Religions for Peace Europe in Tunisia: Interfaith Cooperation and Youth Action for a Sustainable Future

Tunis, May 20, 2025 – Under the motto “Combating Desertification: The Role of Youth in Facing Environmental Challenges”, dozens of young people, representatives of religious communities, academics, and environmental activists from various countries gathered in the capital of Tunisia, Tunis, to discuss the challenges of desertification and the vital role of youth and religion in environmental protection.

The workshop, organized by Religions for Peace Europe in collaboration with Religions for Peace Italy and Association Unité dans la Diversité, with the support of the German Federal Foreign Office, emphasized the need for coordinated international and interfaith action to face this global ecological crisis.

The event opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Mohamed Ben Moussa, President of Association Unité dans la Diversité, and Dr. Luigi De Salvia, President of Religions for Peace Italy, who both underlined the importance of the connection between faith, youth, and environmental justice in building a sustainable future.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Genti Kruja, President of Religions for Peace Europe, in his address on behalf of the organization, highlighted the crucial role that religions play in addressing environmental challenges. He emphasized that spiritual teachings from various faiths promote care for nature, sustainability, and justice. He also introduced the Erasmus+ project “R4ECOLOGY”, which aims to integrate climate education into religious formation. “All faith communities must work together to protect the planet,” was his direct call to action.

Notable figures who took part in the event included: Ayoub Bousrira & Roua Gaidi, Swamini Shuddhananda Giri, Chadia Troudi, Claudia Massa, Youssef Mahmoud, Anna Coen di Segni, Eliezer Camargo, Dom Mario Zanotti, Mohamed Zitouni, Raoudha Gafrej, and university students.

The discussions focused on empowering youth through education, technology, and activism, viewing them not merely as inheritors of a planet in crisis, but as key actors in creating sustainable solutions. According to the participants, environmental education, along with cultural and spiritual awareness, are essential in addressing the effects of desertification and climate change.

This forum served as a powerful platform for collaboration and exchange, placing interfaith cooperation, academic contribution, and the energy of youth at the heart of building a greener and more just future for all.