Principle 4 of the 1972 Stockholm Declaration speaks of man’s special responsibility to safeguard and wisely manage the heritage of wildlife and it’s habitat. The Declaration resonates with the responsibility and mandate of religion and faith traditions over the environment, calling for “more prudent care for environmental consequences” citing that “ignorance” and “indifference” can cause “massive and irreversible harm to the earthly environment”. The same paragraph 6 goes on to encourage “fuller knowledge and wiser action” to enhance “environmental quality and the creation of a good life”.
In this vein, the global UNEP@50 celebration echoed an appreciation of the central role of civil society engagement and multistakeholder collaboration in advancing environmental protection and governance. Faith-Based Organizations (FBO) have been recognized by the UN system as key and important players in eradicating poverty, improving people’s health, protecting the environment, and thus achieving sustainable development. Around the world, religion and spiritual traditions are main drivers for cultural values, social inclusion, and economic prosperity. Corresponding faith-owned development institutions, healthcare and education facilities, and financial assets are directly responsible for the socio-economic and spiritual advancement of billions of people worldwide.
Environmental protection has not been absent from the focus of faith leaders and faith-based organizations. Religion and faith traditions have a history of positive environmental actions to protect forests, conserve natural spaces, advocate for human and nature rights, and more for a harmonious relationship between people and the planet. The engagement of Faith actors in Stockholm+50 will advance the key role religious leaders play in forming and impacting 85 per cent of the global population who believe in a faith or a religion through the following.
To accelerate progress for sustainable development, faith actors are called upon to share their assessment and evaluation of their immense social and economic power for the benefit of people and the planet. Decades of engagement - an inward journey of compassion, stewardship and harmony – has culminated in enhanced people-driven approaches and actions for nature. Faith, values and ethics are crucial for sustainable development.
The Stockholm+50 coordination team for faith actors
An interfaith working group has been established from 30+ organizations to support FBOs engage effectively in the various activities and consultations related to the international meeting. The Coordination Team has jointly published an interfaith statement calling for “Values and reach - contribution to environmental policy”.
Partner organisations include: SMC -Faith in Development, GGKP / Green Forum, Brahma Kumaris DK, Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), Läkarmissionen (LM International), Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), Humboldt University of Berlin, World Council of Churches (WCC), Global One 2015, Tearfund, World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), International Aid Services Kenya (IAS-Kenya), Center for Earth Ethics, Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL), Pentecostal Mission Development (PMU) Sweden, Islamic Relief, Svenska kyrkan / Act Church of Sweden, Diakonia, FaithInvest / Faith Plans Long-term Programme, Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development (ICSD), Anglican Communion Environmental Network, Soka Gakkai International, Act Church of Sweden, Church of Sweden, Gäst, and CoS Youth.
Planned activities
Launch of the Interfaith Statement “Values and reach - contribution to environmental policy”.
In-Person & Virtual Events
- Faith for Earth Dialogue Session on Stockholm+50 – 4 March 2022, at 16:00 – 17:30 PM Nairobi time
- Meetings with faith-based organization representatives in-person in Stockholm, Sweden to coordinate key messages, network, and build strategic partnerships beyond S+50.
- For more details about Faith-led events at Stockholm+50, visit this page. To make updating the information more convenient.
How to get involved
Please send an email of your interest to the Faith for Earth Team.