An informal interfaith gathering in the spirit of Talanoa dialogue

Ahead of COP28, LWF, as part of the Interfaith Liaison Committee to the UNFCCC, invites persons interested in climate justice and interfaith dialogue to an informal interfaith gathering in the spirit of Talanoa dialogue.

This gathering serves as a platform for faith communities attending COP28 to share their initiatives, concerns, and hopes in their work for climate justice under a Talanoa dialogue framework.  

Talanoa dialogues are indigenous peoples from Fiji’s way of solving problems in their communities, and the Fijian Presidency of COP23 introduced the concept to work on the most challenging issues. The methodology of the Talanoa dialogue leads participants to address the following questions:   

• Where are we?  
• Where do we want to go?  
• How do we get there?  

This event will introduce an opening panel that will expose the different topics available for conversation, followed by small-group Talanoa dialogues where participants will be able to exchange perspectives and thoughts. This will be followed by an interfaith spiritual service and a light shared meal for those attending in person. 

The event will also offer an opportunity to create an Interfaith Talanoa Call from the voices present expressing concerns, demands and hopes to be delivered to the UNFCCC Executive Secretariat.

Schedule (in-person) 

• 15:00 Arrivals
• 15:30 Welcome, Opening & Panel discussion (live streamed)
• 17:00 Talanoa Small Group Discussions on the role of faith actors (you can choose your group below)
• 18:30 Interfaith service (live streamed)
• 19:20 Light shared meal 
• 20:00 End

Registration

• The opening Panel & Interfaith Service (no registration) will be available online: lutheranworld.org/live 
• Small Groups (registration)
• Register for in-person attendance in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Globally advocating for climate justice

LWF advocates for climate justice with a strong focus on implementing the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to below 1,5 degrees Celsius.

Globally, climate change is a reality. It severely affects the lives and livelihoods of thousands of people in many countries. The full and effective enjoyment of human rights is often negatively impacted. Vulnerable groups and biodiversity are at risk.

The LWF delegation at the 28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) brings together experienced climate leaders who, together with a youth delegation, advocate for the voiceless from a faith perspective, along with ecumenical and interfaith partners at online and in-person meetings. 

• UN COP28 website

Faith-based advocacy for climate justice

Faith-based organizations have long been engaged in the climate negotiation process of the UNFCCC to bring a perspective on faith and compassion to inspire and encourage decision-makers to include human beings, Mother Earth, and other beings in their consideration. 

During UN climate conference COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, a significant number of faith-based organizations were mobilized to participate in the negotiation process and raise public awareness of the importance of having an ambitious target for climate change actions, as mandated by the Paris Agreement. 

It is the time for us, the faith-based organizations in Geneva and other key networks, to reflect and evaluate our involvement in the COP27 process to prepare for COP28. 

The event is organized by the Geneva Interfaith Forum on Climate Change, Environment and Human Rights (GIF). LWF is a member of this network. 

In-person participants are invited to coffee and a light lunch after the event. 

People of faith preparing for COP27

At the beginning of COP27, LWF, as part of the Interfaith Liaison Committee to the UNFCCC, invites persons interested in climate justice and interfaith dialogue to an informal interfaith gathering in the spirit of Talanoa dialogue.  

This gathering serves as a platform for faith communities attending COP27 to share their initiatives, concerns, and hopes in their work for climate justice under a Talanoa dialogue framework.  

Talanoa dialogues are indigenous peoples from Fiji’s way of solving problems in their communities, and the Fijian Presidency of COP23 introduced the concept to work on the most challenging issues. The methodology of the Talanoa dialogue leads participants to address the following questions:   

• Where are we?  
• Where do we want to go?  
• How do we get there?  

This event will introduce an opening panel that will expose the different topics available for conversation, followed by small-group Talanoa dialogues where participants will be able to exchange perspectives and thoughts. This will be followed by an interfaith spiritual service and a light shared meal for those attending in person.

• Register for in-person attendance in Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt
• The plenary will be live-streamed on YouTube
• The interfaith service will be live-streamed on YouTube
• To also participate in small-group discussions, please register on Zoom

Listen to the Voice of Creation

Every year, from 1 September to 4 October, Lutherans join many Christians all over the world to observe the Season of Creation. This year its theme is “Listen to the Voice of Creation”.

An ecumenical closing event, organized by the Season of Creation Ecumenical Youth Committee, takes place online on 4 October.

• Join on YouTube

Online workshop series for LWF delegates

In the run-up to the UN Climate Change Conference COP27, LWF strengthens its delegates' capacity for climate action and advocacy with several online workshops.

They form part of a learning process that begins before the conference, analyzes the proceedings during COP27, and evaluates its outcomes.

Topics of the preparatory workshops include the Paris Agreement and its current implementation status, an outlook on the agenda and priorities of COP27, the main policy demands and talking points of LWF for COP27, and how LWF delegates can engage in negotiations.