The Christian-inspired organizations have begun from April 1 to 3, a training and articulation process, with the firm purpose of influencing the climate agenda of the next COP30 to be held in November 2025 in Belém do Pará, Brazil.

Under the motto «Pilgrims of Hope towards COP30», Cáritas Latin America and other ecclesiastical entities meet at the headquarters of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (Celam), with the aim of strengthening their advocacy capacity and building a regional position document that reflects the voice of the communities most affected by the climate crisis.

A joint strategy for advocacy

Nicolás Meyer, coordinator of Cáritas in Latin America and the Caribbean and who leads this meeting, explained that this space for dialogue and listening seeks to prepare ecclesial actors to participate in an effective and forceful manner in the COP30. that our impact is more serious, forceful and in line with the magnitude of the event," Meyer noted.

One of the main challenges has been understanding the technical and political language used in these international spaces. "In the Church we are accustomed to speaking from the reality of the territories, but we need to translate these community experiences into technical and political terms so that our voice is heard in the decision-making spaces," added the coordinator.

Training and construction of knowledge

He also mentioned that,the preparation process includes a combination of community experience and technical training. «Many of the participants have deep knowledge of environmental, legal and public policy issues. This allows us to connect the social doctrine of the Church with the current challenges of climate change," Meyer explained.

Finally, he reported that, in this framework,the Church has designated eight bishops who will participate in COP30as spokespersons in the main area of influence, known as the blue zone, where the most relevant decisions are made.

The importance of grassroots work

For its part, from theexecutive secretariat of the JPIC Franciscan Movement, Manuela Urbina Ramírez, highlighted the impact of this meeting on her understanding of environmental responsibility and the game of powers that moves from there. «This space allowed me to better understand the dynamics of the COP and the importance of the Church participating from the territories, carrying the voice of those who suffer the consequences of climate change," he stated.

To strengthen the role of political advocacy in this event, Urbina highlighted the need to start work from the grassroots. «It is fundamental that in our countries we make the voice of the COP reach everyone. communities and that people understand its importance. The local Church must play a key role in this process," he expressed.

A document with a collective voice

One of the main results of the meeting is the preparation of a regional position document that will be presented at COP30. "This document must reflect the multiple voices of the region and become an effective tool for advocacy," stated Gómez.

In addition, he highlighted the importance of disseminating its content widely among the communities so that they can also understand it and take a position on the issue. «It cannot be kept in a drawer; We must appropriate it and socialize it in forums, public events and community meetings. The fruit will be expressed in the commitment of the participants, who will bring to these spaces of power the hope of the people who cry out for respect for life and the protection of the environment.

Likewise, it will bea key opportunity for the Church to strengthen its role in the fight against the decline of the ecosystem. Through a well-designed strategy, technical preparation and a unified message, church organizations work to make their voice have a significant impact on the decisions that will shape the future of the planet.

(Reported from ADN Celam. Text by Luz Marina Medina, photos by ADN Celam)