Climate action on International Peace Day in Lahore

Caritas Pakistan Lahore and Catholic Women Organization celebrated International Peace Day with the theme of Climate Action for Peace in the light of “Laudato Si’” at St. Mary High School, Lahore Cantt on September 26, 2019. More than 100 community members gathered to grab the concept of “Climate Action and Social Justice”. 

Shaheen Yousaf (Catholic Women Organization) explained the aims and objectives of the event. Later the religious speakers reflected on the causes of “Global warming” and phenomenon to overcome this global issue through our little actions of “Conserving water”, “Promoting forestation”, “Use of recyclable material” and “Waste management” which is directly contributing in disastrous situations like flood and earthquakes

Fr. Eric Nassani (Dur-ul-Naim) expressed his views on Peace and Dialogue in the light of life of St. Francis of Assisi. Sr. Shakila Bhatti (Principal Don Bosco High School) highlighted the role of women in peace and climate action. Fr. Shahzada Khurram shared his views about globalization and ecology.

Mr. Naeem Naz Diocesan Program Coordinator/Head Operations Caritas Pakistan Lahore (CPL) expressed his view about Pope Francis Encyclical Laudato Si’ and practical steps for caring our common home. Rev. Sr. Mary Nilanthi AC (Principal St. Anthony’s High School, Lahore Cantt) appreciated the joint efforts to organize this event and asked all the participants to adopt healthy habits for climate action.

Mr. Amjad Gulzar Executive Director Caritas Pakistan & Chief Guest illustrated different interventions of Caritas Pakistan for Climate Action like One Million Tree Plantation Campaign etc. He urged all the participants that everyone has to contribute constructively for saving our mother for future generations.

“Start to adapt positive changes that you wished to see in the world and your individual efforts will lead to a big change in saving our mother Earth for future generations,” he said. All the participants read the prayer of Laudato Si’ at the end of the program. Eco bags of Caritas Pakistan were also distributed among the participants. Trees saplings were also planted by participants of the event.