Peace Channel showcases its ‘Going Green’ initiative at Baku climate talks

November 19, 2024 5 Views No Comment

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 19 (MExN): Fr Dr CP Anto, Director of Peace Channel and Principal of NEISSR, represented Nagaland at the COP29 summit in Azerbaijan as an observer and delegate, showcasing Peace Channel – Going Green, an innovative grassroots initiative that bridges peacebuilding with climate action.

Spearheaded by the Diocese of Kohima, the program engages youth, children, and community leaders in activities such as reforestation, ecological education, and sustainable practices, offering a holistic approach to tackling climate challenges in Nagaland and the North-East region of India.

During his presentation, Fr. Anto underscored the program’s success in fostering climate resilience through peace gardens, environmental education, and youth empowerment. He emphasized the critical role of community-driven efforts in advancing sustainability while aligning with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) objectives.

Fr. Anto also participated in side events and discussions at national pavilions and was interviewed by the UNFCCC organizing team, where he highlighted the urgent need for individual and collective action to combat climate change.

Held in Baku, COP29 aimed to reinforce global commitments to limit warming to 1.5°C, scale up climate finance for vulnerable nations, establish frameworks for loss and damage funding, and promote renewable energy and sustainable resource management. The conference brought together over 32,000 delegates from 193 countries, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to secure a sustainable future.

Fr. Anto credited Dr. Dominic Dixon, Executive Director of UNADAP (United Nations Associations for Development and Peace), for facilitating his participation in COP29. Reflecting on the event, he described it as a significant opportunity to connect, share, and learn from global leaders in climate action.