Speakers
-
Joseph SikuluPacific Climate Warriors, Pacific Regional DirectorJoseph Sikulu is a Tongan man from Ha’apai and Vaini in Tongatapu. He grew up in Darug Country or Western Sydney, Australia as it is known today. He serves as the Pacific Managing Director for 350.org and serves as the Secretariat for the Pacific Climate Warriors.
He is an Environmental, Cultural, and Queer activist finding his strength in the cross-section of these communities from people who like him are fighting to shift the narrative and create a more just and equitable world.
-
Rachel FreedUUSC, Vice President & Lead Program Officer
Rachel Gore Freed is the Vice President of Programs at UUSC, a human rights lawyer, resource mobilizer, philanthropic connector, community organizer, and social justice educator.
Rachel has spent her career working with communities organizing in the face of corporate capture, government inaction, and systemic injustice around the world. She has supported youth peacekeepers in Northern India, prosecuted rebel forces in Sierra Leone, and litigated against Exxon for violations of community rights in the United States. Rachel co-chairs the International Human Rights Funders Network and is an adjunct professor of law at Northeastern Law school’s Program on Human Rights and the Global Economy. -
Rev. Alicia FordeUniterian Universalit Association, International Office Director
The Reverend Alicia Roxanne Forde serves with the Unitarian Universalist Association as the Director of the International Office. She is a graduate of The Iliff School of Theology and currently lives in Longmont, Colorado. Alicia was born and spent her formative years in Trinidad and Tobago. She identifies as an African descent queer, cis-gender female with deep roots in Tobago. She considers herself bi-cultural and is grateful that her formative years enabled her to cultivate a global perspective. Alicia is a certified Spiritual Director and has a strong interest in health and wellness. When she’s not hiking, you can find her reading, working-out, or podcast-walking.
Climate-Forced Migration & Displacement, Faith & Indigenous Peoples – UUSC
This panel will discuss how climate forced migration and displacement are occurring in various regions of the world, how government and multilateral responses are inadequate in protecting human rights protections and the role of faith and religious groups in supporting affected populations. It will also include how indigenous peoples are using their indigenous knowledge and values in responding to this critical issue and how Indigenous and religious values intersect.