Kicking off 2026 with gratitude. I recently received a letter of appreciation from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for my voluntary contribution to the GEO-7 (Global Environment Outlook) science–policy assessment over the past three years. While I am not sharing the letter publicly (due to data protection), I wanted to acknowledge this recognition as a reflection of the collective effort and meaningful work involved.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this globally important process. The journey offered rich learning, collaboration, and engagement with dedicated experts and practitioners from across the world, all working toward a shared goal of environmental protection and sustainability.
It was a true honour to represent the African Council of Religious Leaders (ACRL) and faith leaders, following my nomination by Dr. Francis Kuria, in 2022 on the Intergovernmental Multidisciplinary Advisory Group (IMAG). I am thankful for the trust placed in me to bring faith-based perspectives into dialogue with science and policy and for the space created for inclusive engagement. Sharing some highlights from this journey through previous photos 📸, which capture collaboration, dialogue, and the spirit of collective action.
The GEO7 report was launched at the UNEA7 in December 2025 in Kenya. May the GEO-7 report serve its purpose in informing policy, inspiring action, and contributing to positive change for our shared future. Read more here: www.unep.org/geo/about-geo/geo-process/geo-7-proce…
What a beautiful and magical interfaith experience it was to witness the Interfaith Educational Climate Festival come to life, hosted by Religions for Peace Interfaith Youth Climate Forum and Religions for Peace South Africa in partnership with many spiritual and climate organizations. đź’š
The program was a concept proposal born in 2019 from the Youth Innovative Prize that I had won with Religions for Peace International And Religions for Peace Global Interfaith Youth Network. This youth prize gave birth to the Religions for Peace Interfaith Youth Climate Forum.
Seeing people of all ages, race, faiths, and walks of life come together — in prayer, dialogue, creativity, and climate action — reminded me of the deep interconnectedness we share with one another and with Mother Earth. 🌍
This day was more than just an event; it was a living expression of unity, compassion, and hope. Each song, talk, meditation, and smile reflected the truth that caring for our planet begins with caring for the spirit within us. 🌸
My deepest gratitude to everyone who helped make this possible — the youth, speakers, volunteers, faith and climate organizations, and every soul who showed up with love and positive intention. Many hands made this event possible and I couldn't have done with this without anyone of you.🙏🏼
Together, we planted seeds — of awareness, love, fun, friendship, and faith — that will continue to grow long after this day for climate action for Mother Earth. 🌱
🎥 A video of highlights and interviews will be shared soon to celebrate these moments of unity and collaboration. Watch this space.
Interfaith Educational Climate Festival Hosted by Religions For Peace Interfaith Youth Climate Forum and Religions for Peace South Africa in partnership with Brahma Kumaris, Sukyo Mahikari South Africa, Ansari Youth Club, Lions Club Durban, Habitat Foundation, Green Buddies Environmental Club, Greenpeace Durban Local Group, SA Food Sovereignty Campaign, Youth for United World, Climate Justice Charter Movement, Acacia Full Service School, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Honorary Officers, Triad Scientific PTY LTD, Restore Africa Foundation and United Religions Initiative SA.
🏗️ Building the Future – Young Professionals Architectural Webinar 🎥
Missed the live session? The recording is now available!
“Building the Future” was an inspiring webinar hosted by An Architect, SACAP, and Project Y: A SAIBD Initiative—bringing together passionate young architectural professionals to share ideas, innovations, and bold visions for shaping our built environment.
As part of the Tough Talks Podcast Crew, I had the privilege of engaging with the next generation of architectural thinkers and doers—through insightful presentations, real conversations, and diverse voices that are shaping the future.
My latest Podcast is out, a conversation with Jessica Roland from ‪@peacemakersnetwork4535‬. It was insightful and we shared on various aspects of peacebuilding in relation to conflict transformation and the importance of women and youth in interfaith engagements. ‪@TheMindfulConversationalist‬
My latest Podcast is out. The Disconnect of Dehumanization
In this latest podcast, in a conversation with Karen Leslie Hernandez, a Theologian and Interfaith Practitioner, we explore how Theological Coexistence can reshape the religious landscape—fostering deeper collaboration and understanding across divides. We also reflect on how pain, trauma, and suffering from conflict can, through the heart space, be transformed into forgiveness, opening the way for both personal and collective healing.
In a world so often divided and torn by war, can our shared humanity guide us toward becoming more peaceful and loving human beings?
The Academic Council of the United Nations System (ACUNS) Annual 2025 Meeting took place from 23 to 25 June 2025 in Kenya, Nairobi. I'm grateful to Ndinda Lydia and African Council of Religious Leaders - Religions for Peace ACRL-RfP for the online invitation to speak at the Roundtable, Gender-inclusive Ecological Solutions for Sustainable Peace and Development in Africa. My topic was on Scaling & Sustainability: What models or partnerships show potential for scaling gender-inclusive ecological solutions across diverse African contexts?
Other Speakers were Dr. Francis Kuria, Dr. Rev. Lubaale, Dr. Hassan Kinyua and Chair Ndinda Lydia. It was an overall insightful discussion. Here are some pictures.
ACUNS platform brings together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers committed to supporting UN goals.
The Prophecy of Religion: Building Bridges of Faiths
In this latest podcast, in a conversation with Bishop Munib Younan, Bishop Emeritus of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and former president of the Lutheran World Federation, we explore how interfaith dialogue plays a vital role in welcoming the stranger, fostering mutual respect, and building bridges of understanding between diverse faith traditions. We explore how The Prophecy of Religion, in an interfaith context, can inspire peace-building, transform religious narratives, and cultivate unity across diverse communities.
Check out my new podcast channel. It's meant to inspire, empower and uplift society with meaningful conversations.
The Need for Multi-Religious Leadership
In this latest podcast, in a conversation with Dr. Azza Karam, founding President and CEO of the consulting firm, Lead Integrity and former Secretary General of Religions for Peace, we unravel what is Authentic Leadership in Professional Service and what is Servant-Leadership in the Multi-Religious Space. Dr. Azza Karam, having served two decades with United Nations igniting various Multi-Religious Peace-building Initiatives, shares her vision and wisdom from her experiences on how Multi-religious Solidarity and Service at grassroot levels from the faith perspective of Human Rights can transform the Religious Space for Peace-Building.
Check out my new podcast channel. It's meant to inspire, empower and uplift society with meaningful conversations.
Can Freedom of Religion and Belief lead to Peace-building?
In this latest podcast, in a conversation with Eric Roux, who is the Chair at United Religions Initiative (URI), the President of the European Interreligious Forum for Religious Freedom and the Vice-President of the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights, we unravel what is Freedom of Religion and Belief in the interfaith context, mapping out a framework in peacebuilding grassroot initiatives, actions and ideologies for religious tolerance, mutual respect, and collaboration.Â
Check out my new podcast channel. It's meant to inspire, empower and uplift society with meaningful conversations.
UnMask Yourself | A Conversation with Carolyne Gaithuma
In this Podcast with Carolyne Gaithuma, A Transformational Coach and Communication Trainer in Kenya, we discover how to UnMask Ourselves to live more of our truth. We explore ideas on how to shed societal expectations, emotional masks or personas for self-discovery and growth.
Merylene Chitharai
🌍 Grateful for the journey 🌱
Kicking off 2026 with gratitude. I recently received a letter of appreciation from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for my voluntary contribution to the GEO-7 (Global Environment Outlook) science–policy assessment over the past three years. While I am not sharing the letter publicly (due to data protection), I wanted to acknowledge this recognition as a reflection of the collective effort and meaningful work involved.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this globally important process. The journey offered rich learning, collaboration, and engagement with dedicated experts and practitioners from across the world, all working toward a shared goal of environmental protection and sustainability.
It was a true honour to represent the African Council of Religious Leaders (ACRL) and faith leaders, following my nomination by Dr. Francis Kuria, in 2022 on the Intergovernmental Multidisciplinary Advisory Group (IMAG). I am thankful for the trust placed in me to bring faith-based perspectives into dialogue with science and policy and for the space created for inclusive engagement.
Sharing some highlights from this journey through previous photos 📸, which capture collaboration, dialogue, and the spirit of collective action.
The GEO7 report was launched at the UNEA7 in December 2025 in Kenya. May the GEO-7 report serve its purpose in informing policy, inspiring action, and contributing to positive change for our shared future. Read more here: www.unep.org/geo/about-geo/geo-process/geo-7-proce…
‪@ReligionsforPeaceInternational‬ ‪@peacemakersnetwork4535‬ ‪@g20interfaith89‬ ‪@acrl_rfp‬ ‪@religionsforpeacesouthafrica‬
4 days ago | [YT] | 1
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Merylene Chitharai
What a beautiful and magical interfaith experience it was to witness the Interfaith Educational Climate Festival come to life, hosted by Religions for Peace Interfaith Youth Climate Forum and Religions for Peace South Africa in partnership with many spiritual and climate organizations. đź’š
The program was a concept proposal born in 2019 from the Youth Innovative Prize that I had won with Religions for Peace International And Religions for Peace Global Interfaith Youth Network. This youth prize gave birth to the Religions for Peace Interfaith Youth Climate Forum.
Seeing people of all ages, race, faiths, and walks of life come together — in prayer, dialogue, creativity, and climate action — reminded me of the deep interconnectedness we share with one another and with Mother Earth. 🌍
This day was more than just an event; it was a living expression of unity, compassion, and hope. Each song, talk, meditation, and smile reflected the truth that caring for our planet begins with caring for the spirit within us. 🌸
My deepest gratitude to everyone who helped make this possible — the youth, speakers, volunteers, faith and climate organizations, and every soul who showed up with love and positive intention. Many hands made this event possible and I couldn't have done with this without anyone of you.🙏🏼
Together, we planted seeds — of awareness, love, fun, friendship, and faith — that will continue to grow long after this day for climate action for Mother Earth. 🌱
🎥 A video of highlights and interviews will be shared soon to celebrate these moments of unity and collaboration. Watch this space.
Interfaith Educational Climate Festival Hosted by Religions For Peace Interfaith Youth Climate Forum and Religions for Peace South Africa in partnership with Brahma Kumaris, Sukyo Mahikari South Africa, Ansari Youth Club, Lions Club Durban, Habitat Foundation, Green Buddies Environmental Club, Greenpeace Durban Local Group, SA Food Sovereignty Campaign, Youth for United World, Climate Justice Charter Movement, Acacia Full Service School, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Honorary Officers, Triad Scientific PTY LTD, Restore Africa Foundation and United Religions Initiative SA.
#InterfaithClimateFestival #FaithInAction #EcoConsciousness #CaringForOurPlanet #RFPYouth #UnityInDiversity #Gratitude #TogetherForEarth
‪@religionsforpeacesouthafrica‬ ‪@ReligionsforPeaceInternational‬ ‪@peacemakersnetwork4535‬ ‪@g20interfaith89‬ ‪@TheMindfulConversationalist‬ ‪@acway5580‬
2 months ago | [YT] | 1
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Merylene Chitharai
🏗️ Building the Future – Young Professionals Architectural Webinar 🎥
Missed the live session? The recording is now available!
“Building the Future” was an inspiring webinar hosted by An Architect, SACAP, and Project Y: A SAIBD Initiative—bringing together passionate young architectural professionals to share ideas, innovations, and bold visions for shaping our built environment.
As part of the Tough Talks Podcast Crew, I had the privilege of engaging with the next generation of architectural thinkers and doers—through insightful presentations, real conversations, and diverse voices that are shaping the future.
đź“ş Watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDRMc...
#BuildingTheFuture #YoungArchitects #ArchitectureWebinar #ToughTalksPodcast #DesignForTomorrow #NextGenArchitecture #InnovationInDesign ‪@wearesacap1608‬ ‪@anarchitectsouthafrica‬
4 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 2
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Merylene Chitharai
My latest Podcast is out, a conversation with Jessica Roland from ‪@peacemakersnetwork4535‬. It was insightful and we shared on various aspects of peacebuilding in relation to conflict transformation and the importance of women and youth in interfaith engagements. ‪@TheMindfulConversationalist‬
5 months ago | [YT] | 0
View 0 replies
Merylene Chitharai
My latest Podcast is out.
The Disconnect of Dehumanization
In this latest podcast, in a conversation with Karen Leslie Hernandez, a Theologian and Interfaith Practitioner, we explore how Theological Coexistence can reshape the religious landscape—fostering deeper collaboration and understanding across divides. We also reflect on how pain, trauma, and suffering from conflict can, through the heart space, be transformed into forgiveness, opening the way for both personal and collective healing.
In a world so often divided and torn by war, can our shared humanity guide us toward becoming more peaceful and loving human beings?
Watch on ‪@TheMindfulConversationalist‬ Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/sN9DU09Ifpc
6 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 0
View 0 replies
Merylene Chitharai
The Academic Council of the United Nations System (ACUNS) Annual 2025 Meeting took place from 23 to 25 June 2025 in Kenya, Nairobi. I'm grateful to Ndinda Lydia and African Council of Religious Leaders - Religions for Peace ACRL-RfP for the online invitation to speak at the Roundtable, Gender-inclusive Ecological Solutions for Sustainable Peace and Development in Africa. My topic was on Scaling & Sustainability: What models or partnerships show potential for scaling gender-inclusive ecological solutions across diverse African contexts?
Other Speakers were Dr. Francis Kuria, Dr. Rev. Lubaale, Dr. Hassan Kinyua and Chair Ndinda Lydia. It was an overall insightful discussion. Here are some pictures.
ACUNS platform brings together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers committed to supporting UN goals.
6 months ago | [YT] | 2
View 0 replies
Merylene Chitharai
Check out my latest Podcast!
The Prophecy of Religion: Building Bridges of Faiths
In this latest podcast, in a conversation with Bishop Munib Younan, Bishop Emeritus of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and former president of the Lutheran World Federation, we explore how interfaith dialogue plays a vital role in welcoming the stranger, fostering mutual respect, and building bridges of understanding between diverse faith traditions. We explore how The Prophecy of Religion, in an interfaith context, can inspire peace-building, transform religious narratives, and cultivate unity across diverse communities.
‪@TheMindfulConversationalist‬ Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/CTrMfImCabo
6 months ago | [YT] | 0
View 0 replies
Merylene Chitharai
Check out my new podcast channel. It's meant to inspire, empower and uplift society with meaningful conversations.
The Need for Multi-Religious Leadership
In this latest podcast, in a conversation with Dr. Azza Karam, founding President and CEO of the consulting firm, Lead Integrity and former Secretary General of Religions for Peace, we unravel what is Authentic Leadership in Professional Service and what is Servant-Leadership in the Multi-Religious Space. Dr. Azza Karam, having served two decades with United Nations igniting various Multi-Religious Peace-building Initiatives, shares her vision and wisdom from her experiences on how Multi-religious Solidarity and Service at grassroot levels from the faith perspective of Human Rights can transform the Religious Space for Peace-Building.
‪@TheMindfulConversationalist‬
7 months ago | [YT] | 3
View 0 replies
Merylene Chitharai
Check out my new podcast channel. It's meant to inspire, empower and uplift society with meaningful conversations.
Can Freedom of Religion and Belief lead to Peace-building?
In this latest podcast, in a conversation with Eric Roux, who is the Chair at United Religions Initiative (URI), the President of the European Interreligious Forum for Religious Freedom and the Vice-President of the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights, we unravel what is Freedom of Religion and Belief in the interfaith context, mapping out a framework in peacebuilding grassroot initiatives, actions and ideologies for religious tolerance, mutual respect, and collaboration.Â
‪@TheMindfulConversationalist‬
7 months ago | [YT] | 4
View 0 replies
Merylene Chitharai
Check out my new podcast channel. It's meant to inspire, empower and uplift society with meaningful conversations.
UnMask Yourself | A Conversation with Carolyne Gaithuma
In this Podcast with Carolyne Gaithuma, A Transformational Coach and Communication Trainer in Kenya, we discover how to UnMask Ourselves to live more of our truth. We explore ideas on how to shed societal expectations, emotional masks or personas for self-discovery and growth.
‪@TheMindfulConversationalist‬
7 months ago | [YT] | 4
View 0 replies
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