Online. The Claretian Team at the United Nations, in collaboration with the General SOMI Team, organized an orientation webinar titled “Road to Antalya” on 10 October 2026, in preparation for the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled for 9–20 November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye. The gathering brought together Claretians, members of the wider Claretian Family, Church representatives, and climate justice advocates to strengthen their commitment to climate justice and integral ecology.
Moderated by Fr. Henry Ramírez, CMF, the webinar opened with remarks from Fr. Pedro Belderrain, CMF, General Prefect of Apostolate. Drawing inspiration from Pope Francis, he emphasized that addressing the ecological crisis requires changes in lifestyles, greater social responsibility, and concrete action at personal, community, and institutional levels.
Four speakers explored key dimensions of the climate crisis and international negotiations. Rowena Soriaga of the River Above Asia Oceania Ecclesial Network (RAOEN), Philippines, highlighted the voices of Indigenous peoples and vulnerable communities. Budi Tjahjono of Franciscans International addressed just transition and climate finance. Fr. Franco Torres, CMF, of SOMI ACLA, reflected on agriculture, food sovereignty, and the challenges facing small-scale farmers. Iván Camilo Vargas Castro of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM) emphasized coordinated Catholic advocacy and ecological conversion inspired by Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum.
During the discussion, Bro. Robert Omondi, CMF, encouraged stronger connections between international climate negotiations and grassroots realities through awareness, local initiatives, and advocacy.
Fr. Rohan Dominic, CMF, of the Claretian Team at the UN, presented four COP31 advocacy priorities: just transition away from fossil fuels, climate finance, food sovereignty, and climate education and participation (ACE). He also invited communities to accompany the conference through prayer and the COP31 novena.
The Claretian delegation will include four in-person and ten virtual participants, collaborating with Catholic and civil society networks and organizing a joint side event on 18 November.
Weekly countdown messages, daily COP31 updates, and the multilingual WhatsApp channel “Claret EcoClima” will encourage wider participation, connecting grassroots experiences, faith reflections, and opportunities for climate action.
The initiative reflects the Claretian commitment to ensuring that vulnerable communities are heard in global climate decision-making.
