Joe to join CAFOD youth delegation at G7 Summit

Ahead of the G7 and COP26 conferences, CAFOD is calling on parishioners across England and Wales to focus their MPs on pressing global challenges. Joe Savage from St George’s in Norwich reports.

I studied at Notre Dame High School, where I regularly got involved with activities to support CAFOD. I am currently in my second year at the University of Portsmouth, studying International Development. I’m delighted that I’m going to be spending the third year of my course volunteering with CAFOD in East Anglia and Brentwood Dioceses, focusing on CAFOD’s Campaigns and Advocacy work.

2021 has been identified as the year to address Climate Change. Young people have the attention of world leaders, so now is our opportunity to campaign for change. I am attending the G7 summit in Cornwall in June as part of the CAFOD youth delegation of 19 young adults. It’s an exciting opportunity, and I’m happy to speak about the experience to CAFOD supporters in parishes and schools on my return. If you would more information about this, please contact me  jsavage@cafod.org.uk

I am inspired by the words of Pope Francis in his second encyclical Laudato Si: “Unless citizens control political power – national, regional and municipal – it will not be possible to control damage to the environment.” A new initiative, under CAFOD’s  Reclaim Our Common Home campaign, has been launched called ‘Parliament in Your Parish’. This campaign aims to encourage parishioners to organise online zoom meetings with their local MP to discuss issues such as climate change, unjust foreign debts and how we can rebuild after the pandemic.

Andrea Speranza, Campaign Engagement Manager at CAFOD, said: “By organising an online meeting with their MPs, Catholics can play a vital role in ensuring that politicians put the poorest communities at the heart of these meetings.

“If you would like to join our campaign and talk to your MP, information on how to set up a meeting can be found on our campaign’s page.”

Jane Crone from CAFOD East Anglia comments: “We’re delighted that Joe has chosen to make a gift of his time and talents to CAFOD. As well as bringing his knowledge of International Development to the role, he has a great understanding of the Catholic community from his commitment to his home parish of St George’s and education in Norwich’s Catholic schools. 

“Keep an eye on CAFOD in East Anglia on  Facebook  and Twitter for updates from Joe during the G7 meeting. He’ll be on Radio Norfolk around 8.45 am on Sunday May 30; do tune in to hear his story.”

The G7 Summit is taking place in Carbis Bay, Cornwall on June 11-13, with Boris Johnson as president. The UK has invited Australia, India, South Korea and South Africa as guest countries this year. The summit aims to unite leading democracies to help the world fight, and then build back better from coronavirus and create a greener, more prosperous future.

More information about the Summit itself is here.The COP26 Conference will take place in Glasgow from November 1 – 12.

Pictured above is Joe Savage

Comments