By Leander Pereira for BIS Mumbai

COPeace, organised by the Archdiocesan Office of Environment (AOE), Mumbai in collaboration with the Don Bosco Youth Services (DBYS), Mumbai was held on September 28, 2025, at the Don Bosco Provincial House, Matunga, Mumbai. Sponsored by Penny and Ishwar Bajaj, the event brought together 34 participants in understanding the direct impact climate change has on daily lives, linking this with the issues at stake at COP30, and also engaged them in a creative competition to celebrate the Season of Creation.

Ms Shawna Nemesia Rebello (Consultant – AOE) kickstarted the event with her address, and Fr Leon Cruz SDB (Director - DBYS) led the gathering into the day with a meditative prayer. The main speaker, Dr Jean D’Cunha, a retired UN Women Senior Global Adviser, engaged participants in a dialogue on the climate crisis. Participants watched a video highlighting its impacts on women living in poor and vulnerable areas. She also encouraged them to share their existing knowledge. This interaction helped participants understand issues such as greenhouse gases, rising global temperatures, and other environmental challenges.

Participants were then divided into four groups to work on three key questions: What are the problems that our city faces due to climate change? How does climate change impact women and youth? (two groups focused on women and two on youth), and What changes can we take back and implement in our homes, colleges, and communities? These discussions encouraged participants to reflect on real life concerns and understand practical solutions from the sharing. Dr D’Cunha then explained COP30, scheduled to take place in November, and connected the insights shared during the group discussions to the key concerns that will be addressed at this COP.

In the second half of the day, participants worked in groups or pairs to create a “Garden of Peace”, either assembled from waste or discarded materials or as paintings. Judges Fr Peter Gonsalves SDB and Ms Gwyneth Rasquinha, evaluated the entries, and gift cards for nature courses and trails were awarded to the winners. Each participant also received a cloth bag as a takeaway gift. Ms Joanne De Sa expressed her reflections, describing COPeace as,"an amazing and eye-opening experience. It was both fun and insightful, deepening my understanding of environmental issues and inspiring me to take positive action."

The event itself modeled sustainable practices, with no use of disposable materials or single-use plastics throughout. Meals, snacks, and tea were served using utensils and cutlery already owned by the DBYS, while participants were encouraged to bring their own cups.

COPeace reminded participants of their role as caretakers of the environment and agents of change in their homes, colleges, and communities.