It is crucial to understand the interdependence of all life on our planet. We depend on healthy ecosystems as well as on societal constructions for our everyday life.
Too often the dependency of functioning ecosystems is ignored and overshadowed by economic and political narratives. This is exemplified by the one-dimensional focus on short term wins like more extraction of fossil fuels, even with our knowledge about the damage greenhouse gas emissions have today and will have even more in the future.
Humans have always constructed our understanding of what life is by formulating narratives and ritual actions around life on earth. All of them include stories about humans’ relationship with nature. These narratives have been pushed into the background, with a broad technical and industrial development orchestrated by an elevation of monetary values above all others.
Faith traditions can be a corrective to a development trajectory that will take humanity to a dead end for life on Earth as we know it. Mother Earth is our home and we are here to treat her with reverence as we enjoy the abundance of life that she creates. But the Earth’s life systems are also fragile and need to be protected, so the gift of life can be shared by all people and passed down to following generations.
This press conference will explore the growing disconnect between human and natural systems that support all life. It will touch upon the cultural narratives, economic models, and political priorities that have shaped our understanding of value—and why a new perspective is urgently needed.
When: June 10, 2026 at 10h00
Where: Nairobi 4 and online
Moderator: Henrik Grape, World Council of Churches
Panel:
- Valeriane Bernard, Brahma Kumaris
- Flore Ghetti, Soka Gakkai International
- Illari Aragon, Christian Aid
- Budi Tjahjono, Franciscans International
Media contact:
Simon Chambers
Head of communications, ACT Alliance
simon.chambers@actalliance.org
