As COP30 unfolds in Belém, the Focolare Movement in Brazil is contributing actively to the global conversation on integral ecology, justice and the future of our planet. Over several days of events, members of the Movement—together with partners from the Laudato Si’ Movement and the Economy of Communion (EOC)—are helping ensure that the voices of the Amazon’s peoples are not only heard, but placed at the centre of climate decision-making.
Centred on the Amazon: “Nothing about us without us”
On 13th November, representatives of the Laudato Si’ Movement, the Focolare Movement and EOC Brazil gathered for a powerful dialogue highlighting the experiences and wisdom of communities who live in the Amazon.
Those participating included:
• Lorna Gold, Executive Director of the Laudato Si’ Movement
• Raissa de Almeida, Co-President of EdC Brazil
• Myrian Metchitüna, an Indigenous leader from the Upper Rio Solimões
• Yane Araújo, a community leader from the Acajatuba Lake region
with journalist Gilvan David moderating and Suzana Moreira assisting with translation.
Raissa opened the session by presenting Amazônia Viva, an EOC initiative launched in 2022, developed through listening, research and science. The project connects faith, community and business leaders to promote a regenerative and community-centred economy.
Myrian shared how the project has helped her community rekindle a desire to return to their roots and she is now developing a Casa de Saberes, a “House of Knowledge”, for women and youth. Yane highlighted the importance of women’s leadership in her territory and affirmed that the Amazon must shape climate solutions: “Let us not be only heard, but placed at the centre of the discussions… nothing about us without us.”
Lorna concluded by speaking of the connection between the three movements and their shared mission at COP30: to spread a message of hope. She described the symbolic pilgrimage undertaken with a sculpture containing water blessed by Pope Leo at the “Raising Hope” event in Castelgandolfo (1st-3rd October), a “river of hope” which was brought through significant sites in Brazil before arriving in the Blue Zone of COP30, where negotiations are underway.
Porto Focolares: A Space of Welcome at COP30
Throughout COP30, from 11th-14th November, the Focolare Movement is present at a dedicated space within the Social Polo of Colégio Santa Catarina, an initiative of the Archdiocese of Belém. The Porto Focolares room is a place of hospitality, learning and dialogue where participants can:
• encounter the history and spirituality of the Movement
• learn about the work of Editora Cidade Nova
• explore the Amazônia and Amazônia Viva projects
• and discover the EcoPlan, the Focolare’s global ecological commitment launched in 2022
The opening event on 11th November brought together numerous Brazilian bishops and the Archbishop of Belém, Dom Júlio Endi Akamine, who, drawing from Laudato Sì, emphasised ecological responsibility and care for future generations.
A Message of Hope and the Voice of New Generations
On 13th November, the Porto Focolares space welcomed Lorna Gold for a talk titled “Laudato Sì and the Future of the Planet: A Call to Action.” Her contribution strengthened the link between global ecological advocacy and the lived experiences of people in the Amazon region.
Immediately afterwards, two young members of the Focolare Movement, Elis and Maitê Nunes, launched their children’s book “The Children Who Saved the River” in the COP30 Green Zone, a joyful and creative reminder of the essential role that younger generations play in caring for our common home.
Visitors were also invited to appreciate a special exhibition of Amazonian crafts prepared for the occasion.
Walking Together Toward Integral Ecology
Across these days of COP30, the Focolare Movement in Brazil is helping create spaces of encounter where Indigenous, riverside and quilombola communities speak for themselves; where faith, science and community action come together; and where hope becomes a lived commitment.
By listening deeply and acting boldly, the Movement seeks to contribute to the global effort for ecological justice and a future in which all peoples, and the whole of creation, can thrive.