The overarching strategy for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is captured by the “P” principles of People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnerships. The last principle, also enshrined in SDG 17, recognizes that these global goals can only be achieved by engaging and empowering stakeholders, mobilizing partnerships with diverse capabilities, and engaging untapped innovative approaches.

While faith-based organisations (FBOs) and faith actors have been providing much needed socio-economic support at all levels to people in need over the centuries and been engaged on environmental issues over several decades, their effort in respect of the environment remains fragmented and with limited engagement on policy.

Perhaps most importantly, faith connects directly with and forms the basis of people’s values. The organizers hold the view that the root causes of climate change and other sustainable development challenges emerge from human fallacies and cannot be addressed by technology alone. People need to be reached close to their hearts and inspired to take collective action to protect our shared planet. Faiths define human relationships with the environment and advance values calling for sustainable living. This includes seeing humans and nature as an integral whole; the intrinsic value in nature; serving as stewards of Earth’s resources; the importance of balance; ecological justice based on consciousness of the oneness of humanity; compassion towards all sentient beings including plants and animals; and leading a virtuous life through respect for the planet. The diversity of such values allows faith actors to connect with people regardless of culture and context.