Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns Participates in the Inaugural Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels
The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns (MOGC) will participate in the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, taking place April 24–29 in Santa Marta, Colombia. This inaugural gathering brings together a coalition of willing countries, organizations, and academics committed to advancing the just transition from fossil fuels.
The conference aims to serve as an avenue for real change at a critical moment for global climate action. With international negotiations facing deadlock, this convening provides an opportunity to move forward by fostering collaboration among governments and civil society actors willing to act and make tangible commitments. Representatives from MOGC, Lisa Sullivan and Olivia Engling, will be in attendance throughout the conference, sharing updates and insights on social media.
MOGC will contribute to key conference moments that highlight the faith dimension of climate action, including a Faith-Based Organizations meeting (April 24), a Catholic Action Day with Latin American partners (April 26), and a joint press conference (April 27) as well as the People’s Summit (April 24 to 26). The presence of representatives from the Vatican further highlights this gathering’s significance for the global Church and its commitment to climate justice.
Lisa Sullivan, Integral Ecology senior program officer, said: “As a member of the climate justice movement, we speak a lot about negative tipping points, points of no return for irreparable climate damage. But I see the faith community’s potential to serve as a positive tipping point, harnessing the depths of our faith to make transformative change in the world. Every faith tradition shares a commitment to care for creation. Since the faith community has such a broad and profound reach, by finding and engaging our common voice, we can change the course of climate history.”
Official Conference Photo available on First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels website.