Amplifying the Call for the Global South Catholic Bishops’ Conferences to COP30 and Beyond
In preparation for COP30, CIDSE, Franciscans International, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Commission of the Union of Superiors General (USG), the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), VIVAT International, and Jesuit for Climate Justice are convening a pivotal conference titled “Amplifying the Call: Global South Catholic Bishops’ Conferences to COP30 and Beyond.”
This gathering will serve as a platform to articulate a shared moral vision, strengthen collective witness, and ensure that the ethical voice of the Church shapes the global climate agenda with courage, justice, and hope.
When? 6 October at 14.00 CEST.
Were? In Rome and online.
Register here.
Objective:
The event aims to unite and amplify two prophetic initiatives in the lead-up to COP30: the collective call of the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of the Global South and the global campaign of Religious Life for Climate Justice. Together, these voices represent a powerful moral force advocating for transformative climate action rooted in faith, justice, and solidarity.
We pledge our support to the demands of Global South Catholics, centered on three pillars:
- Equity: Wealthy nations must honor their ecological debt by providing fair and accessible climate finance—without deepening the financial burdens of the Global South—to address loss and damage across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Oceania.
- Justice: A just transition requires economic degrowth, a complete phase-out of fossil fuels, a halt to new extractive infrastructure, and robust taxation of those who have profited from environmental harm. Governance must be reimagined to center and empower communities most affected by climate and ecological crises.
- Protection: Indigenous peoples, fragile ecosystems, and impoverished communities must be safeguarded. This includes recognizing the heightened vulnerability of women, girls, and future generations, and addressing climate-induced migration as a matter of justice and human rights.
By weaving these complementary voices together, the event seeks to foster deep solidarity, articulate shared moral imperatives, and strengthen the Church’s collective witness. It aims to ensure that the lived realities of vulnerable communities, the ethical vision of faith, and the urgent call for ecological conversion shape the global climate agenda—bringing hope, justice, and courage to COP30 and beyond.
Opening Remark:
Welcoming Remarks:
Sr. Maamalifar M. Poreku MSOLA, Executive Secretary of UISG
Opening Remarks:
Sr. Miriam Altenhofen, SSpS, Co-president the JPIC Commission (UISG)
Moderator:
Br. Rodrigo Peret, OFM,Franciscans International
Panelists:
Cardinal Jaime Spengler, OFM, President of CELAM
Bishop Emeritus Allwyn D’Silva, Chairperson of FABC Climate Change Desk
Bishop Ricardo Hoepers, Secretary General of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CBBB)
Mr. Bernd Nilles, President of CIDSE and Director of Fastenaktion
Ms. Musamba Mubanga, Senior Advocacy Officer at Caritas Internationalis
Closing Remarks:
Fr. Roy Thomas SBD, Executive Secretary of USG
Contact: Budi Tjahjono, International Advocacy Director at Franciscans International, b.tjahjono(at)franciscansinternational.org