July 15, 2025
By Dadi Darmadi
Depok, July 11, 2025 — The International Conference on “Religious Environmentalism in Action: Knowledge, Movements, and Policies,” set for July 16–18, 2025, at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) in Depok, West Java, will spotlight the critical role of faith-based solutions in tackling the global climate crisis. Organized by the Center for the Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) at Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Jakarta, in collaboration with UIII’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Studia Islamika, the event will feature a stellar lineup of international scholars, with Dr. Iyad Abumoghli’s pioneering work in uniting faith and environmental policy taking center stage. Joined by Prof. Anna Gade and Prof. Frans Wijsen, these global experts will drive a transformative dialogue on religious environmentalism.
Prof. Jamhari, the Rector of UIII, said that this conference is a significantly important event for UIII campus. As part of a collaboration with the Religious Environmentalism Actions (REACT) project, this program will feature a thematic exhibition of Green Religion photography, documentaries, and eco-friendly crafts, showcasing faith-driven environmentalism in action.
Dr. Iyad Abumoghli: Bridging Faith and Global Policy
As a senior official with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and founder of its Faith for Earth Initiative, Dr. Iyad Abumoghli is a global leader in harnessing religious values for environmental action. His expertise lies in integrating faith-based initiatives into international frameworks like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Abumoghli has championed partnerships with religious communities worldwide, from mobilizing tree-planting campaigns in the Middle East to advocating for eco-friendly policies in global forums. His work emphasizes the power of faith leaders to inspire millions, making them key allies in combating climate change. At the conference, Abumoghli’s keynote will focus on aligning religious environmentalism with evidence-based policies, drawing on success stories like faith-driven conservation in Indonesia. His vision for scalable, policy-oriented solutions underscores the conference’s mission to create actionable strategies for sustainability.
Prof. Anna Gade: Illuminating Islamic Environmental Ethics
Prof. Anna Gade from the University of Wisconsin–Madison brings unparalleled expertise in Islamic environmentalism. Her groundbreaking book, Muslim Environmentalisms: Religious and Social Foundations (2019), explores how Quranic concepts like khalifah (stewardship) inspire ecological activism. Gade’s ethnographic research in Indonesia highlights how Islamic practices, such as water conservation in pesantren (Islamic boarding schools), drive community-led environmental efforts. Her keynote on “Green Islam” will delve into how Islamic ethics can shape global sustainability, offering a framework to connect traditional knowledge with modern environmental challenges.
Prof. Frans Wijsen: Advancing Interreligious Environmentalism
Prof. Frans Wijsen of Radboud University, Netherlands, is a leading scholar in interreligious dialogue and environmental ethics. His work, including Seeds of Conflict (2015), examines how shared religious values can address global issues in pluralistic societies. Wijsen’s research on Christian-Muslim relations in Southeast Asia and East Africa highlights the potential for interfaith collaboration in ecological sustainability. His keynote will explore comparative perspectives on faith-based green movements, providing a roadmap for cross-cultural cooperation in environmental policy-making.
A Global Call to Action
According to Philips Vermonte, PhD, the Dean of FOSS at UIII, these scholars will lead interdisciplinary panels alongside Indonesian religious leaders, activists, and policymakers, fostering dialogue on religious teachings, green movements, and sustainable policies.
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Studia Islamika, this event amplifies its focus on “religion and environmental sustainability” in global Islamic discourse. With Dr. Iyad Abumoghli’s visionary leadership at its core, complemented by the expertise of Prof. Anna Gade and Prof. Frans Wijsen, the conference promises to inspire innovative, faith-based solutions to the climate crisis. Join us in Depok this July to witness these global thought leaders shape a sustainable future.
Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia
