By Fr. Seamus Finn, OMI, Chief of Faith Consistent Investment/OIP
More than 17 mining CEO’s accepted the invitation of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace to participate in a day of reflection in Rome on Sept 19th 2015. This event took place almost two years to the day since the first day of reflection and just 11 months after the Archbishop of Canterbury convened a similar event at Lambert Palace in London, October 2014.
More than 17 mining CEO’s accepted the invitation of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace to participate in a day of reflection in Rome on Sept 19th 2015. This event took place almost two years to the day since the first day of reflection and just 11 months after the Archbishop of Canterbury convened a similar event at Lambert Palace in London, October 2014.
 |
| Top row: Dott. Flaminia Giovanelli, Gerard Powers, Aldo Penni; Front row: Cardinal Peter Turkson, Rev. Seamus Finn OMI, Mark Cutifani, Professor Edward Ayensu, |
The industry participants represented some of the biggest mining
companies in the world who have a global footprint, as well as some companies
from southern Africa who have a more regional footprint. They were united in
their commitment to build on the relationship that had been established at the
previous events and to specifically discuss the challenges and opportunities
that the publication of the encyclical Laudato Si’ by Pope Francis
in June 2015 presented to the industry.
The encyclical clearly stated that all have a moral responsibility “to care for our common home” and that governments and corporations from the developed north needed to consider the ecological debt that was owed to the countries, regions and communities that have suffered serious environmental and social destruction as a result of policies and practices by corporations and other international institutions. The encyclical also called for a more sustainable and equitable approach to the extraction of natural resources, while at the same time recognizing that they play an essential role in most of the products and services that communities rely on across the world.
 |
|
Participants
attending 2nd Gathering on Mining hosted at Vatican Casina Pio IV
|
I chaired the afternoon
session of the event that took place in Casino Pion IV, the home of the
Pontifical Academy of Science, which turned attention to a consideration of the
next steps that might be undertaken by those present. I was also invited to
inaugurate the session by offering my perspective on the opportunities and
partnerships that might be appropriate for industry, faith traditions and other
stakeholders.
Among the top priority next steps that were proposed by participants was a commitment to address where the issues and concerns that were identified as specific harmful consequences of mining during one of the earlier presentations. Brining the industry and faith engagement to a country and more regional level was also proposed and the inclusion of governments and community stakeholders was considered a priority. Finally the issue of development and how mining companies could join with other actors in addressing this topic especially in light of the UN proposed Sustainable Development Goals for adoption t the forthcoming 70th General Assembly was considered.
Among the top priority next steps that were proposed by participants was a commitment to address where the issues and concerns that were identified as specific harmful consequences of mining during one of the earlier presentations. Brining the industry and faith engagement to a country and more regional level was also proposed and the inclusion of governments and community stakeholders was considered a priority. Finally the issue of development and how mining companies could join with other actors in addressing this topic especially in light of the UN proposed Sustainable Development Goals for adoption t the forthcoming 70th General Assembly was considered.
No comments:
Post a Comment