The pressing theme, “Responding to the Cry of the Poor of the Poor and Cry of the Earth for Resilient and Inclusive Communities,” resonated across Asia, bringing together Caritas Asia member organizations for a pivotal conference in Bangkok. This annual event, held from June 11 to 13, 2024 at Bangkok, Thailand served as an urgent call to action, emphasizing the critical need for addressing human suffering and environmental degradation. The forum saw participation from approximately 100 representatives from 25 Caritas organizations.

Caritas India participated in the conference to learn, share, and contribute to the collective efforts. Represented by Chairperson Archbishop Sebastian Kallupura and Executive Director Fr. (Dr.) Jolly Puthenpura, Caritas India engaged in discussions, sharing achievements, best practices, and challenges faced in their mission. Fr. Jolly shared key issues and concerns related to Caritas India’s operations, contributing significantly to the deliberations.

The conference serves as a crucial platform for Caritas Asia member organizations, global partners, and network friends to come together, reflect on their shared mission, and exchange best practices. This year’s forum emphasized the need for resilient and inclusive communities, highlighting the urgent call to address both human suffering and environmental degradation.

Alistair Dutton, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis, delivered a powerful address, urging attendees to find strength and wisdom amidst challenges. “My invitation to you is wherever you are feeling exhausted, tired, and disillusioned, we know the situation in our country can be very difficult at times, to seek the wisdom and discernment to find the deep waters and to look for the strangers, the people you don’t expect to hear it from who can show you where the deep waters are and have the courage to recast your nets because when you do so, then your net will surely be full to the breaking point,” said Dutton.

The conference was inaugurated by Most Rev. Isao Kikuchi, President of Caritas Internationalis, who underscored the conference theme’s alignment with Pope Francis’ teachings. “The theme, Responding to the cry of the poor of the poor and cry of the earth for resilient and inclusive communities, underscores the prophetic voice of Pope Francis who tirelessly reminds us of our responsibilities towards care for our common home and standing in solidarity with the marginalized and the vulnerable,” Kikuchi remarked.

As the lead organization coordinating developmental works in South Asia, Caritas India plays a crucial role in countries such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Their participation in the conference highlights their commitment to regional collaboration and the promotion of sustainable development.

The conference featured reports from representatives of Central, East, South, and Southeast Asia sub-regions, presented during the plenary session. These reports showcased accomplishments within each sub-region and outlined key issues and concerns. The discussions provided a comprehensive overview of the progress and challenges faced by Caritas organizations across Asia.

Caritas India’s involvement in the Caritas Asia Regional Conference is part of its broader commitment to fostering partnerships and enhancing the effectiveness of its developmental programs. As a member of the C-AMBIT consortium, Caritas India collaborates with other organizations to address regional challenges and implement innovative solutions for community development and resilience.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to the shared goals of addressing poverty, environmental degradation, and social exclusion. By fostering resilient and inclusive communities, Caritas organizations across Asia aim to create a more just and sustainable future for all.

Caritas India’s contributions to the conference underscore its dedication to its mission and its role as a leader in regional development. The insights and collaborations from the event will undoubtedly strengthen efforts to support the most vulnerable and promote sustainable development across South Asia and beyond.