With the 10th anniversary of the encyclical Laudato Si’, the Raising Hope Conference will take place from October 1 to 3: a global event to discern “what the Spirit is saying to the Church” in these times of ecological crisis.
This global event—which you can follow live via streaming from anywhere in the world—will be a space to listen, learn, and be inspired by those who work, from their own contexts and talents, to respond to the cry of the earth and the poor. More than 25 spiritual leaders, scientists, indigenous communities, and activists from around the world will gather in Rome.
Register now to be part of the conferenceThe five panelists we are highlighting today
As we have done in previous editions of our blog, today we would like to introduce you to five new voices that, once again, are not listed in any specific order, but all share a deep motivation: to raise their voices in defense of our common home.
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Catherine Coleman Flowers
Advocate for environmental health, MacArthur Fellow, and global leader in the fight against environmental racism and inequalities in access to basic services. Member of the Boards of the Council for the Defense of Natural Resources and the Climate Reality Project. She has been recognized with the Horizon Award from Harvard Law School and served as vice chair of the White House Advisory Council on Environmental Justice.
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Cardinal Jaime Spengler
President of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil and the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM). Noted for promoting the prophetic role of the Church at COP30, defending vulnerable biomes and communities. As Archbishop of Porto Alegre, he has promoted dialogue between faith and social and environmental challenges, defending the Amazon and indigenous communities as an essential part of the continent’s spiritual and natural heritage.
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Dr. Martín Guzmán
An economist and former Minister of Economy of Argentina (2019-2022), he has built a bridge between macroeconomics and environmental urgency. He is a professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) and teaches at the National University of La Plata. An expert in sovereign debt, he co-directs the Initiative for Policy Dialogue with Joseph Stiglitz. He is affiliated with the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, the World Economic Forum, and the ICRICT. His research covers macroeconomic imbalances, monetary economics, and development.
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Bill McKibben
Journalist, educator, and activist, founder of Third Act and co-founder of 350.org, one of the most influential figures in the modern climate movement. As an academic at Middlebury College and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, his voice combines intellectual rigor with an urgent ethical call to action in the face of the environmental crisis. He has been honored with the Gandhi Peace Prize and the Right Livelihood Award.
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Bianca Pitt
Founder of Women of the Environment Network and co-founder of SHE Changes Climate, Bianca works to ensure that women are at the center of climate decision-making. An advisor to organizations such as The Environmental Funders Network and Sustainable Angle, and a board member of ClientEarth, she drives structural changes in financing and policies to accelerate a just green transition.
An excellent way to participate in the Season of Creation
The Raising Hope Conference—open and free, via streaming—will take place during the final days of the Season of Creation, an excellent opportunity to conclude the season with a call to action. We invite you to register to receive the access links at raisinghope.earth/Conference. Don’t miss this opportunity—invite your friends and community!