Go Further, Faster Together!
Last month, I was in Frascati, Italy for a gathering whose title said it all: “Going further, faster together: towards a global, multi-faith, women-led climate action network.” My deep love for people and planet, adam and adamah, has been nourished through a life of travel and work in multi-faith settings. Yet I have never before had the privilege to be in a room with such a diversity of women, cultures, backgrounds, and religious beliefs. Yet, there was an underlying thread that connected us all: a deep commitment to a livable planet for ourselves and future generations.
A shared commitment to our common home was a powerful start towards building trust. Being together in person was a critical reminder of the humanity that binds us. In a world where digital communication often dominates, the opportunity to meet face-to-face allowed us to bridge divides that might otherwise seem insurmountable. We were a small group, 50 or so women with a few male allies. We had meetings as a group, we gathered in intimate break outs, we shared meals, slowed down over tea. We spoke honestly and thoughtfully. The trust was building.
Throughout the event, I was struck by the stories shared by my fellow attendees. Women, from different corners of the globe, spoke of the tangible impacts of climate change on their communities; others spoke of innovative solutions being implemented; others shared both simultaneously – that as their communities are being devastated, they are learning to adapt, and even slow, climate change.
A highlight of our gathering was our visit with the Pope. It was a moment that transcended religious boundaries, reinforcing the idea that our journey is not just about individual efforts but about bringing so many others along with us. It reminded us that by embracing our full identities and experiences, we can inspire and mobilize a broader community to join us in this crucial work.
Building trust is the first step towards meaningful partnership. In Italy, we laid the groundwork for future collaborations by fostering an environment of openness and respect. Trust is not built overnight, but the seeds were sown during our time together. We left the gathering with a sense of solidarity and a commitment to continue working together, despite the challenges that lie ahead.
The relationships we built in Italy are the beginning of partnerships that have the potential to create the world we have imagined—a world where faith and action converge to protect our planet for future generations. Together, we can move faster and more effectively towards a sustainable future.
Go Further, Faster Together!
Join One Home One Future and Become a Host for the 2025 National Faith + Climate Forum
About the Author:
Liore Milgrom-Gartner, Adamah, Deputy Climate Action Director
Additional Resources:
Apply or Nominate: American Climate Leadership Awards 2025
Join the Campaign: One Home One Future
Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Children and Youth Report 2023