The Annual Meeting of Eco-Jesuit Delegates of the Jesuit Conference of South Asia (JCSA) was held from 17–19 April 2026 in Matigara, Siliguri, hosted by the Darjeeling-Nepal Province. Representatives from 15 provinces and JCSA Communications & Youth Coordinator Fr. Vernard Antony gathered to reflect on the theme Eco-Advocacy, aiming to strengthen collaboration and identify concrete steps toward ecological justice. The meeting marked a significant shift from internal ecological practices to a stronger focus on advocacy for systemic and policy-level change.

In his inaugural address, Fr. Stanislaus Jerome D’Souza highlighted the need for better coordination, integration of ecology across Jesuit ministries, and stronger engagement with youth, policy, and research. Keynote speaker Dr. Sunita Narain emphasized that sustainability must be rooted in justice, noting that climate change disproportionately impacts the poor and requires inclusive, locally grounded solutions.

Sessions led by Fr. Frazer Mascarenhas and Fr. Roberto Jaramillo underlined that advocacy is central to Jesuit identity and must be rooted in spirituality, collaboration, and courageous public action. Environmental activist Mr. Soumya Dutta guided discussions on practical advocacy strategies, stressing the importance of research-based, targeted engagement with power structures and the use of tools such as media, public campaigns, and global networking. Fr. Vernard Antony presented a plan outlining how the communications ministry can actively support and collaborate with the Eco-Jesuit mission, particularly in strengthening advocacy efforts, visibility, and networking.

Key takeaways included the urgent shift from awareness to advocacy, the integration of ecological concerns with justice, the importance of collaboration across sectors, and the need for sustained, strategic action with strong youth involvement. The gathering marked a turning point for the Jesuits in South Asia, calling for a unified and advocacy-driven approach to address the structural causes of ecological injustice, with renewed commitment to serving both the Earth and the poor.

Reported by Fr. Vernard Antony, SJ, JCSA Communications & Youth Coordinator