Climate Talanoa: justice, inclusion and wisdom

On Thursday 2 October, Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli, Synod of NSW and ACT Moderator Rev Faaimata Havea Hiliau, Uniting Church leaders and scores of congregation members welcomed the Hon Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change, and Climate Ministers from across the Pacific Nations, who gathered in Sydney for a Climate Talanoa.

This truly inspiring event, held at the Blacktown Regional Uniting Church, was meticulously organised by Thuy Linh Nguyen and the team at Uniting NSW.ACT and the Uniting Church Synod of NSW & ACT.

The participants gathered to discuss the impacts of climate change across the region, and to continue to build on the joint Australia/Pacific Nations bid to host COP31. As part of the visit, the Climate Ministers and other guests exchanged stories about the impacts of climate change, including in Western Sydney, with leaders of the Uniting Church Pasifika Community.

Some tough questions were put to Minister Bowen, encouraging the Federal Government to go further with their policy agenda on climate change and support for affected communities.

This poignant gathering was preceded by a beautiful Welcome to Dharug Country, smoking ceremony and a worship service. The service featured some inspirational singing, a Blessing by President Suli and a wonderful reflection from Rev Faaimata Havea Hiliau, Moderator of the Uniting Church Synod of NSW and ACT.

The Talanoa amplified the voices of Pasifika communities and highlighted the urgent need to take action for climate justice, especially for those most vulnerable to its impacts. The Talanoa served to strengthen relationships and trust. But, against the backdrop of the recent National Climate Risk Assessment, it also highlighted the need for our political and corporate leaders to be accountable for the decisions they make.

The voices of the Uniting Church community offered reassurance to the Pacific Climate Ministers that we are in solidarity with them, and our struggles are shared.

Speaking after the event, President Charissa Suli reflected:

"The Pacific Climate Roundtable, hosted by Uniting NSW.ACT and the NSW.ACT Synod, reminded us that climate justice is not a local issue but a shared moral responsibility. As President of the Uniting Church in Australia, I see our whole Church — from remote communities to major cities — as part of one body working alongside First Nations and Pacific partners."

"Together we are called to ensure Australia’s climate leadership is grounded in justice, inclusion, and the wisdom of those most affected."

The Uniting Church in Australia stands in solidarity with our First Nations Peoples, our Pacific neighbours and the broader Australian community in calling for bold, equitable climate action. The stories shared at the Talanoa remind us that the climate crisis is not just a future threat – it is a present reality for many. 

Photos by Ron Johnson, Uniting Climate and Uniting Church Synod of NSW/ACT