Caritas organizations in Southeast Asia rallied for unified climate strategy

By LiCAS News

The event, themed “South-East Asia Regional Climate Change Response Framework,” was organized by Caritas Australia. It included Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Cambodia, the Philippines, and other local partners.

According to a report by Radio Veritas Asia, the four-day workshop aimed to establish strategic directions, secure donor support, and foster government cooperation to implement action plans addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations affected by climate change.

Participants focused on understanding each other’s visions and missions, integrating key elements to develop a joint climate change response plan at regional and national levels. 

The discussions were guided by reflections on creation, human dignity, and environmental stewardship, following the principles of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato si’.

Father Enrique Figaredo, SJ, Apostolic Prefect of Battambang and Chairman of Caritas Cambodia, opened the workshop with a presentation on “Church and Climate Change.” 

He called for a long-term vision, compassionate action, and humble service, highlighting the Church’s commitment to charity, solidarity with the poor, and the promotion of fraternity and equity. 

Fr. Figaredo urged participants to adopt lifestyles that reduce pollution and enhance environmental care.

On the closing day, Jing Rey Henderson, Head of the National Ecology Program of Caritas Philippines, praised the Church’s efforts in ecological protection in Southeast Asia. 

She highlighted the workshop’s value in providing actionable insights for implementation in their home countries. 

“We want to create policies that make the community feel the Church’s presence, showing that organizations are genuinely caring for them and integrating them into the ecosystem,” Henderson said.

Ms. Nay Vichheka, Manager of the Development Department of Caritas Cambodia, expressed satisfaction with the workshop’s outcomes, noting that it facilitated valuable exchanges of technical experiences and operational methods. 

She voiced hope that the workshop would culminate in a comprehensive plan to address climate-related challenges across the region.

Joseph Kodamanchaly, Caritas Australia’s Asia Regional Advisor, emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing the region’s climate challenges. 

“We want to bring everyone together to plan and take joint action on the urgent issue of climate change in their respective countries and the region,” Kodamanchaly said.

There are over 160 Caritas organizations across the globe. As the Catholic Church’s humanitarian and development arm, Caritas is dedicated to promoting human dignity and caring for the vulnerable and marginalized. 

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