Vulnerable groups, including refugees, women, and children, are also prone to be affected by climate change more than average. Supported by the LWF, the Gado refugee camp in the East region of Cameroon hosts more than 25,000 refugees from the neighboring Central African Republic. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert
LWF contributing “voices of hope and faith”
(LWI) – As part of its ongoing advocacy efforts, The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) will participate in the Fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) taking place online and in Nairobi, Kenya, from 28 February to 2 March. The LWF delegation comprises youth, World Service representatives, and Action for Justice unit members.
The theme of UNEA-5 is “Strengthening Actions for Nature to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”.
“This is another opportunity for us to address the ongoing climate and environmental crisis,” says Isaiah Toroitich, LWF’s Head of Global Advocacy. “It is a pivotal moment to remember that nature and creation play an important role in sustainable development and everyone’s daily lives and livelihoods.” UNEA-5 must put creation at the heart of the global economic recovery and sustainable development discussions, also in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The LWF’s delegation to UNEA-5 includes eight young people who participated at the UN Climate Conference COP26, representatives from the LWF World Service Kenya-Djibouti-Somalia program, and staff from the LWF Action for Justice unit.
“The LWF’s engagement at UNEA-5 highlights the role of youth, women, and indigenous people who are taking action to protect the environment and the climate,” Toroitich explains. “Through our advocacy action, we ensure that they are connected to promote positive change and to motivate others to take action.”
Together with its partners ACT Alliance, World Council of Churches, and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the LWF will host a side event titled “Voices of hope and faith - Sharing visions of living in harmony with nature” during UNEA-5 on 28 February. LWF General Secretary Rev. Anne Burghardt will contribute to the online panel discussion with opening remarks.
UNEA is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment. It addresses the critical environmental challenges facing the world today. Understanding these challenges and preserving and rehabilitating our environment is at the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The 2030 Agenda aims to end poverty and conflict, build just and inclusive societies, and ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the framework for achieving this.
Through its observer status at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the LWF can participate in UNEA proceedings.
By LWF/A. Weyermüller
