KOLPING INTERNATIONAL’s global Safeguarding workshop brings together around 100 participants from 35 countries
On February 28, 2026, KOLPING INTERNATIONAL successfully held a global online workshop on Safeguarding. Between 80 and 100 participants from 35 countries came together despite widely varying time zones – from 7 a.m. in Central America to 10 p.m. in Timor-Leste.
Insights from international experts
Fr. Hans Zollner SJ (Institute of Anthropology, Gregorian University, Rome) emphasized that Safeguarding is a central part of the Church’s mission. He described global challenges such as a lack of protective structures, insufficient knowledge, and cultural particularities, and highlighted the importance of a fundamental change in mentality. ▶ Watch the presentation
Janet Aguti (TOTYA Platform / ECA Global, Uganda) provided an impressive insight into the perspective of those affected and called for breaking the existing “culture of silence,” looking courageously at the issues, and establishing clear rules and support channels. ▶ Watch the presentation
Afterwards, the participants exchanged experiences, challenges, and successful examples in various language groups in breakout rooms. Many countries already have guidelines, designated contact persons, and initial training programs in place; but at the same time, the lack of a legal framework, cultural taboos, and a lack of trust in state systems make consistent implementation difficult. Nevertheless, it became clear that change is possible.
Three common priorities were clearly identified: more training and awareness-raising measures, strengthening organizational structures through clear guidelines, and building an open culture that clearly addresses violence and creates trust.
Anchoring in the association – contact persons for Safeguarding
The workshop also showed how important transparent reporting channels and reliable contact persons are. KOLPING INTERNATIONAL has clear structures:
The Safeguarding officer is Sigrid Stapel, who can be reached at safeguarding@kolping.net and by phone at +49 (0)221 77880-28. In addition, the “Leuchtzeichen” counseling service is available as an independent confidential contact point (leuchtzeichen@um-steuern.org). Both services treat reports and questions confidentially and are available worldwide as first points of contact.
Perspective
Sigrid Stapel, Safeguarding Officer at KOLPING INTERNATIONAL, was very pleased with the high level of international interest and enthusiastic participation. KOLPING INTERNATIONAL will continue to evaluate and use the results of the workshop to further anchor Safeguarding worldwide and sustainably expand effective protection mechanisms.
