Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew kicked off the International Ecological Conference “Halki Summit VI” on Friday, August 30, 2024. The theme of the event was “Water: Spirit and Science,” and it took place in the recently renovated Hall of the Patriarchal Urban School of Maraslis, next to the Patriarchal complex.
In his address, delivered in English, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew mentioned that his predecessor, Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios, had designated September 1 as the official day of prayer for the protection of God’s Creation, marking the beginning of the ecclesiastical year.
He highlighted the ecological efforts of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, including organizing nine interdisciplinary symposia focusing on endangered aquatic ecosystems worldwide. The current “Halki Summit VI” Conference aims to build upon this experience by addressing theological and scientific issues related to water and its importance for humanity.
The Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized the spiritual and religious significance of water, noting its symbol of life across various cultures and religions. He also addressed the challenges of water protection and sustainable management in the face of a global water crisis.
He stressed the need for collective action and innovative solutions to ensure equitable water accessibility, quality, and sustainability. Climate change exacerbates the water crisis by affecting precipitation patterns, increasing droughts and floods, and melting glaciers, disrupting freshwater resources and threatening ecosystems and communities.
As the demand for food and water grows with the expanding global population, effective water management and sustainable cultivation techniques are essential for food security and freshwater preservation.
The opening session of the conference was attended by hierarchs, clergy, theologians, professors, scientists, and executives from various institutions. The conference will continue at the Holy Theological School of Halki on the following day.
