Don Bosco projects, including photovoltaic system in India, highlighted

(MissionNewswire) Jugend Eine Welt (Youth One World), the Salesian Austrian Development Agency, was represented at the 10th Austrian World Summit, the international climate conference hosted by Austrian-born former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The conference was held in Vienna and Wolfgang Wedan, global emergency relief coordinator of Jugend Eine Welt, participated as a partner of the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative.

A Salesian explained, “Jugend Eine Welt used the opportunity to bring the perspective of the worldwide Don Bosco network into the international climate debate through discussions with representatives from politics, civil society, the church, and development cooperation who were present.”

The key message delivered was that ecological transformation can only succeed if youth have access to high-quality education and vocational training. The expansion of renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure and climate-resilient livelihoods requires well-trained professionals while at the same time creating opportunities for millions of youth.

Further, Jugend Eine Welt highlighted Don Bosco projects that have already been supported and implemented locally thanks to the partnership with the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative.

One example is the installation of a 30-kWp photovoltaic system at a Don Bosco School in Mangalagiri on the east coast of India. The system significantly reduces the school’s energy costs and makes it possible to invest the resulting savings directly into educational and social programs for disadvantaged youth. At the same time, the project contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions over decades.

Another supported program took place in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, through the project “Active Climate Protection at the Bosco Children Center.” With this support, work within the existing eco-clubs was strengthened, promoting awareness of climate protection, sustainability, and practical environmental skills among youth.

Pope Leo XIV sent a special message through his video address to the participants of the Austrian World Summit. In it, he emphasized that the climate crisis cannot be viewed in isolation but is closely linked to social and economic challenges. In doing so, he echoed key concerns of the encyclical Laudato Si’ and underscored the inseparable connection between the protection of creation, social justice, and the dignity of every human being.

“Climate protection is always also a question of justice,” explained Reinhard Heiserer, CEO of Jugend Eine Welt. “Young people in the Global South need access to education, training, and sustainable future prospects. The experiences of our Don Bosco partners show that ecological responsibility and social development can be achieved together.”

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Austrian World Summit: Jugend Eine Welt brought the Don Bosco Voice into the International Climate Debate

Salesian Missions