By Abbas Nazil
More than 60 representatives from universities and international organisations have launched a new Global Alliance aimed at promoting integral ecology and sustainability during a gathering at the Laudato si’ Village in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.
The initiative was organised by the Laudato si’ Center for Higher Education in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame and brought together academics, researchers and representatives from global institutions to share knowledge and best practices on environmental protection and sustainable development.
The meeting took place on March 9 and 10 within the Papal Gardens, providing a symbolic setting for discussions centred on environmental stewardship, climate justice and the promotion of integral ecology.
The launch of the Global Alliance seeks to strengthen collaboration among institutions working on environmental sustainability while encouraging research, education and practical initiatives inspired by the principles of Laudato si’ encyclical issued by Pope Francis in 2015.
The encyclical emphasises the concept of “integral ecology,” which calls for a holistic approach to environmental protection that connects ecological preservation with social justice, economic responsibility and human wellbeing.
Participants at the gathering engaged in panel discussions on topics ranging from the formation of leaders in integral ecology to broader debates on climate justice and sustainable development.
The programme also included guided tours of the gardens and opportunities for participants to exchange experiences and ideas on how institutions can implement sustainability initiatives within their communities.
General Director of the Laudato si’ Center for Higher Education, Cardinal Fabio Baggio, explained that the idea for the Global Alliance emerged from collaboration with the University of Notre Dame.
He noted that organisers recognised the need to bring together scholars and institutions already working on the themes of Laudato si’ in order to combine their expertise and develop new research and initiatives for the future.
Baggio said the alliance aims to promote further research while also increasing awareness about ecological conversion, a concept that encourages individuals and institutions to adopt environmentally responsible practices.
He also stressed the importance of translating discussions into practical actions within universities and organisations so that ecological principles can be implemented in visible and measurable ways.
According to him, the Laudato si’ Village itself represents a living example of ecological conversion because it seeks to demonstrate how sustainability principles can be applied in everyday activities.
Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Sister Alessandra Smerilli, described the event as an opportunity for experts from different parts of the world to exchange ideas and share best practices for living according to the principles of Laudato si’.
She expressed hope that the initiative would serve as a starting point for building a critical global movement capable of driving meaningful environmental change.
Founding director of the Just Transformations to Sustainability Initiative at the University of Notre Dame, Arun Agrawal, said the Global Alliance differs from a typical academic conference because it aims to establish ongoing collaboration among participants.
He explained that the goal is to create working groups and partnerships that will continue beyond the meeting and help build a global community dedicated to ecological transformation.
Agrawal added that the University of Notre Dame supports the initiative as part of its commitment to assist the Holy See in promoting the principles of integral ecology worldwide.
Vice President and Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education at the University of Notre Dame, Father Daniel Groody, said universities can play an important role by connecting the Church with academic researchers and experts.
He noted that environmental challenges and climate change are complex global issues that require cooperation among institutions and disciplines.
Groody also highlighted the growing importance of the Laudato si’ Village as a centre for research and reflection on sustainability and environmental protection.
Participants at the event acknowledged that the vision introduced by Pope Francis through the Laudato si’ encyclical has helped guide academic work on environmental responsibility.
Professor Maria Assunta Cuyegkeng of Ateneo de Manila University said the encyclical provides direction for scholars studying integral ecology and related environmental issues.
Meanwhile, Father Peter Rožič of the University of Oxford’s Laudato si’ Research Institute emphasised the need for Catholic universities to develop practical structures that enable institutions to both promote and practice ecological responsibility.
Organisers said the newly launched Global Alliance is expected to strengthen cooperation among universities, research institutions and global organisations working to advance sustainability and environmental stewardship worldwide.
