This event is being organized by the Vatican and has the objective of raising awareness and building consensus around sustainable development values and ensuring they cohere with the values of religious traditions, with a special focus on the most vulnerable. The event will also aim to: increase the debate on the moral dimensions of protecting the environment in advance of the papal encyclical; and help build a global movement across all religions for sustainable development and climate change throughout 2015 and beyond.

 The event will result in a joint statement on the moral and religious imperative of sustainable development, emphasizing the connection between respect for the environment and respect for people, particularly the poor, the excluded, victims of human trafficking and modern slavery, children and future generations. Vatican officials plus 60 high-level invitees (20 science, business, diplomatic and development experts; 20 religious leaders; and 20 academics and scholars) are expected to attend, including UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.  

date: 28 April 2015  
venue: Casino Pio IV, V-00120 Vatican City  
location: Vatican City, Holy See  
contact: The Pontifical Academy of Sciences  
phone: +39 0669883451  
fax: +39 0669885218  
e-mail: pas@pas.va  
www: www.pas.va
 http://www.casinapioiv.va/content/accademia/en/events/2015/protectearth.html