“Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet”
An inspiring Interfaith Talanoa Dialogue took place at the Brahma Kumaris Centre in Nairobi, bringing together around 60 participants from diverse countries and faith traditions.
The session opened with a warm welcome from Aneta Loj of the Brahma Kumaris. Elena Cedillo from the Lutheran World Federation introduced the Talanoa process—a traditional Pacific Islands approach to inclusive, transparent, and participatory dialogue built on storytelling, relationship-building, and shared understanding. Talanoa has been used at several COP climate conferences, and this marked the first time an Interfaith Talanoa Dialogue was held at UNEP.
David Munene of CYNESA then offered insights into the UNEA process and shared guidance on effective participation.
Participants later divided into groups aligned with UNEA themes to reflect on “Faiths and the UNEA Structure”, exploring three guiding questions:
- Where are we now?
- Where do we want to be?
- How do we get there?
Where are we now?
A key observation was that UNEA negotiations are often shaped by “movers” and “blockers”—including petro-states and countries with competing priorities that hinder certain environmental resolutions.
Faith communities, however, can engage meaningfully through the Major Groups, including NGOs, Women, Children and Youth, Science, and Farmers.
Their unique contributions include:
- A global, non-national perspective;
- Values rooted in faith—especially hope, stewardship, relationality with nature, and recognition of the sacredness of creation
- The power to mobilise vast networks for environmental action.
Where do we want to be by UNEA 8?
- Active and visible participation of people of faith in Major Groups—particularly NGOs, Women, Children and Youth, and others such as Farmers and Business.
- Continuous engagement throughout the intersessional period, including participation in CPR meetings.
- Faith leaders well-informed about outcomes of UNEA 7 resolutions.
- Faith groups modelling environmentally friendly lifestyles and leading awareness-raising efforts.
How do we get there?
Strengthen communication among faith groups, beginning with the WhatsApp platform.
Increase awareness of online opportunities for engagement, learning, and capacity-building. Walk together in unity—collaborating, supporting one another, and amplifying our shared moral voice for the planet
