On this occasion, the "Don Bosco Green Alliance" (DBGA) was also presented, the international Salesian network that encourages young people to contribute with concrete gestures and reflections to addressing global environmental policies.
“In his time, Don Bosco was determined to respond to the needs of the young people of his time. Today we want to respond to the urgent needs of the young people of the 21st century, for which it is necessary to engage in the care of the common home," said Fr Koldo Gutiérrez, Director of the National Salesian Center for Youth Ministry, at the beginning of his press conference.
At his side was Almudena Rodríguez, a young participant in the 15th Youth Conference (COY15), in progress from today until Sunday December 1st, and Salvi Macías, a young participant at COP25, scheduled from December 2nd to 13th.
A summary of what was said:
Koldo Gutiérrez:
This campaign will consist of a series of actions in our schools, youth centers and social platforms. We want children and young people of our homes to organize climate marches. We will also have several actions on social networks that can be monitored with the hashtag #PorElFuturoDeLaJuventud. Today it is very important to underscore words such as cure, protect, guard, preserve, safeguard. We have a commitment to Creation. To engage in caring for the common home, dialogue is very important and we are convinced that ecology is a cultural, educational and spiritual challenge. Our proposal is based on these aspects.
Almudena Rodríguez:
We want to be one of the principal players in the search for solutions to the problems and injustices caused by the climate crisis. We must not lose sight of the fact that the impact of this crisis is suffered above all by the poorest people. And let's not forget that over 1,550 activists have been killed in 50 different countries over the past 15 years for having carried out activities of protection and care of the natural resources of their living environments, in particular of the territories of high natural and biological value belonging to the indigenous communities.
Salvi Macías:
Salesian youth, who are part of the DBGA, are concretely engaged along three guidelines:
- Combatting air, water and land pollution;
- Reducing global warming by adopting more responsible and efficient consumption;
- Eliminating single-use plastic.
We can no longer delay climate action. It's time to act.
