The Eco-Diakonia Youth Hub brought together 22 young leaders ages 20–30 for a transformative learning journey that combines theological reflection, practical skills development, and collaborative action planning. Participants explored how faith-based service and advocacy can contribute to climate justice and resilient communities. Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director for Life, Justice, and Peace, offered his congratulations during a reflection on some of the issues the cohort raised in their three months together. “The idea of eco-diakonia is quite inspiring for me,” he said, noting that the prefix “eco” comes form the Greek word “oikos,” meaning common household or family. "When we put in “diakonia,” which means service or ministry, this captures the idea of our service or caring for the household that God has granted us,” he said. Athena Peralta, director of the WCC Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development, opened the celebration. “I really want to welcome, with joy and excitement, all of our dear graduates of the Eco-Diakonia Youth Hub,” she said. “This is your time. This is your moment.” The closing celebration featured prayers, music, and personal reflections. Participant Mary Mwangi said that she learned about advocacy, creation care, sustainability, and also community engagement. “As I reflect on these weeks, I realize that God has been teaching us something even deeper,” she said. “He has been resifting the way we see him, the world, and ourselves.” Mwangi reflected that we care for creation because the Creator is holy. “This may be the greatest lesson I am taking home: that creation is not ours,” she said. “It is God’s creation entrusted to our care.” Participant Krisman Heriamsal noted that the call to serve is not only for humans but for nature and for living creatures. “After this I’ll probably miss our Friday routine because this is a lively discussion space where everyone’s voice is important and heard, so I’ve been inspired,” he said. Participant Daniel Meshach said that the programme called all the participants to change their attitudes and their lifestyles. “As Christians, we are called to be faithful stewards of God’s creation, not its destroyers,” he said. “This reminded me that we are strongest when we work together.” He expressed sincere gratitude to the facilitators of the programme and to his fellow participants. “We are one in Christ, united by shared commitment to justice, peace, and integrity of creation,” he said. Through the Eco-Diakonia Youth Hub, the WCC continues to invest in young people as vital agents of hope, justice, and transformative diakonia in a time of climate crisis. The 2026 cohort marks the beginning of a three-year youth formation process, structured to support long-term leadership development and impact. The programme will unfold in three phases: training in 2026, local application and evaluation in 2027, and mentorship in 2028. | 
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