The 24th Conference of Parties (COP 24) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Katowice, Poland, is a crucial moment for governments to adopt the guidelines for the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.

As members of faith communities, we believe that we have made significant contributions in addressing the immense challenges posed by climate change through advocacy, mobilization, capacity building and education. While gathering around the COP 24, it will be good for us to have a moment of sharing together. We invite all faith-oriented participants of COP24 to participate in this informal gathering. This gathering aims to serve as a platform for faith communities attending the COP24 conference, to share their initiatives, concerns and hopes in their work for climate justice under a Talanoa Dialogue framework.

What we aim to organize:

• A nourishing, hopeful and strengthening event for climate justice advocates before the COP
• An event to prepare for the COP, including spiritual nourishment
• A space to share our experiences, views and knowledge on issues related to climate change
• A space of holistic reflection regarding climate change and its links and connections to other concerns
• A space to look at solutions from different angles
• A space for faith-based and civil society actors

When: 2 December, 17:00 - 19:00

Where:

św. Szczepana (St. Stephen’s) Church, Sanktuarium Matki Boskiej Bogucickiej, ks. Markiefki 89 Street, 40-211 Katowice, Poland.

Reaching from International Congress Centre: Bus lines 11 (dir. Czeladz), 61 (dir. Bedzin), 70 (dir. Borki), 177 (dir. Dabrowka), 600 (dir. Kukuczki), 657 (dir. Dabrowka), 911 (dir. Czeladz) from Katowice Chorzowska bus stop to Bogucice Kościół (Church) bus stop. By walk: 1,6 km, appx. 20 minutes

The event is co-sponsored by the following faith-based organizations:

• World Council of Churches
• Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University
• Franciscans International
• Coopération Internationale pour le Développement et la Solidarité (CIDSE)
• Green Faith
• Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO)
• Religions for peace
• Islamic Relief
• The Inter-Religious Climate and Ecology (ICE) Network
• Dominicans for Justice and Peace

What we will do:

• A short panel to expose the different topics that will be available for conversation (25 min)
• Small-group Talanoa sharing where participants will be able to exchange perspectives and thoughts (40 min)
• A plenary discussion bringing together the conclusions of the small-group dialogues (50 min. ie. 7min per table)

What to discuss:

The following topics are proposed for the small-group Talanoa sharing:

- 1.5 degrees Celsius (facilitated by Lindsey, QUNO)
- Impacts on human rights (facilitated Budi, FI, Laurence – DfJP, Benjamin Schachter OHCHR)
- Adaptation & loss and damage (facilitated Jamie, Islamic Relief)
- “Systemic change” approach to tackle climate crisis (facilitated by Chiara, CIDSE)
- Climate change as a spiritual crisis (facilitated by Valériane, Brahma Kumaris)
- Just transition (facilitated by Athena Peralta, WCC)
- Sustainable living (facilitated by Fletcher, Green Faith)
- Intergenerational and rights (Religion for Peace)
- Indigenous people (Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, AFPAT)

Languages: English / Polish / Spanish

Refreshments will be offered and will provide an opportunity for faith-based organizations to learn more about each other.

Contact persons:

Athena Peralta, World Council of Churches: [email protected]

Valeriane Bernard, Brahma Kumaris: [email protected]

Budi Tjahjono, Franciscans International: [email protected]