(ANS – Nairobi) – On June 4, 2026, one day before World Environment Day, a significant milestone was reached in the field of integral ecology through an important meeting between the Salesians and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at its headquarters in Nairobi. The Salesian delegation was led by Fr. Savio Silveira, Coordinator of Integral Ecology in the Youth Ministry Sector. He was accompanied by Fr. Sahaya Selvam, former Director of Don Bosco Development Outreach Network, Kenya, and Mr. Joseph Kamau, Project Officer at Don Bosco Tech Africa. The UNEP delegation consisted of ten officials representing various sectors of the organization’s work.
The meeting began with Fr. Silveira presenting an overview of the Society of Don Bosco and its ministry to young people in 138 countries. He emphasized the importance that Don Bosco places globally on addressing environmental issues through its extensive network of educational and pastoral institutions. He highlighted the initiatives being undertaken by Don Bosco that contribute significantly to addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity and nature loss, and pollution and waste. Fr. Silveira concluded his presentation by underscoring the valuable opportunity for Don Bosco and UNEP to work together in advancing the environmental goals of the United Nations.
The UNEP representatives then presented their respective areas of expertise. These included engagement with civil society organizations, youth working groups, technical education and green skills, plastic pollution, ecosystem restoration, faith-based organization networks, and women’s empowerment for environmental protection. The presentations were followed by a lively discussion on the various areas in which Don Bosco and UNEP could collaborate.
Among the key outcomes of the meeting were the possibility of Don Bosco becoming part of the UNEP Children and Youth Major Group, promoting green skills programs, participating in the next United Nations Environment Assembly, and establishing connections with UNEP’s continental offices. The meeting concluded with a strong sense of enthusiasm and hope that the collaboration between Don Bosco and UNEP would yield significant results.
For the Salesian Congregation, integral ecology is now considered “a privileged field of educational and pastoral work” (GC29:64). The Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, emphasized in the Congregation’s Six-Year Plan that “the Church’s commitment to integral ecology has been embraced by the Congregation and must be strengthened through a charismatically inspired vision” (AGC 446). He has also stressed the importance of young people playing a leading role in all ecological initiatives. Engaging with UNEP represents an important step forward in enabling young people to take an active and effective role on a key global platform.