Sustainable Consumption Webinar: A Faith Response to the Climate & Biodiversity Crises - 28 June 2024

SAFCEI will be hosting a Sustainable Consumption Webinar on 28 June 2024 from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm (SAST).

Topic: A Faith Response to the Climate & Biodiversity Crises
Platform: Zoom

What to expect:

• 👩‍🏫 Expert Speakers: Hear from leading experts who will share valuable knowledge and actionable strategies. Learn from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) about global initiatives and solutions.
• 🙏 Faith in Action: Understand how faith communities can lead the way in addressing climate and biodiversity crises through sustainable consumption.
• 📚 Helpful Resources: Find out about campaigns like "My Food is African" and "Green Action Week" to promote sustainability in your community.

We have a very exciting line-up:

• Sustainable Consumption and Spirituality - Dr. Hassan Omar Kinyua Chairperson (Muslim Professional League Africa - MUPLA) and Vice Chair of the Africa Faith Actors Network for Climate Justice (AFAN-CJ).
• The Three Pillars of Sustainable Consumption - Adriana Zacarias Farah, Head and Global Coordinator of "Global Opportunities for SDGs and Deputy Head of the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production (United Nations Environment Programme - UNEP)
• UNEP’s Faith for Earth Coalition on sustainable lifestyles from a faith perspective - Azmaira Alibhai, Faith & Ecosystems Coordinator  (UNEP)
• When we turn a blind eye to sustainable consumption: Testimonies of the Frontline Communities - Nelly Wanjiku (Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa - CYNESA)
• Panel Discussion on Sustainable Consumption: Faith perspectives - Rt. Rev. Dr. Emily Awino Onyango (All Africa Conference of Churches and Africa Faith Actors Network for Climate Justice) and Malik Arafat (Muslim Judicial Council).

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an event that promises to inspire and empower you to make a difference.

Register Now: https://rb.gy/7eovvm

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with detailed instructions on how to join the meeting.

Join the conversation with our noteworthy key speakers, including:

• Dr. Hassan Omar Kinyua is a distinguished academic and leader, currently serving as the Chairperson of the Muslim Professional League Africa (MUPLA). He holds a PhD in Religious Studies and a degree in Laws from the University of Nairobi, as well as a higher diploma in Islamic Banking and Insurance from the Institute of Islamic Banking and Insurance in the United Kingdom.

Dr. Hassan is a dedicated lecturer at several academic institutions, including the University of Nairobi, Mount Kenya University, Riara University, St. Paul's University, Machakos University, and Tangaza University College, where he imparts knowledge and guides students.

In addition to his academic and leadership roles, Dr. Hassan is the Vice Chairman of the Africa Faith Actors Network for Climate Justice (AFAN-CJ). He actively participates in initiatives addressing climate change and promoting environmental conservation across Africa. His extensive academic background is complemented by practical experience in promoting fairness and equity in compensation and financial matters.

Dr. Hassan's leadership and strategic thinking have significantly contributed to the growth and success of MUPLA. His efforts have fostered a positive work environment and promoted employee satisfaction. Dr. Hassan's unique blend of financial rigor, integrity, and proactive approach makes him a valuable asset in any role he undertakes.

• Adriana Zacarias Farah is currently the Head and Global Coordinator of UNEP's initiative, "Global Opportunities for Sustainable Development Goals (GO4SDGs)." With a Master's degree in Environment and Development from Cambridge University, UK, and a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from ITAM in Mexico, Adriana is recognized internationally as an expert on sustainable development, resource efficiency, and sustainable consumption and production.

In her role at UNEP, Adriana drives policies, strategies, and initiatives that advance the green economy, circular economy, innovation for SMEs, and sustainable lifestyles. The GO4SDGs initiative she oversees accelerates regional solutions for inclusive green economies and circularity, focusing on policy coherence, SME innovation, and youth empowerment.

Additionally, Adriana serves as the Deputy Head of the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP) and its One Planet Network. Her career spans impactful roles at the OECD, where she contributed significantly to environment policy development and negotiations at national and international levels. Adriana's dedication to environmental advocacy extends to her previous positions as a policy adviser in the Mexican Lower Chamber and as a Project Coordinator at the Mexican Ministry of Environment, where she emphasized youth engagement and environmental stewardship through NGO collaborations.

• Azmaira Alibhai is the Faith & Ecosystems Coordinator at the UN Environment Programme’s Faith for Earth Coalition. In her role, she spearheads the implementation of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration within the faith network. Azmaira facilitates partnerships and coordinates policies to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem-related goals, including leading the Pollution and Waste Interfaith Working Group.

Responsible for programmatic delivery and forging strategic partnerships, Azmaira ensures effective mobilization of the faith actors’ network. She is deeply engaged in interreligious and intercultural dialogue, focusing on strengthening institutional capacity through civil society engagement. Her work underscores a commitment to fostering sustainable practices and collaborative action across faith communities for environmental stewardship.

• Nelly Wanjiku is the Co-Founder of the Centre for Sustainable Development – Kenya (CESUD-KE), a community-based organization dedicated to rallying public support for environmental protection. A passionate Catholic environmental enthusiast, Nelly has extensive experience as an Environment Health and Safety Professional on several major construction projects in Kenya. She is a NEMA Registered Environment Associate Expert and a certified Lead Auditor for ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, as well as an Internal Auditor for ISO 14001:2015 Environment Management Systems.

Nelly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Kenya and a Diploma in Environmental Health Science. Her professional work and volunteering efforts have provided her with extensive knowledge in conservation and environmental health.

As an active member of Rotaract under Rotary International, Nelly focuses on developing innovative solutions to pressing global challenges such as climate change and environmental degradation. She also volunteers with Greenpeace Africa and has participated in Faith Leaders Environmental Advocacy Training by SAFCEI – FLEAT in Mombasa and the Regional Women’s FLEAT in Johannesburg.

Nelly is an alumna of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) cohort 30 and a member of cohort 1 in the Together for a New Africa program by Sophia University under Focolare, a faith-based organization. Dedicated to fostering thriving biodiversity in healthy ecosystems, Nelly continues to contribute her expertise and passion to environmental conservation initiatives.

• Annie Stephen Banda is a dedicated faith leader and a member of FLEAT 2, focusing her environmental advocacy on conservation agriculture and climate justice. She devotes her full-time efforts to management at the Baha'i National Secretariat while also pursuing her own small-scale farming endeavors. Annie's commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement underscores her proactive approach to sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.
• Rt. Rev. Dr. Emily Awino Onyango is the Assistant Bishop in the Anglican Church of Kenya, serving within the Diocese of Bondo. She is also a Senior Lecturer at St. Paul’s University School of Theology and serves as the Executive Director of CLEaTRA (Centre for Leadership Training, Anglicanism, and Research in Africa), an initiative founded by six Anglican Women Bishops in Africa dedicated to fostering transformation across the continent.

Dr. Emily earned her PhD in History and Ecclesiastical Studies from St. Paul’s University and holds a ThM from the Asian Center for Theological Studies and Mission in Seoul, South Korea, as well as a BD from St. Paul’s University, Limuru. She is actively engaged in various academic and scholarly organizations including AFAN-CJ (Africa Faith Actors Network for Climate Justice), the Anglican Communion Science Commission, and the Society of Christian Scholars in Africa.

Her research interests span critical areas such as climate change, poverty eradication in Africa, and addressing issues like gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, and HIV/AIDS. Dr. Emily Onyango’s scholarly contributions and leadership within the Anglican community in Africa underscore her commitment to advancing social justice, environmental sustainability, and holistic development across the continent.

• Malik Arafat is the Interim President of the Africa and Diaspora Muslims Assembly (ADMA), a civic organization dedicated to uniting and empowering Muslim communities across Africa and beyond. A distinguished figure hailing from Soweto, he is renowned as a veteran Azanian Muslim Leader, Activist, Author, and Media Entrepreneur.

In addition to his leadership at ADMA, Malik is the Publishing Editor of KEW Media (Pty) Ltd, a newly formed media organization focusing on socioeconomic issues, based in South Africa.

Malik's journey of activism dates back to his youth, where he was involved in underground and student activism during the 1970s. His commitment to Islam led him to adopt the faith in 1978, after which he became a member of Al-Ukhuwa Al-Khalisa and the Muslim Youth Movement (MYM). His influence within the Islamic community expanded with his founding membership of the Islamic Amirate of Southern Africa (IASA), also known as Murabitun, where he held key positions such as Wazir (Administrator) and Grand Wazir.

Throughout his career, Malik has been instrumental in founding and leading various organizations and initiatives aimed at community development and unity, including the African Muslim Institute (THAMI) and the African Muslim Assembly of Azania (AMA-Azania).

Malik Arafat is also a prolific author, having authored numerous books that explore topics ranging from local economies in South Africa to Islamic teachings and social justice issues. His literary contributions include "The Rise of the Local Economy in South Africa," "Who Am I – The Anthology of an African Muslim," and "Africa and Islam – Enslaved by Usury and Interest Debt," among others.

Driven by his passion for unity and empowerment, Malik continues to shape the discourse on African Muslim identity and community development through his extensive writing and leadership roles.

We hope that you will join us for this exciting webinar!

Let’s create a greener tomorrow together!