Final report

Brahma Kumaris at COP29, 18th – 19th November

Over the years, food has become an increasingly important issue at COP conferences. This is partly due to the concerns over food security because of climate change but also because of the predominance of unsustainable farming methods used worldwide. This year, the COP team hosted regular reflections and meditations in the Food Action Hub and took part in a number of events related to food and food systems.

In the second week of the conference, the Faith Pavilion continues to play an important role in providing a platform for faiths to explore both practical solutions to climate issues such as food sustainability but also to discuss faith based perspectives on maintaining hope in the current crisis. Hope and visions of the future tend to go hand in hand and an event in the Nordic Pavilion went one step further and explored what life might be like in a climate neutral society in 2050. In the Climate Wisdom studio similar themes are aired in discussions focused on the power of positive action and the importance of global unity in moving forward.

18th November Inner Nutrition for the Day

The Action in Food Hub Pavilion hosted reflective and meditation sessions led alternately by the Brahma Kumaris and Conscious Food System Alliance, CoFSA.

The BK team facilitated a workshop titled "Inner Nutrition", allowing participants to connect deeply with themselves and nature. The session began with reflections on nature as a teacher, exploring how its qualities and wisdom can inspire us to understand our inner world better. This was followed by a body scan meditation for relaxation.

18th November Just Transition to Sustainable Food Systems in Communities

This panel presented a range of 'best practice' projects and initiatives to encourage the development of sustainable food systems designed to foster both food sovereignty and spiritual empowerment.

Rania Rashad shared three projects in Egypt designed to empower women in food production, including collective ownership of production units intensive in women's labour and managed by women's Community Based Organisations (CBOs). "Women are main active players in food security and just food systems."

Romario Dohmann talked about a project in North Argentina working with local farmers with support from local government and agricultural cooperatives, to plant four hundred thousand native trees. Drought had been affecting crop yields in the region. "Planting a tree today is not just an act of hope but an urgent climate action that can make a difference for future generations."

Maureen Goodman spoke about sustainable yogic agriculture in India, where organic farming is combined with meditation to improve crop yield and quality and the mental health of farmers. "There is a direct connection between the way we think, the kind of attitude we have and the impact (that has) on the land and what we grow as food."

Steve Chui highlighted the need for bringing the values of compassion and empathy into the design of our food systems and also emphasised adopting a plant based diet. "As faith based organisations, we play a key role in showcasing how our vision of aligning our values with actions [can] look like."

November 18th Climate Wisdom: The Power of Positive Action

An enlightening and empowering exchange of experiences between Sister Jayanti, Mark Lawrence and Kalyani Raj with Sonja Ohlsson moderating the conversation.

Mark Lawrence on sustainability endeavours: "Do what you can, as far as you can. Don't worry that it is not perfect, worry that it is not as good as you can do. Keep continuing that effort in doing what we can do together, until this world becomes, maybe not perfect, but glorious."

Sister Jayanti on what gives hope at COP: "One is dialogue and the other is that conscious ability to cooperate where we are able to overcome the egos of the limited identity of 'my this' and 'my that'. When we go beyond that, then the quality of cooperation that comes together is going to create a better world for the future."

Sonja Ohlsson: "When we get influenced by the COP conference atmosphere, sometimes, it can make us lose hope. It is very stressful out there. So let us do the little bit we can. What positive action can I do today that has a small impact? Everyone can think of this."

Sister Jayanti: "When there is resilience within a woman through spiritual empowerment, she's able to overcome the challenges that face not only her, but also her family and help them move forward too."

Kalyani Raj: "Climate-induced or natural disasters are bound to happen; we do not have control over them. What we have control over is preparedness. That is what we are looking at."

19th November Hope Alongside Optimism: How People of Faith Can Help Nurture the Transformative Hope which Leads to Tangible Actions in the Midst of Overwhelming Climate Challenges

The conversation during this event centred around how each panellist's faith tradition has equipped them to cultivate hope for the future.

Rabbi Yonatan Neril said that we can have hope that there is the ability within humanity to live sustainably. However, to move from where we are now to where we need to be requires deep spiritual work. "The key work of the faith communities is to help to accelerate that spiritual evolution so that the next generation inherits a thriving spiritually aware and sustainable planet."

Sister Jayanti Kirpalani shared that hope is based on the knowledge that we are in a time of transition from darkness into light and that each one needs to be the light by understanding our original goodness and enhancing that through our respective spiritual practices: "When I come into that awareness of action then hope is the motivating factor that will allow me to rise above the boundaries that divide us and work together to do something good."

Litara Ieremia-Allan stressed the importance of the value of collaboration and making sure that everyone in the community is involved and young people in particular. "So I want to encourage us that in your climate action, are you including youth in your decision making, in your planning and your dreaming? Because having youth with you helps you to come on the journey of seeing everything as hopeful."

Dr Ben Richards said that hope is not wishful thinking or just petitioning God to do something but has to be grounded in a clear understanding of where we have gone wrong and taking action to change. He also emphasised the role of community and of spiritual practices in sustaining hope, as through them.."...we can then become more empowered to have the hope needed to get through extremely difficult times ahead."

19th November Peace and Cooperation to Enhance Ambitious Climate Action

This Press Conference explored the connection between peace and climate action.

Aneta Loj highlighted the conflict's environmental toll, noting that military activities account for 5.5% of global carbon emissions and that $2.4 trillion spent on military operations in 2023 could instead fund climate solutions. Mohamed Bahr discussed the Faith Pavilion initiative, showcasing the vital role of faith-based organisations in leading 1.5 million sustainability projects and promoting inclusive, locally driven solutions. Sister Jayanti emphasised the power of inner peace, explaining how self-awareness and respect for all life combat exploitation and aggression.

19th November Climate Neutral Visions for 2050: Notions of the Good Life, New Economic Models and Welfare Beyond-GDP at the Nordic Pavilion

This event explores alternative welfare measurements drawing on Nordic research and how beyond-GDP approaches might inform visions of social-ecologically sustainable future societies. The panel explored the visions of what a good life in a climate-neutral society in 2050 can look like.

Aaron Tuckey, moderator, asked the panel and audience to share their vision of the future of a carbon neutral society.

Theo Cox, Nordic Council Minister (online) said there is a need to go beyond GDP and realise that how we measure really matters – there is a need for really significantly high quality and current data – not those that make rich countries look good. The results are "… not the Nordics performing uniquely badly … it is a sign of a world gone awry".

Isabella Lövin said that people have become customers. We need a new narrative, where everyone can contribute and everyone feels needed, to become citizens not customers. There is an enormous potential within each one for good because our entire civilization is threatened by the global crisis.

Sister Jayanti said that she foresees a future where there is harmony, justice and truth if we allow that goodness to emerge. A connection with the Divine will allow us to move in that direction. We are arriving at a critical mass of people who understand that to tap into inner resources we need to be aware that we are one family sharing one home, one planet and working together on the basis of values – that is the way of transformation towards utopia.

Lise Coermann Nygaard said she could see a time when we value things differently than we do now. Not economic wealth above everything else. We need to talk more about what a good life is and what we want to create. One step on the way would be to have a deeper democratic engagement; more citizen assemblies that will demonstrate that we are equal and want the same things.

Case Study from India on 25 years Renewable Energy Projects

Aneta Loj, UNCCD Focal Point

Aneta Loj presented the Brahma Kumaris solar projects that have been developed over the last 25 years. This includes India One, a one MegaWatt solar thermal power plant which supplies 60 to 80% of the energy requirements of the large Shantivan campus at Abu Road in India. Aneta also spoke about the novel solar cooking systems which can cook up to 35,000 meals a day. In addition an innovative biogas plant has recently been constructed. Now all the organic waste from the kitchens is collected and brought to the plant, and from this power is generated and a natural fertiliser is made which is used on the gardens.

"What is specific and very special is that it (the BK solar programme) is a combination of science and spirituality. This also shows that when you are able to have a peaceful mind, control your thoughts then you can become creative and the impossible becomes possible."

November 19th Climate Wisdom: Global Unity – Spirituality's Role in Climate Diplomacy

Tonight's conversation looked at the power of changing our vision of ourselves and our world, a spiritual understanding of the self, the strength of the inter-faith community at COP, the importance of faith and hope, and the power of individual action, as is being witnessed with the work of the eco-restoration camps. Golo Pilz conversed with Sister Jayanti, John D. Liu and Margareta Koltai.

Sister Jayanti. "From a spiritual perspective it is actually very simple... When I understand that I am a spiritual being then my vision towards others changes… Also where there is a belief in God and I recognise that there is One Creator and that we are the creation and that the earth is our home…. I recognise that I am a sacred being and others are too.

John D. Liu. "We have 80 eco restoration camps around the world and we can see that people are ready to take action... All of these places are living laboratories showing us that it is possible to restore the soil and completely cover the earth again with natural vegetation…Biodiversity increases and these places also become animal sanctuaries.

Margareta Kolta. "Following the negotiations, coming back to the interfaith circle gives me strength… In the interfaith circle we know we are one humanity and we care for each other and nature. In this we can serve as an example….. We are connected to each other as humans, but are also connected to the life of Mother Earth.

3e Report

Every year, the COP meets to determine ambitions and responsibilities for climate action, and to identify and assess climate measures.
This year's conference is hosted by Azerbaijan which holds the COP29 presidency.
The presidency's plan is based on two pillars:

1. enhancing ambition, to ensure all parties commit to ambitious national plans
2. enabling action, which highlights the vital role of finance as a crucial tool for transforming ambition into tangible actions, reducing emissions, adapting to climate change and addressing loss and damage.

Over the next two weeks, around 80,000 delegates are expected to discuss the international agreements on climate action. The Brahma Kumaris is one of 4,000 accredited observer organisations and is represented by an experienced team. The Brahma Kumaris' response to the crisis arises from a vision and way of life rooted in principles of peace, compassion, interconnectedness and non-violence.

While the World Climate Action Summit got underway, the Brahma Kumaris team in Baku launched their daily live stream panel discussion: 'Climate Wisdom' which aims to bring the latest science, policies, and wisdom from the COP29 climate conference directly to our global audience. This first COP29 Climate Wisdom conversation began with a discussion on the power of personal agency, making brave personal choices and working collaboratively to bring about future change.

11 November, Healing Our Planet: Insights from Spirituality, Medicine, and Food Systems

Golo Pilz and Maureen Goodman in conversation firstly with Dr. Ronald D'Mello and then with Juliette Tronchon.

Dr. Ronald D'Mello spoke about how we have to create an inner paradigm shift from being selfish to sensible. "It is senseless to be exploiting the earth and planet for everything."

Juliette Tronchon shared about the impact of our diet choices on the planet and how we can bring about change by taking that first step to make changes to our diets.

Maureen Goodman shared with us about how all faiths teach about how to have a flourishing relationship with the planet, how meditation can help reduce eco-anxiety, and the ancient Indian principle of Amisha - to not create any harm for any living being.

"It is an important time to explore our relationship with the planet. We need to move from a relationship of dominance and exploitation to one of respect, love, care, gratitude… and if we put these kinds of values at the heart of decision-making, then, we will make very different choices which will enable the planet to flourish in the future." Maureen Goodman

12th November, Beyond Numbers: An Interfaith Dialogue on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) from Faith and Ethical Perspectives

Harjeet Singh, Snr advisor at CAN International; Valeriane Bernard, Maureen Goodman, Hindou Omari Ibrahim, President of the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad

This dialogue offered a platform to explore key aspects of the NCQG from faith-based and ethical perspectives. Delegates discussed what is needed to develop a funding model that prioritises accountability and transparency and responds to the real needs of climate-vulnerable communities, women, youth and indigenous peoples.

"For Indigenous peoples, it's not just about where the money is but how it's accessible and whether it truly supports us. Out of the $1.7 billion promised for Indigenous peoples, only 2% has actually reached our communities." Hindou Omari Ibrahim

12th November, Innovating for a Greener Tomorrow

Today in the climate studio the discussion was around simpler and less costly technical innovations, such as, electricity storage solutions, solar cooking and spiritual innovations.

Maureen Goodman: "There has to be a change in heart and world vision to see all human life as equally sacred and valuable. The voice of faith is important because our (faith) teachings tell us a lot about how we can interact with nature and the earth in a restorative, harmonising way and in a way that respects the interconnectedness of all life."

Dr. Rashi Gupta: "After we got them (a rural school) electricity and the internet the school's admission multiplied, especially girls. I asked one little girl why she was coming to school now and she said because there was water in the toilets now… We need to make people aware of these technologies and their benefits. First we have to change awareness. Second, we need to collaborate and not compete."

Keith Wingeard: "Something as simple as a solar cooker can be really beneficial for the health of (these) women and children… Solar cooking can be a health benefit, an environmental benefit, climate benefit and a human benefit "

Golo Pilz "The simpler gadgets are easier to maintain and have a long life. We need to look into the simple solution, which is also a lifestyle change."

13th November, Values Guiding the Just Transition to Clean Energy

Vibha Dhawan, Director General, Energy and Resources Institute (TERI); Sonja Ohlsson Brahma Kumaris Environment Initiative; Maureen Goodman, Programme Dir., Brahma Kumaris, UK; Golo Pilz, Adviser Renewable Energy Brahma Kumaris.

Panellists spoke on how value-based leadership can guide more effective responses to climate change. Both Golo and Vibha shared how different kinds of solar projects can transform the lives of everyday people in India. Maureen spoke about the values that are needed to underpin any just transition to clean energy such as: generosity of spirit, a sense of interconnectedness and value for all life leading to a culture of respect.

13th November, How Women's Leadership can Achieve Climate Justice

Dr Iyad Abumoghli, founder and director of UNEP Faith for Earth Council; Prof Husna Ahmad, CEO Global One 2025; Natavan Mammodova, COP29 Organising Committee; Maureen Goodman, Programme Dir Brahma Kumaris, UK

UN figures indicate that 80% of people displaced by climate change are women. Their major involvement in preparing food and fuel collection makes them vulnerable when flooding and drought occur. This issue, as well as gender inequalities faced by women in leadership positions and climate finance, were discussed by a Faith Pavillion panel facilitated by Husna Ahmad.

13th November, Spirituality and Science in Global Climate Solutions

A powerful back-to-back dialogue which highlights that spirituality and science can go together to address climate challenges. What must happen to bridge the gap between science and spirituality?

Dr Lucy Wallace: "People should do something because they believe it is the right thing. People should look to their values and make decisions based on love, not on fear."

Maureen Goodman: "Now, we realise that the voice of science and the voice of faith are not contradictory. It means there is a coming together and recognition of how one impacts the other."

Isabel Pereira: "When people discuss matters of climate change, or are informed through their faith communities, they trust it more because it is coming from a place where they feel welcome, with the people they love and trust."

Golo Pilz: "It is just a question of people of faith joining hands and organisations of faith joining hands. The power of the gathering and the power of the world community just have to unite."

2nd Report from UN Climate Change Conference COP29 11th – 22nd Nov. 2024 Baku, Azerbaijan

continue reading:

1st Report from UN Climate Change Conference COP29 11th – 22nd Nov. 2024 Baku, Azerbaijan

This year, the UN Climate Change Conference COP29 is taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan. One of the top priorities of Azerbaijan's COP presidency is a new climate finance mechanism. In his opening speech, Mukhtar Babayev, the president of COP29, said we are on the road to ruin. But the financing goal is competing for attention with economic concerns, wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and the recent US election result. Over the next two weeks, around 80.000 delegates are expected to discuss the international agreements on climate action. Read more at unfccc.int. The Brahma Kumaris is one of 4000
accredited observer organisations and is represented by an experienced team.

A Call for Urgent Climate Action: The Spiritual Dimension
The Brahma Kumaris' response to the crisis arises from a vision and way of life rooted in principles of peace, compassion, interconnectedness and non-violence. Read more in the BK Statement to COP29. Meet the team