About the Conference

In July 2025, the Laudato Si’ Africa Conference will convene at the Bethany Land Institute to address the intertwined challenges of Integral Ecology and Integral Human Development, marking the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis's Laudato Si'. The event will serve as a platform for diverse stakeholders, including academics, policymakers, religious leaders, and activists, to present interdisciplinary approaches, empirical research, and practical solutions to ecological concerns. Discussions will encompass a wide array of topics, from climate justice and environmental degradation to sustainable agriculture and food security, with a particular emphasis on the African context and the disproportionate impact of the global ecological crisis on the continent.

Driven by the urgent need to respond to both the "cry of the earth and the cry of the poor," the Conference seeks to evaluate the progress made in Africa since the release of Laudato Si' and to foster future action. It aims to highlight grassroots initiatives, analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the Integral Ecology paradigm, and explore potential collaborations and learning opportunities, including insights from Latin America. Ultimately, the Conference aspires to create a network for ongoing engagement, knowledge sharing, and the advancement of integral ecological practices to address Africa's pressing environmental and human development challenges amidst its projected population growth and existing vulnerabilities. The Conference costs $700, which includes accommodations near BLI's campus in Nandere (airfare to and from Uganda not included).

For those who are able to extend their stay in Uganda, the Conference will be accompanied by an ecological pilgrimage, enabling participants to explore Ugandan culture, history, and landmarks. The Pilgrimage will take place before and after the Conference, running from July 19 to July 30, 2025. The cost of the Ecological Pilgrimage, together with the Conference, is $1,750 per person and includes accommodations, travel, food and activities during that time (excluding airfare to and from Uganda).

Dates and Location

Conference Dates: July 23–25, 2025

Ecological Pilgrimage: July 19–30, 2025

While the Conference will take place at Bethany Land Institute in Nandere, Uganda, the Ecological Pilgrimage will include exploration across Uganda (including significant time at BLI). Anyone coming from out of the country should fly into Entebbe International Airport.

Attendees

Current attendees hail from around the world. Anyone interested in learning about how we can create a better, more sustainable future is welcome.

Scholars set to publish papers from the Conference conduct work in a variety of fields, including: indigenous studies, human development, theology, political science, gender studies, philosophy, conservation and climate change, and African studies. Additionally, practitioners from across Africa, including organizational and community leaders, will join to share the work happening in their communities.

Contacts

If you would like to register for the Conference, please do so here.

Any questions about the Conference can be directed to Ari Woodworth (awoodwor@nd.edu). For inquiries about Conference paper publication, please contact Heather Foucault-Camm (hfoucaul@nd.edu).

Any questions about the Pilgrimage can be directed to Emmanuel Ojeifo (eojeifo@nd.edu).