22nd April 2021
A group of inspiring climate campaigners, representing charity CAFOD, will be gathering to make their voices heard on major global issues at this year’s G7 Summit in Carbis Bay, Cornwall.
The group of 18–32-year-olds from across England and Wales will be raising awareness on global issues - especially around climate and debt cancellation.
One member of the group, YouTuber and Miss Eco UK Finalist Candy Paasche, 22, from Southwark, says she is passionate about improving sustainability and caring for the planet- as well as supporting others to do the same.
“I want to encourage people to love and actively take care of our planet. Attending the G7 summit means that my voice will be heard by some of the world’s powerhouses, and it is a unique opportunity that I don’t take for granted.
“This event is unlike any other that I have come across, in that it deals with climate change and the health of our planet head on. It gives us the ability to work together to combat environmental problems and ensure we have a better and brighter future,” says Candy.
As the UK is host to key events G7 and COP26 this year, CAFOD is urging leaders to support vulnerable nations by cancelling all debt payments owed by low-income countries so that they can recover and rebuild from the pandemic- including debts owed to private lenders.
The overseas development charity wants to see the world’s leaders provide support to these countries to tackle the immediate health crisis and poverty caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Erik Renz, a 32-year-old father, youth worker, and podcaster from Plymouth will be joining the other delegates on the trip. He believes that attending the G7 Summit is a great opportunity to shape our leader’s views.
“As a father of two young children and a global citizen (US and UK) I believe I have a unique perspective," says Erik.
“In the last few years, I have begun to campaign for better healthcare, education, policy and compassion; it has always stemmed from my Catholic upbringing and has challenged me to think of new and creative ways to respond to those who believe ‘things are fine’.
“The opportunity to advocate for issues caused by the pandemic is very exciting as it affords the ability to speak for those without a voice and ensure the views that may go overlooked are heard.”
CAFOD’s head of campaigns, Aisha Dodwell concludes:
"As leaders of the world’s most powerful nations gather in Cornwall to discuss the global recovery from the pandemic, CAFOD’s youth delegation will be there to campaign for a just global green recovery that includes all nations.
"Attending the G7 mobilisation will enable these young adults to put their Catholic faith into action and speak out in solidarity with the world’s poorest communities to ensure world leaders tackle the climate crisis and cancel debts for countries in the global south.
"The young attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about the deepening inequalities and ecological destruction of our common home and raise their voices against global injustice."
ENDS//
Notes to Editor
For further information, broadcast interviews, film footage and photos please contact:
Tamala Ceasar on tceasar@cafod.org.uk or, CAFOD’s 24-hour media hotline on +44 (0)7919 301 429
CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and part of Caritas International. We reach out to people living in poverty with practical help, whatever their religion or culture. Help us build a world where no one is beyond reach of the love and care they need.