The 3rd International Seminar on Religions and Ecological Civilization : Harmony between Human and Nature

On December 21, 2022, the 3rd International Seminar on Religions and Ecological Civilization: Harmony between Human and Nature was convened online. Pagbalha Geleg Namgyai, Vice President of the National  Committee of the CPPCC and President of CCRP addressed written remarks. The meeting was hosted by Yang Faming, Vice President of CCRP and President of Islamic Association of China, who appointed speeches with Vice Presidents of CCRP, including Yan Jue,President of Buddhist Association of China, Li Guangfu, President of Taoist Association of China, Ma Yinglin, Honorable President of Bishop’s Conference of Catholic Church in China, and Xu Xiaohong, President of National Committee of TSPM. The meeting was opened by the remarks of Azza Karam, Secretary-General of Religions for Peace (RfP-International). The participants included more than 60 academics and representatives of Buddhism, Taoism, Islamism, Catholicism, Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism. They came from nearly 20 countries in Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa and Oceania.

Following the end of the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27), the meeting themed “Harmony between Human and Nature” was co-organized by CCRP and RfP-International for the first time. President Pagbalha Geleg Namgyai highlighted President Xi Jinping’s Thought on Ecological Civilization. As pointed out by President Xi, he said, humans are family members living on the same planet. The challenge of climate change requires global cooperation. Religious leaders and worldwide academics should stand together to protect the environment, building a community of life for man and nature for the safety of our home. Centered on the meeting theme, presidents of five major Chinese religious associations shared their teachings, practices and experience in environmental protection. Mr. Xu Huaqing,Chairperson of National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation (NCSC) reported the development of COP27 and revealed China’s policy, position and contribution in global climate governance.

Representatives from other countries described the climate challenges faced by their regions and countries, and shared the work of their religious communities. They fully appreciated the philosophy of harmony between men and nature that roots in Chinese tradition and culture, and highly recognized China’s commitments and contributions to this cause. They also praised the flagship projects under CCRP and Asian Conference of Religions for Peace (ACRP) frameworks.

In the closing remarks, Yang Faming called for contributions of the religious community to solve the puzzle of climate change, encourage win-win for all and strengthen practical cooperation. CCRP will work alongside all Religions for Peace to build a world of harmony between human and nature through concrete actions and strong cooperation.