Branch - Science Division of UNEP the founder of Solvatten. This social enterprise
for policy change. She has worked extensively pioneered the program from the beginning with aims to provide people in developing countries
with the sustainable development goals on the vision to enliven faith communities to stop with access to safe and hot water in a
various projects with regards to Climate Action ocean plastic and improve livelihoods. portable, environmentally friendly way.
and with the United Nations. She also is an Peter has a passion for training and
educational member of the IUCN. As an empowering communities, as he wrote his Petra was educated as a biochemical-medical
innovator, Runa Ray's designs encompass doctoral dissertation on grassroots education. research technician at the Karolinska Institute,
Nature-Based Solutions. By keeping the end in Peter has been working with informal recycling and after years of research in Biozentrum,
mind, she has helped revive ancient and communities for the past 10 years, opening the Univerity of Basel, she turned her focus to art.
indigenous techniques that reduce our impact first Plastic Bank branch in the Philippines in
on the earth, and bringing together the fashion 2017. ”Being an artist has helped me hugely to think
industry with science based knowledge. Her outside the box, combining the elements of
partnership with the Prince Albert II foundation Peter has worked in the Philippines since 1997, research and creativity. I believe my passion
2021 helped in conserving marine protected where he supported local communities to set up for innovative sustainable solutions that
areas. grassroots cooperatives facilitating economic change lives for the better has to do with a
development. Peter has vast experience practical mind”.
Sustainable Fashion workshop is a working with non-profits in the Philippines,
collaboration she founded to support the UN managing projects in 12 provinces with a focus
decades for sustainable growth and on developing entrepreneurs. Peter now lives in
development, it involves stakeholders, designers his native Germany.
and end users who create, discuss and
implement innovative solutions related to
mitigating the fashion industry's carbon
footprint.The Innovation Expo- 24 February 2022; 5.30pm-7pm East African Time (GMT+03:00)
Mary Githiomi Suzanne Deering Arianne Neele Katie Wachsberger
Mary is the IAS K team leader, in charge She really thinks the products of Terrea Arianne is the fourth generation of a Katie is the co-founder of DANA
of day to day operations of IAS K Vitae are the new gold! But not in terms Dutch family, since 1962 internationally Accelerator, an Abu Dhabi based
programme. She joined IAS K in the of financial richness or material wealth, active in the agri- and horticulture. She accelerator that supports women-led
capacity of Country Director in 2015. She but as in truly GOLD for the earth. put all the knowledge and experience startups in desert tech, including sectors
is also the Secretary to the Board, the go gained by the members of the family of AgriTech, water solutions, food
between the staff, management and the A healthy earth and healthy living Neele, through decades, in a newly security, waste management, and
Board of Governors. She Chairs the creatures on it start with a healthy soil. developed product. renewable energy through regional
Senior Management Team that runs the She’s passionate about spreading this collaboration, innovation mentorship,
daily operation of the organization. message: that it’s not too late to start With this product we give back to the impact community, and investment.
living in symbiosis with nature and as earth what we took. It restores depleted-
She has over 20 years’ experience in humankind being a cooperating part in and sandy soils. She believes that with She is also a research fellow at Forum for
Relief and Development sphere, and has the whole ecosystem. this product she can give everyone Regional Thinking and a freelancer at
worked in different countries. Mary brings access to a healthy soil, and therefore to Qamar LLC. She holds a BA in Near and
wealth of experience in Management, healthy food and comfortable living Middle Eastern Studies from Columbia
Administration, leadership, programs and circumstances. University.
Human Resource Management.
She is a strong negotiator, focused on
service delivery, and very passionate
about the program she leads. Above all,
she believes that God has a purpose for
every single human being, and hers is to
serve diligently, and with a focus to
deliver the Mission of IAS-KFaith for Earth Coalition: Religion-Science Consortium - 25 February 2022; 4pm-5.30 pm East African Time (GMT+03:00)
Mary Evelyn Tucker Esben Larsen Alberto Palecchi Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter Ursula Goodenough
Mary Evelyn Tucker teaches at Yale Esben serves as the Director for the Alberto is a WRI Europe Program Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter’s teaching, research, KUrsula Goodenough is Professor of
University at the School of the Environment Faith and Sustainability Initiative at Manager. He works on WRI’s Faith and and activist interests are in Black, Womanist, and Biology Emerita at Washington
and the Divinity School. She is co-director WRI. Prior to joining WRI, Esben had Sustainability initiative, supporting Environmental ethics, with a particular focus on University with a Ph.D. from Harvard
with John Grim of the Yale Forum on Religion a political career in the Kingdom of existing and new faith-based projects in race, food, and nonhuman animals. He is the co- in 1969; she has been living by the
and Ecology. They co- organized 10 Denmark as Member of City Council the area of sustainability and enabling creator of Racial Resilience, an anti-racism and ocean on Martha’s Vineyard since
conferences on World Religions and Ecology from 2006-2014, Deputy Mayor from faith-based communities to identify anti-bias program that utilizes the combined 2017. Her research has focused on
at Harvard and were series editors for the 10 2010-2014, Member of the Danish ideas and programs that build capacity insights of contemplative practices and critical race the molecular, cellular, and
resulting volumes Harvard volumes. She Parliament from 2011-2018 and for community-level solutions to theories. His academic publications include The evolutionary biology of unicellular
also co-edited Confucianism and Ecology, Cabinet Minister in Her Majesty the sustainability challenges. Alberto also Spirit of Soul Food (University of Illinois Press, algae. Her first IRAS conference was
Buddhism and Ecology, and Hinduism and Queens Government from 2015- oversees WRI Europe’s activities around November 2021), and “Blood in the Soil: The Racial, in 1987.
Ecology. Moreover, she has authored (with 2018. First as Minister for Higher natural resources, peace and security, Racist, and Religious Dimensions of
John Grim) Ecology and Religion (Island Education and Research and supporting the ‘Water, Peace and Environmentalism” in The Bloomsbury Handbook She has served in several IRAS
Press, 2014), and co-edited the Routledge secondly as Minister for Environment Security partnership’ and coordinating on Religion and Nature (Bloomsbury, 2018). leadership positions and co-chaired 6
Handbook of Religion and Ecology (2017) and Food. outreach activities with relevant conferences. Her interest in the
with Willis Jenkins. They also have created Being a farmer's son, Esben always European actors. The passion that informs all of his work evolves out religious naturalist orientation was
six online courses in Religions and Ecology: had an interest in food, forest and Prior to joining WRI, Alberto worked of his family's struggle to loosen the chains of birthed at IRAS and lead to a book
Restoring the Earth Community. agriculture. Esben holds a Master in with the Technical Centre for systematic racism – similar to bell hooks he (The Sacred Depths of Nature) and
Theology from the University of Agricultural and Rural Cooperation believes that education is the practice of freedom. many articles in Zygon. She
Mary Evelyn won the Inspiring Yale Teaching Copenhagen and a PhD from the (CTA, ACP-EU), an international He believes that at its broadest level, learning participated in the founding of the
Award in 2015 and has been awarded 5 University of Copenhagen about development organization; the should be transformational: it should transform Religious Naturalist Association
honorary degrees. With John Grim, she freedom of speech and freedom of European University Institute (EUI), a how the student views herself, her neighbor, and (RNA) in 2014 and currently serves as
received a Lifetime Achievement Award from religion. research institute and also interned for her worldview. Currently he is an Assistant its president. She has 5 children and 8
the International Society for the Study of a justice institute in The Hague, the Professor of Theology at the University of San grandchildren.
Religion, Nature, and Culture. Italian General Consulate in Miami, and Diego, a Faith in Food Fellow at Farm Forward, and
a human rights NGO in Italy. lead pastor of The Loft in Westwood California.Faith, Values & Ethics in Environmental Governance - 25 February 2022; 4pm-5.30 pm East African Time (GMT+03:00)
Prof. Patricia Kameri-Mbote Prof. Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher Mona Polacca Priestess Beatriz Schulthess
Patricia Kameri-Mbote is the Director of the Archbishop Thomas Schirrmacher (Dr. Mona Polacca is an educator and facilitator Priestess Schulthess has 30 years of expertise in
Law Division, of the United Nations theol., Dr. theol., PhD, DD) is Secretary whose knowledge, empathy and values multilateral diplomacy on behalf of Indigenous
Environment Programme (UNEP). Previously, General of the World Evangelical motivate others to speak and act. She has a Peoples, Women and Environment and
Patricia was Founding Research Director of Alliance, which represents Protestant special interest in older people and youth, Development organisations. Priestess Schulthess
the International Environmental Law churches belonging to 143 National and has led or participated in many effective currently serves as the President for the
Research Centre (IELRC), and was the Evangelical Alliances with altogether initiatives related to Indigenous water issues Indigenous People Ancestral Spiritual Council in
Programme Director for Africa for over 20 600 million members. He is also Co- and culturally appropriate health treatments Costa Rica. She has previously served as a
years. President of Religions for Peace (New for Native Americans. consultant in preparation for and in negotiations
York). He served WEA in different of the United Nations Conference on Environment
Patricia has in-depth knowledge and leadership roles the last two decades, Mona has held posts of responsibility within and Development, also known as the ‘Earth
experience in environmental law acquired at the latest being the Associate Secretary her own community, such as Treasurer for Summit,’ and was subsequently engaged in the
local, national, regional, and international General for Theological Concerns and her tribe (the Colorado River Indian Tribes). monitoring and follow up of the Climate Change
levels. She has consulted for UNEP in the Intrafaith and Interfaith Relations. She earned a masters in social work and has and Rio + 20 negotiation processes. She founded
review of programmes, legal instruments,
over twenty years of practical experience and co-founded various organisations, notably
and the rules of engagement of major He earned four doctorates in ecumenical working, presenting and publishing on the Indigenous Peoples Ancestral Spiritual
groups. She has been engaged in the theology, in cultural anthropology, in health and social issues affecting Native Council. In addition, she was the Executive
Montevideo Environmental Law Programme ethics, and in the sociology of religion American peoples. She is the founder, Director of the International Indigenous
since 2007 and is a member of the and is extraordinary professor of the President/CEO and faculty member of the Commission from 1989 to 1992. Priestess
Governing Board of the International Council sociology of religion at the state Turtle Island Project, a non-profit program Schulthess was instrumental in negotiations
on Environmental Law (ICEL). University of the West in Timisoara dedicated to promoting a vision of wellness which led to the Proclamation of the International
(Romania) and at the University of and providing trans-cultural training to Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, 1993, as
Oxford (Regent’s Park College). individuals, families, and healthcare well as in the drafting of the Universal Declaration
professionals, and she is an active member of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
of the Healing the Border Project of the
Indigenous Alliance Without Borders.Faith, Values & Ethics in Environmental Governance - 25 February 2022; 4pm-5.30 pm East African Time (GMT+03:00)
Daniel Perell Dr. Husna Ahmad Gauranga Das Rabbi Daniel Swartz Kehkashan Basu
Daniel Perell joined the Baha'i Dr. Ahmad is the CEO of Global One 2015. Gauranga Das is a mindful meditation Rabbi Daniel Swartz is the Executive Kehkashan is the Founder-President of
International Community’s United With a PhD in Environmental Law from the expert, strategic character educationist, Director of the Coalition on the global social innovation enterprise Green
Nations Office as a Representative in School of Oriental and African Studies, sustainability and climate change Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL), Hope Foundation, that works at a
2011. His areas of work include climate London University, Dr. Ahmad is the former warrior, and social welfare catalyst which has engaged Jewish organizations grassroots level in 26 countries,
change and the environment, social and Group CEO of Faith Regen Foundation based in Mumbai. and individuals in environmental empowering young people and women,
sustainable development, global which is a multi-faith UK charity. She is advocacy and programs for 25 years as especially those from vulnerable
governance, and disaster risk reduction. currently a Board member of BOND, Faith In Gauranga Das is director of ISKCON’s part of the National Religious Partnership communities, in the sustainable
He is formerly a Global Organizing Water, and Palmers Green Mosque (the Govardhan Ecovillage (GEV), founded by for the Environment (NRPE). He has also development process and she has
Partner of the HLPF NGO Major Group MCEC). She is a member of the UN Task Radhanath Swami. The GEV, worked with Greater Washington spoken at over 300 United Nations and
and Chair of the NGO Committee for Force Faith based Advisory Council. She sits representing India, has won over thirty- Interfaith Power and Light, NRPE, other global fora.
Social Development. on the international advisory board of the six national and international awards, Children’s Environmental Health Network
Commonwealth Initiative for Freedom of including the United Nations World and the Religious Action Center of She is the youngest Trustee of the
Religion and Belief (CiFORB). Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Award Reform Judaism. Parliament of the World's Religions, an
in 2017 for its innovative model of ‘Eco- Action Coalition Leader of UN Women
Dr Ahmad sits on the Steering Committee of Tourism as a Catalyst for Rural Generation Equality Forum's Feminist
The World Bank’s Moral Imperative Development’. Action for Climate Justice, the Co-Chair of
Initiative. She is an author and thought the University of Toronto's SDG Student
leader who has presented many papers Advisory Council, Council Lead of the
internationally focusing particularly on faith Toronto-St. Paul's Constituency Youth
and the environment. She is the Secretary Council, Canada and a member of the
General of the World Muslim Leadership World Humanitarian Forum Youth
Forum and Coordinator for the Alliance of Council.
NGOs and CSOs for South-South
Cooperation.Strengthening Linkages between Faith Communities and Nature-Based Solutions - 28 February 2022; 2pm-3.30 pm East African Time (GMT+03:00)
Tim Christophersen Alvin Chandra Norah Norah Cherotich Ngeny Rabbi Yonatan Neril
Tim Christophersen is the Coordinator of Alvin is a Climate Change Specialist from
Global Adaptation Network, UNEP Rabbi Yonatan Neril founded and directs The Interfaith Center
the ‘Nature for Climate’ Branch at the UN the Pacific Islands with more than 15 years
for Sustainable Development. Raised in California, Yonatan
Environment Programme, and focal point experience with climate change,
completed an M.A. and B.A. from Stanford University with a
for the UN Decade on Ecosystem international development and environment
focus on global environmental issues, and received rabbinical
Restoration 2021-2030. He coordinates management. I completed a doctorate at
ordination in Israel. Yonatan is coauthor of the bestselling book
UNEP’s role within the UN-REDD the University of Queensland. His work
Eco Bible, published by ICSD, which shines new light on how
Programme, a collaborative initiative of interests center on ecosystem-based
the Hebrew Bible and great religious thinkers have urged
the UN Food and Agriculture Organization approaches and socio-political dimensions
human care and stewardship of nature for thousands of years
(FAO), the UN Development Programme of climate change adaptation, climate-
as a central message of spiritual wisdom. He has spoken
(UNDP) and UNEP to reduce deforestation induced loss and damage, the utility of
internationally on religion and the environment, including at the
in developing countries. community-focused interventions, and
UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi, the Fez Climate
climate change policy negotiations. Much of
Conscience Summit and the Parliament of World Religions. He
He previously worked for the Secretariat of my recent work has focused on Southern
co-organized ten interfaith environmental conferences in
the Convention on Biological Diversity Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific
Jerusalem, New York City, Washington D.C., and Atlanta.
(CBD), the International Union for the Islands, in particular Bangladesh, Fiji, PNG,
Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Danish Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Myanmar and
He is the lead author of three books on Jewish environmental
Ministry of the Environment, and the Vietnam. He have experience in supporting
ethics and also co-authored three reports on faith and ecology
European Commission. Tim is a German UN intergovernmental processes under the
courses in theological education.
national and holds a Master’s degree in three Rio Conventions - United Nations
forest engineering and conservation from Framework Convention on Climate Change,
Dresden University of Technology. United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification and United Nations
Convention on Biological Diversity.You can also read
