November 14–15, 2025, marked two defining days for the Centre Arrupe Madagascar (CA-MDG) delegation at COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Their participation was distinguished by meaningful contributions, strategic engagements, and urgent calls for a just ecological transition rooted in human dignity. As one of the AJAN Centres, CA-MDG remains committed to promoting justice and advancing social, ecological, and health well-being. The centre works to safeguard the environment through education, reforestation, and strong advocacy for climate resilience and climate justice.
Reflecting on the delegation’s mission, Efa Ravelonantoandro, Programme Manager for Environment and Sustainable Development, CA-MDG explained, “Our focus at COP30 is to build strong partnerships by presenting our climate project proposals to potential technical and financial partners. We are here to seek support for concrete resilience initiatives in Madagascar and to reaffirm our commitment to the Jesuit Climate Justice advocacy, which champions social and ecological justice at every level.” Centre Arrupe Madagascar’s presence goes beyond advocacy; it represents a determined effort to ensure that the voices of vulnerable communities, especially those bearing the brunt of climate impacts are heard in global decision-making spaces. The delegation emphasized the need for unity among developing countries and genuine engagement from developed nations, whose support remains critical. “We hope COP30 becomes a moment for action where commitments are no longer delayed and justice is no longer postponed,” Efa added.
At an event marking the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’ and the Paris Agreement, Patricia Tahirindray, Programme Coordinator CA-MDG joined global actors in reflecting on how Laudato Si’ has reshaped climate dialogue by linking science, justice, and human solidarity with the conviction that the Earth is our common home. Despite progress, speakers noted concerning realities: the climate crisis continues to intensify, Indigenous and poor communities remain disproportionately affected, and the fossil fuel industry still holds significant influence. A central theme of the discussion was climate financing, with testimonies from Africa, the Amazon, and Asia stressing that meaningful climate transition is impossible without adequate, just, and accessible funding. Climate finance, participants argued, is not merely technical—it is a moral responsibility and a duty of global solidarity.
During a session on sustainable finance for resource-limited countries, Efa highlighted the need for long-term patient capital, strengthened regional cooperation, systemic reform of global financial structures, and climate projects that uphold human rights and environmental integrity. At the COP30 Children and Youth Pavilion, the Malagasy delegation demonstrated the commitment of local youth, and particularly women to climate leadership. Through training, regional dialogues, advocacy, and culturally adapted tools, Centre Arrupe Madagascar showcased practical ways communities can build resilience and contribute to sustainable change.
Outside the COP30 venue, Father Patric Razafimahafaly, SJ, Director of CA-MDG witnessed a peaceful demonstration by Indigenous communities carrying a powerful message to Brazilian authorities: “We refuse to be sacrificed for agribusiness.” The moment echoed the themes of Querida Amazonia, which denounces the ongoing marginalization of Indigenous peoples, who remain the primary guardians of their ancestral lands.
On November 15, the People’s Summit March brought together Indigenous groups, rural workers, unions, women, youth, and marginalized urban communities. Their shared objective was to advocate for a just and democratic society that guarantees well-being for all. Later that day, a session on agroecology highlighted strong youth interest in sustainable food systems that support adaptation, mitigation, and food security. Speakers stressed that access to financing remains essential for scaling agroecological projects and enabling young people to drive meaningful change.
Centre Arrupe Madagascar also engaged with the Holy See delegation, holding discussions focused on placing education at the center of a just transition, recognizing the leadership of women, integrating climate financing into national plans, and maintaining the global commitment to the 1.5°C limit. A panel on mining justice emphasized that the global energy transition must not perpetuate harmful extractivist practices, particularly in cobalt-producing regions where communities face displacement and environmental harm. Conversations also addressed carbon markets, debt relief, and safeguards for affected populations.
Offering a spiritual reflection on the experience, Fr. Razafimahafaly, SJ, Director, CA-MDG, shared, “For me, COP30 is more than conferences and negotiations—it is a community seeking ecological conversion, as Pope Francis describes in Laudato Si’. Here in Belém, I see people from all corners of the world searching for common ground to repair the damage we have caused. This is not a waste of time or resources; it is a sacrifice made for the future of generations.” He added, “COP30 is an invitation from God to care for our common home through daily, concrete actions. As we return to our countries, let us make this conference a locomotive for authentic response to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.”
At the close of COP30, Efa described the conference as “full of hope,” noting that the strong presence of Indigenous peoples, the engagement of civil society, and the active participation of Jesuit delegates from around the world renewed momentum for justice-centered climate action. Discussions highlighted the need for long-term financial commitment, structural reforms, and inclusive governance systems to ensure that the clean energy transition supports rather than marginalizes vulnerable populations. Patricia added her reflection on the experience: “From the early-morning corridors to the late-day negotiations, the diversity of voices was inspiring. What stood out most was the global determination to stop treating communities as victims and instead recognize them as agents of change. Ten years after the Paris Agreement, being in Belém brings renewed hope.”
COP30 concluded on November 22, marking a crucial moment for Madagascar to amplify the realities of vulnerable communities. In Belém, the CA-MDG team raised critical concerns around climate justice, food sovereignty, just energy transition, and the protection of Indigenous and local communities. Their participation reaffirmed the Jesuit mission of defending human dignity and caring for our common home. Although COP30 has ended, the commitment continues. The struggle for climate justice is ongoing and CA-MDG remains steadfast: we breathe the same air, share the same destiny, and carry a shared responsibility to protect our common home.
By, Dennis Owuoche,
AJAN Communications Officer.
English 
Français 
Português
Comments are closed.