On Saturday, September 20, 2025, Langata Road in Nairobi resounded with the sound of hope as hundreds of young people, faith leaders, and environmental activists staged a powerful and peaceful walk. They marched from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) headquarters to the AMECEA Gardens, demanding urgent action for climate justice with a clear rallying cry: “We want climate justice! When do we want it? Now, now!”
This procession was the energetic culmination of the two-day Interfaith Youth Forum on Peace and Integral Ecology 2025, held on September 19 and 20 under the Season of Creation theme: “Peace with Creation.”
Dialogue and Decades of Action
The Forum began on Friday, September 19, at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Organized alongside the Franciscan Family (JPIC-FA), it successfully united universities, diverse faith communities (including Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and traditional), indigenous leaders, and government agencies, such as the Ministry of Environment and KWS.
The launch included a symbolic cake-cutting ceremony celebrating two major milestones: the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures and the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’.
“This forum reminds us that ecological justice is inseparable from peace and people’s dignity,” stated Fr. Peter Mbaro, Director of CUEA’s Center for Social Justice and Ethics, setting a strong tone for the event.
From Passionate Calls to a Powerful Walk
Saturday morning was dedicated to action and advocacy. At the KWS grounds, youth leaders delivered passionate speeches before leading the walk.
“We are the generation that must draw the line against destruction,” one youth speaker declared. The march was filled with interfaith solidarity and determined advocacy, with participants carrying banners like “No Faith in Fossil Fuel”.
The Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) were present, represented by Fr. David, Scholastic Steve, and Fr. Iyan Daquin (VIVAT International Contact Person). Working with the Laudato Si’ Movement, they emphasized that peace, justice, and care for creation are universal values.
The two-day forum achieved its goal, declaring readiness to build a future rooted in justice and ecological responsibility. Its guiding line captured the spirit of the event: “Peace for Humanity, Justice for People, Care for the Planet.”
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