On 3 July 2025, the 13th Cohort of the European Leadership Programme (ELP) concluded its intensive five-month journey in Brussels. The graduation ceremony, held at Press Club Brussels, marked a transition as young professionals and emerging leaders were celebrated for their transformative growth and readiness to contribute to European civic and policy life. ELP is an immersive formation programme launched by the Jesuit European Social Centre (JESC) in collaboration with partners like UCSIA. Over five months, participants engage in community living, ethical leadership formation, coaching, and work placements within EU-related institutions—bridging theory with real-world impact. Ceremony Highlights and Key Messages Otilia Dhand, Institutional Relations Director at Temasek, delivered the keynote address, reflecting on leadership as "the power of everyday deeds." Erik De Bom, Acting Director at UCSIA, shared a stirring reminder that “compassion must be personal. Solidarity must be political,” affirming the importance of transforming personal values into social engagement. Graduates were urged to nourish the community they’ve built, emphasizing the importance of sustaining relationships beyond the programme. The newly launched ELP Alumni Board, introduced during the ceremony, ensures that the bonds formed during the programme evolve into long-term connections and opportunities for collaboration. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the upcoming 14th cohort in autumn 2025, continuing the ELP’s mission of shaping ethically grounded, socially committed leaders, aligned with the Jesuit vision of a more just and sustainable Europe

Last week’s SB62 Bonn Climate Meetings, the annual UNFCCC climate conference held each June, marked a significant first: the Society of Jesus sent a coordinated delegation to participate in this crucial event, which serves as the halfway point between COPs. This pioneering Jesuit delegation, including Colm Fahy (JESC, Brussels), Cristóbal Emilfork SJ (University of California), Jörg Alt SJ (Jesuiten Weltweit, Germany), Filipe Martins SJ (JESC, Brussels), and Richard Solly (Jesuit Missions, UK), attended not only to observe and actively participate in preparation for COP30, but also to advocate for the three key calls of the Jesuits for Climate Justice COP30 campaign. The group was supported by the remote participation of Roberto Jaramillo SJ and Daniela Alba, respectively Secretary and Advocacy Officer from the global Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat, and delivered on a daily basis personal reflections, highlights of the negotiations and videos with partners.  The concluding sentiment of the event was that whilst some progress was made, much more remains to be done. SB62 proved to be a challenging conference, with many key climate justice demands largely deferred to COP30. While some progress was made on Adaptation indicators and a draft text emerged for Just Transition, the Global Stocktake saw limited advancement due to deep divisions. Crucially, climate finance remained a major sticking point, with calls for debt cancellation and a robust Loss and Damage Fund facing resistance, leaving significant work for COP30. Overall, the conference highlighted the urgent need for global leaders to take decisive action and adequately fund poorer countries for a sustainable transition. It was obvious to observers like the Jesuit delegation that many powerful countries, such as Saudi Arabia, which have much to lose from climate legislation, used the conference as a means to delay decisions. The conference also grappled with many ‘elephants in the room’, with climate migration being a prime example. This was one of the significant observations of the participants of a side event on Climate Change and Climate Migration organised by the Jesuit group, which powerfully demonstrated a unity amongst attendees. In the event, experts Dr. Samuel Zewdie Hagos and Dr. Jörg Alt SJ led a discussion highlighting how the media often misrepresents extreme weather events in the Global South as “natural disasters,” obscuring their root causes. They also underscored the mutual interest of both the Global North and South in bold climate responses. Climate migration, a seldom-addressed but increasingly urgent issue already displacing millions, sparked a lively discussion (whose raw footage can be seen here, with both presentations available here and here), reinforcing the Catholic Church’s commitment to advocating for marginalised communities. The Jesuits for Climate Justice presence in Bonn in 2025 might be viewed as a ‘drop in the ocean’ in terms of our impact on climate activism, but the presence of church actors, and indeed the Jesuits, should not be underestimated. At a time when populism and other factors are delaying measures on climate change, it is more important than ever that faith groups come together to push the moral imperative of protecting our common home and the poorest who suffer most from this crisis. Colm FahyJESC Ecology Advocacy Officer 

From the 17th to the 21st of June, the Jesuit Social Centres in Europe gathered for the Ignatian Social Thinking week, a revival of earlier Eurojess meetings. Along with Ignatian partners such as CLC (Christian Life Community) or universities, about 30 Jesuits and lay collaborators came together to exchange and deepen their understanding of a common mission. The theme of the meeting was the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’. The aim of the meeting was threefold. Firstly, to take the pulse of the current situation in ecology politics, the state of mobilisation and the rise of opposing forces. To this end, we welcomed Eamon Ryan, former leader of the Green Party in Ireland and former Minister for the Environment and Transport (2020-2025). He spoke about the origins of his commitment, how he witnessed the development of ecological awareness and, while noting the current downturn, outlined the places where support is still present and where to press for action. This overview was then enriched by a sharing of experiences by the various centres (8 centres present!), which presented, in the form of workshops and case studies, one or other initiative they developed along the lines of Laudato Si’. These workshops covered a wide range of topics: the launch of neighbourhood gardens, various formation initiatives aimed at young adults, or the Future Generations Initiative. Finally, the meeting was an opportunity for the centres to share one or other future initiative. Alongside these three main aims, the meeting also provided an opportunity to discover the Châtelard eco-centre, under the guidance of Xavier de Bénazé. As core elements of the final evaluation of the meeting, participants spoke of the importance of learning about different realities and experiences, sharing good practices and initiatives, and a renewed sense of common mission among teams. Benoit Willemaers SJJESC Secretary for European Affairs

The annual meeting of the Delegates for the Social Apostolate of the European Provinces of the Society of Jesus was held from May 21 to 24 in Nuremberg, at the Jesuit Ukama Center for Social-Environmental Transformation. In addition to presenting updates on the current state of the social apostolate in the different Provinces, an important focus was the answer to a request from the President of the European Conference, who’s preparing a new Apostolic Plan and inviting different groups to participate in its elaboration. This document will play a significant role in shaping the European Jesuit action plan for the next five years. The Social Delegates are also engaged in an ongoing evaluation process of the social sector in Europe, and dedicated some time to it. The gathering featured enriching encounters as well, including a conversation with German activists from the “Last Generation” movement, along with opportunities for recreation and local exploration. The meeting concluded with a convivial community barbecue in the garden of the house, complete with the region’s famed Nuremberg sausages, potato salad, and, naturally, outstanding local beer.    

The climate crisis can no longer be denied. Its most severe effects are felt in countries where extreme weather devastates communities, rising sea levels threaten coastal regions, and ecosystem collapse jeopardizes livelihoods. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report warns of “a rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all.” This crisis demands immediate and decisive actions, and COP30 is a critical event for the global community in addressing the climate emergency. In the spirit of the Jubilee of Hope, we call upon all people of goodwill to advocate for a just and sustainable future, urging delegates to COP30 and governments to: Cancel the debt of underdeveloped countries and strengthen the Loss and Damage Fund. Unjust and unpayable debts from underdeveloped nations should be cancelled so that resources could be free for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, and a grant-based Loss and Damage Fund must provide adequate resources to address the devastating impacts of climate change. Accelerate agreements and set targets for a Just Energy Transition to reduce CO2 emissions. A Just Energy Transition should consider historical responsibilities, respect Indigenous rights, value nature, and prioritize sustainable livelihoods over profit-driven models. Set concrete targets to build a Global Food Sovereignty System based on agroecological practices. A system that promotes culturally adapted modes of production, transformation, distribution, and food consumption, applying ecological principles to agriculture. The COP process is imperative for making international progress on the climate crisis. Pope Francis stated, “It is a matter of establishing global and effective rules that can permit ‘providing for’ this global safeguarding” (LD, 43). Let us heed this call and work together to build a world where all “may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

Eco-delegates from across the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials gathered in Nuremberg for their second in-person meeting. The three-day event was marked by reflection, collaboration, and renewed commitment to ecological conversion. Highlights included an afternoon of inspiring talks from climate activists Bettina Schiebel (Last Generation) and Vincent Gewert (Fridays for Future), as well as Michael Stöhr, climate expert and CLC member, and transformation scientist Stefan Eisiedel from the Munich School of Philosophy. Their insights shed light on both the urgency and ethical dimensions of today’s ecological challenges. The final day featured the presentation of the 2024 Global Survey on UAP4 by SJES Rome, affirming progress in many Provinces—particularly where resources have been dedicated to ecological work. Delegates also discussed the next steps for the Eco-delegates network. An eco-historical tour of Nuremberg, guided by Jesuit friends Norbert and Nicola, followed by a vegetarian dinner, provided a meaningful close to the gathering. Among the key takeaways: tangible progress is being made across Provinces, the UAP4 report is a valuable tool that should be shared more widely, and in-person meetings in spiritually resonant places are crucial for deepening this mission. A next gathering is planned for 2026 at Casa Velha, Portugal.