Global Interfaith Leaders
Fellowship on Climate Change
Applications now open for the world's premier interfaith climate leadership program
Founded in 2023 through a strategic partnership between Faith for Our Planet and Duke University’s Divinity School, the Global Interfaith Leaders Fellowship on Climate Change is the first program in the world dedicated exclusively to faith-rooted climate leadership.
This highly selective fellowship equips emerging leaders who draw on their faith traditions to catalyze tangible, community-level climate action—bridging moral vision with practical impact.
Program Overview
- Duke University, North Carolina, USA
- June 2026
- Application Deadline: 28th February, Midnight EST
About the Fellowship
FFOP and Duke Divinity School’s fellowship is designed to equip and support emerging faith leaders with knowledge, mentorship, and community to lead climate initiatives with profound wisdom and impact.
The fellowship offers a truly global experience. Between 2023 and 2025, we trained over 75 leaders from over 20 countries, representing an extraordinary diversity of religious and indigenous traditions.
Each cohort carries countless stories of friendships and alliances forged around a powerful shared mission: addressing climate change as the defining moral crisis of our time.
Now in its fourth year, we are inviting 20 highly ambitious, values-driven faith leaders committed to meaningful spiritual growth, collective effort, and an unrelenting pursuit to build a healthier planet, to join us in advancing this mission.
Learning Outcomes:
The program is led by internationally recognized scholars and practitioners at the forefront of religious studies, interfaith engagement, communications, and community-based climate action.
Through an intensive blend of seminars, field visits, case studies, facilitated interfaith dialogues, and applied leadership training, fellows gain both the intellectual grounding and practical tools needed to design and lead climate initiatives grounded in their faith traditions.
By the end of the fellowship, fellows will have:
- Deepened their theological grounding in environmental stewardship, examining how faith traditions shape leadership, justice, and care for creation
- Developed advanced community engagement strategies tailored to multifaith and multicultural contexts
- Strengthened communication and advocacy skills, enabling them to listen deeply, shape public narratives, and engage decision-makers with clarity and empathy
- Cultivated values-driven, inclusive leadership, building trust-based collaborations across religious and cultural boundaries
Previous Trainers
Global Interfaith Leaders Alumni:
Since its launch, fellowship alumni have gone on to lead efforts across six continents, influencing policy, mobilizing communities, and redefining the role of faith in climate action.
Upon completion, fellows join a distinguished global alumni network, gaining access to regional convenings, collaborative partnerships, and international platforms to amplify their work and expand their impact.
Host Institution
The fellowship is hosted at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. A world-class research institution, Duke is renowned for its academic excellence, with alumni and faculty including 15 Nobel Laureates and three Turing Award recipients.
It is designed and delivered in collaboration with faculty and experts from Duke’s Divinity School, renowned for its leadership in theology, ethics, and interfaith scholarship.
Duke’s strong commitment to inclusive dialogue, environmental research, and social justice provides fellows with access to exceptional academic resources and a rich intellectual environment throughout the residential experience.
Note: This fellowship is an independent program organized by Faith for Our Planet in partnership with Duke University faculty. It is not a degree-granting or university-accredited program.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the fellowship, candidates must:
- Be between the ages of 25 and 40 at the time of application
- Demonstrate relevant academic, professional, or volunteer experience in areas such as environmental action, faith-based initiative, community organizing, or climate advocacy
- Have access to local networks (social, professional, or religious) or demonstrate a strong commitment to building and mobilizing such networks
- Be fluent in spoken and written English
Selected fellows are expected to:
- Participate fully in all components of the fellowship, including pre-program preparation and post-fellowship activities
- Lead or meaningfully contribute to a faith-based climate action project following the fellowship
- Engage actively in collaborative learning, dialogue, and peer exchange
- Remain involved with the FFOP Alumni Association and its initiatives
All candidates must complete the application form available on our website and submit the following materials:
- CV/Resume: A concise, two-page CV or resume (PDF format) outlining education, professional experience, and volunteer work.
- Video Essay: Upload a 3-minute video essay addressing the questions outlined in the form.
- Short Answer Questions: Submit a written response (maximum 200 words) to a fellowship-specific prompt
Additional Information (Optional): Applicants may also provide details on any additional learning needs, capacity gaps, or thematic areas they believe should be addressed within the fellowship.
Selection is based on alignment with the fellowship’s values, demonstrated commitment to faith-informed climate action, and the capacity to translate learning into real-world community impact.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is strongly encouraged. Only selected candidates will be notified via email.
Participation in the fellowship includes full tuition coverage, as well as access to all program materials and learning resources provided throughout the residential experience.
Participants are responsible for their own:
- International airfare
- Accommodation
- Visa-related costs and logistics
- Incidental expenses
- Health insurance for international travel.
Financial Assistance
Faith for Our Planet is committed to ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent exceptional candidates from participating. Need-based bursaries are available to eligible applicants. Candidates may request financial assistance through the application form.
Agenda
Informal Sunday Dinner at the Lodge with arrived Fellows and Faculty 5 PM onwards
- Opening Ceremony 10:00 to 10:45 AM
Venue: Duke Chapel in the Divinity School
This ceremony marks the commencement of our fellowship journey. During this session, distinguished speakers will impart invaluable insights, expectations, and their vision for the cohort, setting the tone for the transformative week ahead.
Speakers:
- Muhammad Bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Founder Faith For Our Planet and Secretary General Muslim World League
- Shiraz Ahmad, International Director, Faith For Our Planet,
- Norman Wirzba, Professor of Christian Theology, Duke Divinity School
- Abdullah Antepli, AVP – Duke University
- Orientation 11:15 to 12:00 AM
Venue: York Room
The session is designed to familiarize participants with the program’s structure, objectives, and expectations. It’s an opportunity to introduce the fellows to each other, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. The session will also cover logistical details and provide a platform for fellows to voice their aspirations and concerns.
Trainers: Abdullah Antepli and Rutaba Tariq
- Lunch 12:00 to 01:00 PM
Note: Coupon
- Environment Work as Spiritual Journey – I 01:00 to 2:20 PM (recommended 30 mins break in between)
Venue: York Room
This segment will feature a one-on-one interview-style conversation with Ellen Bernstein, focusing on her personal journey as founder of the first national Jewish environmental organization, and her more current work as a writer and environmental/religious thinker. The session will explore themes such as communicating the environmental message, the emotional dimensions of climate change work, and the power of language. Ellen will share insights and experiences that encapsulate key aspects of her journey, providing valuable lessons and inspiration for youth fellows.
Trainer: Ellen Bernstein, Founder Shomrei Adamah
- Break: 2:20 to 2:50 PM
- Environment Work as Spiritual Journey – II 2:50 to 4:00 PM
Duke Gardens (Outdoor setting)
Following a 30-minute break, this session will delve into helping participants connect with what truly moves them, aligning with their deepest purpose. Ellen Bernstein will guide the fellows through the process of identifying and embracing their personal callings, especially in the context of religious and environmental work. This part of the session will emphasize the spiritual task of aligning with one’s true purpose, beyond conventional societal expectations like monetary success and status.
Trainer: Ellen Bernstein, Founder Shomrei Adamah
- Reflections 4:00 to 4:30 PM
A guided reflection period where fellows will process and share their thoughts and experiences from the day’s activities. This is a crucial time for the group to internalize lessons learned and foster deeper connections among participants.
Dinner 5:00 PM onwards
Note: Coupon
- Icebreaker 9:30 to 10:00 AM
Venue: York Room
Prayer from Fellows Vedhan Singh (Hindu) and Sikha Dhawan (Sikh).
- Faith and the Climate Crisis – I 10:00 to 12:30 PM (recommended 30 mins break in between)
Venue: York Room
In a highly interactive session, the fellows will be introduced to the basic tenets of different faiths and their perspectives on environmental stewardship. Including group discussions where the cohort delves into the connections between various religious beliefs and environmental stewardship. This could involve examining sacred texts, religious teachings, and historical perspectives on nature, emphasizing human responsibility towards the environment.
Trainer: Norman Wirzba
- Lunch 12:30 to 01:30 PM
Note: Coupon
- Faith and the Climate Crisis – II 01:30 to 03:30 PM (recommended 30 mins break in between)
Venue: York Room
Trainer: Norman Wirzba
- A Prayer Circle: Gratitude for the Earth and Hope for the Future 3:30 to 4:15 PM
Venue: Quad Outside the Chapel
In the serene and inspiring setting of the Duke gardens, fellows are invited to participate in a prayer circle centered on expressing gratitude for the Earth and sharing hopes for the future. This interfaith gathering is a chance for participants to connect with each other and the natural world through shared prayers, meditations, and reflections from their diverse spiritual perspectives.
Facilitator: Duke representative
- Faith-Based Climate Initiatives 04:15 to 6:00 PM
Venue: York Room
This session is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application of faith-driven environmental stewardship. Participants, in 6 groups of 5 will engage with real-world case studies from a diverse range of faith-based organizations actively involved in climate action. Each presentation will focus on a specific project or initiative, detailing its genesis, challenges, achievements, and the role of faith in driving these efforts.
Participants will then be divided into smaller groups to discuss and brainstorm potential environmental projects relevant to their own communities.
Case Study Partners:
In-person:
Group 1: Ahsley Ward, Director, Heat Policy Innovation Hub, Duke University
Group 2: AnnMarie Walton, Associate Professor in the School of Nursing, Duke University; Valerie Sabol, Clinical Professor & Interim Vice Dean in the School of Nursing; Jennifer Lawson, Clinical Associate in Pediatrics at Duke
Virtually via Zoom:
Group 3: Ecopeace
Group 4: Interfaith Forest Initiative (Najma Mohamed) or GlobalOne (Husna Ahmed)
Group 5: World Resource Institute (Faith & Sustainability Program)
Group 6: World Evangelical Alliance (Chris Elisara)
Guest lecture with dinner 06:30 to 08:00 PM
Venue: Washington Duke Inn
“Visionaries of Change: Faith-Inspired Leadership in Environmental Action” is a special lecture and dinner session, focusing on the inspiring journeys of leaders who have successfully merged faith with environmental initiatives. It’s an intimate setting for fellows to absorb wisdom and insights on how various faith traditions can powerfully influence and support impactful environmental stewardship and advocacy.
Speakers: Ryan Emanuel, Associate Professor of Hydrology at Duke University.
- Leveraging Behavioral Science for Environmental Change – II 10:00 to 12:30 PM
Venue: York Room
This workshop extends the lecture’s foundational knowledge, focusing on applying behavioral science for pro-environmental attitudes. Participants engage in hands-on activities to design and implement climate initiatives, learning techniques like nudging and framing messages. The workshop aims to empower fellows with tools for leading behavioral change strategies, integrating faith-based values with environmental action.
Trainer: Dr. Umar Taj
- Lunch 12:30 to 01:30 PM
Note: Coupon
- Breaking the Climate Silence: Effective Practices for Climate Change Communication in Faith Communities 01:30 to 3:30 PM
Venue: York Room
Drawing on research about climate-focused preaching and experience working with theologically-diverse faith communities, this workshop will offer background and frameworks on effective ways of communicating the urgent need to address climate change in our communities.
Trainers: Avery Davis Lamb and Derrick Weston, Creation Justice Ministries
- Break 03:30 to 4:00 PM
- To Wear Someone Else’s Shoes (Climate Simulation) 04:00 to 07:00 PM
Dive into a dynamic simulation of a climate challenge in Pakistan. Participants will be assigned different stakeholder roles, from government officials to local community leaders, and will work together to navigate complex environmental challenges. This interactive session emphasizes the art of negotiation and collaboration, providing a vivid glimpse into the real-world intricacies of climate action in the Global South. It’s an engaging exercise in strategic decision-making and understanding diverse perspectives in a high-stakes environmental context.
Trainers: Michael Shank, Director of Engagement at Carbon Neutral Cities, and Adjunct Faculty, NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs and Rutaba Tariq, Regional Program Coordinator, FFOP
Dinner 7:00 PM onwards
Note: Give fellows movie tickets.
- Finalize their artistic performances 9:00 to 10:00 AM
In this kick-off session, fellows will put the finishing touches on their artistic performances. This brief but crucial period allows for last-minute adjustments and ensures that each presentation is visually compelling and aligned with the overall objectives that will be presented in the next session.
- Artistic Narratives: Weaving Faith into Climate Action 10:00 to 12:30 PM
Venue: York Room
The showcasing will be a space for participants to utilize art, music, skits, dance, and storytelling as tools to convey how faith can be weaved into climate action. The emphasis is on presenting collaborative art projects that express a wide spectrum of spiritual perspectives on climate action, fostering a rich tapestry of ideas and emotions.
Facilitator: Farwah Ghulamali Khataw, Global Program Coordinator, FFOP
- Lunch 12:30 to 01:30 PM
- Cultivating Unity: Strategies for Inclusive Climate Initiatives 01:00 to 03:00 PM
Venue: York Room
Uncover the art of fostering unity within diversity in this transformative session. Dive into mastering inclusive language, understanding the essence of inclusive thought, and navigating the rich tapestry of cultures and faiths. Gain practical insights to create climate initiatives that resonate across diverse backgrounds, fostering collaboration and meaningful impact.
Trainer: Rianne C. ten Veen, Facilitator and Environment Specialist, Green Creation and Farwah Gulamali Khataw
- Break 03:00 to 03:30 PM
- Navigating Impact: Understanding Portfolio Approaches for Climate Initiatives 03:30 to 06:30 PM (recommended 30 mins break)
Venue: York Room
In this session, fellows will explore the strategic approach of portfolio approaches. They will discover how to connect the dots between their group projects, align them with overarching goals, and optimize resources for collective effectiveness. The goal is to equip fellows with the skills to not only enhance the overall success of their climate projects but also to navigate the complexities of impactful project management.
Trainer: Ehsan Gul or Director UNDP Innovation Lab in New York or Nafeez Ahmed
- Reflections 06:30 to 07:00 PM
Venue: York Room
End the day with a brief reflection, focusing on insights gained from the day’s sessions.
Dinner 07:00 PM onwards
- Icebreaker: 9:30 to 10:00 AM
Venue: York Room
Prayer from Fellows Vasu Bandhu (Buddhist) and Joey Wu (Taoist) - Navigating Impact: Applying Portfolio Approaches to Climate Initiatives: 10:00 to 11:45 AM
Venue: York Room
In this hands-on session, fellows will delve into the practical applications of portfolio approaches, discuss real-world examples, and gain hands-on insights into strategically navigating the impact of climate projects. Finally, use this dedicated time to collaboratively draw up your faith-inspired climate projects for their own groups.
Trainer: Ehsan Gul or Director UNDP Innovation Lab in New York
- Jummah Service with Lunch at Ar Razzaq Center: 11:45 to 01:00 PM
Venue: Duke Islamic Studies Center
Experience a special “Green Khutba” addressing the intersection of faith and climate. This spiritual pause aims to deepen reflections on our role as stewards of the Earth and reinforces the fellowship’s commitment to environmental consciousness. Following the service, the group will enjoy a communal lunch, fostering connections and conversations inspired by the visit to the Islamic Center.
- Forge On! Dedicated Project Planning Session 02:00 to 04:00 PM
Venue: York Room
The dedicated portfolio planning session provides the time and space for collaborative brainstorming and tangible progress on their group projects. Fellows, in groups, will chart the course for their project’s success, applying the insights gained from earlier sessions. The goal is to leave with a clearer roadmap, ensuring your projects are not only impactful individually but also synergistically contribute to the overarching objectives of the fellowship.
Guest lecture with dinner 5:30 to 7:00 PM
Dinner: Parizade
The group will partake in an evening of inspiration with a thought-provoking guest lecture on leadership in climate action. The session promises insights, anecdotes, and valuable lessons from our speaker who will elaborate on their success story – the hurdles in their way and how they overcame those.
Speaker: Dan Vermeer – in conversation
- Duke Farm Visit 10:00 AM to 01:30 PM
The fellows will embark on a hands-on Duke Farm visit where they will have this unique opportunity to connect with nature and contribute to the farm’s activities.
- Pizza Lunch 01:30 to 02:30 PM
Venue: York Room
After the tiring yet fulfilling visit to Duke Farm, fellows will return to the York Room for a delightful pizza lunch. It will allow them space to unwind, connect, and rejuvenate before the afternoon session.
- Portfolio (Presentation) finalization 02:30 to 6:30 PM
Venue: York Room
The session is dedicated to the preparation of group presentations that will be showcased on the next and final day. It’s an opportunity for groups to refine their narratives, ensuring they effectively convey the essence of their faith-inspired climate initiatives to the judges.
Dinner 6:30 PM onwards
- Presentations – I 09:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Venue: York Room
Each group will have 15 minutes to showcase their faith-inspired climate projects, followed by a 15-minute Q&A with the panel and the larger cohort.
Panelist: Rianne C. ten Veen, Shiraz Ahmed/Rutaba Tariq/Farwah Gulamali Khataw, Norman Wrizba (?) Not sure why I am here
- Chapel Services 10:45 to 11:45 AM
Venue: Duke Chapel
Experience the rich history and serene beauty of Duke Chapel – an iconic landmark holds with a deep connection to the spirit of Duke University. Fellows will join the chapel services for a unique blend of historical significance and spiritual reflection, offering a moment of tranquility before the afternoon presentations.
- Presentations – II 12:00 PM to 01:00 PM
Venue: York Room
- Lunch: 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM
- Presentations – III 02:00 PM to 03:30 PM
Venue: York Room
Closing Ceremony and Cultural Night 05:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Venue: Washington Duke Inn
This closing will mark the culmination of the fellowship journey. The cohort will reflect on the collective achievements, express gratitude for the shared experiences, and celebrate the bonds formed during this transformative week. The ceremony will include acknowledgments, words of inspiration, and a look forward to the continued impact of the faith-inspired climate initiatives.
Application Timeline
- 5th August, 2024: Applications Open
- 31th August, 2024: Applications Close
- 10th November - 31st December 2024: Interview Cycle
- January, 2025: Announcement of the 2025 Youth Fellowship Cohort
- 24th - 30th May, 2025: Fellowship held at Duke University, USA
Contact Us
For questions or additional information, please contact: rutaba@faithforourplanet.org
Duke University is a private institution located in Durham, North Carolina. Our fellowship will be hosted by Duke Divinity School, headed by Dean Edgardo Colón-Emeric, in collaboration with other departments and faculty members at Duke. The Divinity School was established in 1926 and is dedicated to providing rigorous theological education to foster inclusive, tolerant and enlightened communities around the world.