Social Justice Forum

Mount St Benedict College (MSB) hosted its 18th annual Social Justice Forum and welcomed 350 students and guests from across 20 schools. The theme“Our Future, Our World, Our Common Home” echoed the central theme of Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical letter “Laudato Si”.

Internationally acclaimed scientist, explorer and conservationist - Professor Tim Flannery, inspired all in attendance with his presentation on a Carbon Negative Future. Smaller workshops led by community organisations, MSB staff and students and other schools provided a rich exchange of ideas promoting stewardship.

Professor Flannery struck a hopeful tone in speaking about initiatives to help arrest global warming and ensure the sustainability of the world’s environment, which included renewable energies and more energy efficient transport and manufacturing choices. He also spoke of the development of carbon capture technologies including building materials that have the quality of absorbing and capturing carbon emissions and the development of seaweed cultivation enabling vast amounts of carbon emissions to be absorbed without harm to the environment.

In addition to Professor Flannery’s keynote address, participants were able to choose two workshops from among the fifteen on offer, as well as joining together for a vibrant networking dinner. The College is grateful to the array of community organisations who offered their time to help ensure that the forum was such an outstanding success.

Our student leaders are also to be commended for their commitment to the evening which had been in planning for many months. The Social Justice Forum was a joint initiative of the Social Justice and Environment Student Portfolios.

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