On 19th September 2025, JPIC Franciscans Africa hosted the annual Interfaith Youth Forum on Peace and Integral Ecology at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. Since 2014, this forum has been a sacred space where young people, faith leaders, and civil society come together to reflect, dialogue, and act for peace and care of creation.
This year’s forum carried a special significance as it marked:
- 800 years of the Canticle of the Creatures by St. Francis of Assisi
- 10 years anniversary of Laudato Si’ encyclical by Pope Francis
- 10 years of the Paris Agreement on climate change
It also raised a prophetic call for the cancellation of unjust debts and recognition of Africa’s ecological debt, urging a more just and sustainable future for the continent.
Highlights of the Day
Opening & Spiritual Grounding
The day began with prayers, national and regional anthems, and words of welcome from faith leaders. Reverend Dr. Peter Barrow reminded participants of the forum’s roots in post-election healing and its mission to unite youth across religious divides for peace and ecological restoration.
Franciscan Spirituality & Ecology
JPIC Franciscans emphasized that care for creation is deeply tied to justice, peace, and human dignity. Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, speakers urged for an “ecological conversion”— lifestyle changes, ethical economics, and stewardship of the Earth as a moral responsibility.
Keynote & Expert Insights
Br. Taucen OFM called for youth to be “instruments of peace,” drawing from the Franciscan tradition of dialogue and reconciliation.
Mr. Peter Maneno, from Kenya’s Ministry of Environment, shared Kenya’s progress toward 100% renewable energy by 2030 and highlighted the role of geothermal, solar, wind, and hydro projects.
Brother Eric Mutabazi- OFM from JPIC-OFM Rome reflected on how environmental degradation fuels conflicts, particularly in the DRC and Great Lakes region.
Panels & Youth Voices
Two major panels explored the intersection of faith and renewable energy:
Faith Leaders’ Panel – Representatives from Bahá’í Faith, Harmony Institute, 350 Africa, Repower Africa, and Catholic communities lifted their voices for a just transition to renewable energy, moderated by Ashley Kitisya.
Youth Dialogue Panel – Young leaders from GreenFaith Africa, JPIC Franciscans Africa, and secondary schools pledged action toward climate solutions, moderated by Oxfam Kenya.
Secondary school students also gave powerful testimonies on the personal impacts of droughts, floods, and pollution in their communities — grounding policy discussions in lived realities.
Culture & Creativity
The forum was enriched by music, dance, art, and performances from youth and faith communities. The Green Talent Show closed the day, blending creativity with advocacy for ecological justice.
Wildlife & Conservation
A session by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) highlighted the link between biodiversity conservation, community engagement, and economic well-being. Participants discussed poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and the importance of protecting lesser-known species.
Key Outcomes
The forum concluded with a shared commitment to:
- Deepen interfaith collaboration for peace and ecological justice.
- Raise youth voices in the fight for climate action and renewable energy transition.
- Acknowledge ecological debt and demand just policies for Africa’s liberation from exploitative systems.
- Celebrate culture and creativity as powerful tools for advocacy.
A Call to Action
The 2025 Interfaith Youth Forum reminded us that caring for creation is inseparable from building peace. It invited every participant — and all people of goodwill — to envision a future where justice, peace, and ecological balance are at the heart of our shared humanity.
Together, the youth and faith leaders pledged to be custodians of creation and ambassadors of peace, leading Africa toward a just transition and a sustainable future.
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