Importance of Harmony in Fighting Climate Change: Rev. Ken Kitatani

What kind of transformation is needed to address the global climate crisis? In this inspiring presentation, Ken Kitatani, Executive Director of the Forum 21 Institute, explores why today’s environmental challenges require not only technological solutions but also a renewed sense of harmony, spirituality, and global cooperation.

Drawing on his extensive experience in faith-based leadership and international organizations, Kitatani discusses how humanity is living through a period of profound transition. He explains that responding to climate change requires a shift in values—one that encourages collaboration, respect for nature, and a shared commitment to creating a more sustainable future.

As an ordained minister of Sukyo Mahikari Centers for Spiritual Development, Chief Administration Officer of its United Nations NGO (with Special Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC), Co-Chair of the Advisory Board of the Center for Earth Ethics at Union Theological Seminary, and a leader within several United Nations faith initiatives, Kitatani brings a unique global perspective on the intersection of spirituality, sustainability, and environmental action.

This presentation was delivered at the Midwest Symposium on Ecologically Informed Theological Education: Implications for Teaching, Learning and Seminary Life, where faith leaders, scholars, and educators gathered to explore how ecological responsibility can be integrated into theological education and religious leadership.

The symposium was part of the Seminary Environmental Leadership Initiative, funded through the Luce Fund for Theological Education, an initiative of the Henry Luce Foundation’s Theology Program, with additional support from the Julia Burke Foundation.

If you are interested in learning more about climate change, check out our video on what impact it may have on the global economy.