Europe
“Care for the Earth, Care for the Self” – BK Public Program at UN Climate Change Conference
Katowice, Poland: Care for the Earth, Care for the Self
The Brahma Kumaris organized a public program at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP24) in Krakow: “Care for the Earth, Care for the Self“. Marek and Asha moderated the program and Golo informed the participants (nearly 100) about the latest findings in climate change, the renewable energies projects in India and the power of yoga to create changes. He said: First heal yourself and then heal the earth.
Sister Jayanti spoke about kindness and how it helps everyone to care more for the self and the earth. One small act of kindness will reach more than 120 people in your personal network, so never think that your actions don’t count. She asked the audience: How to keep hope in these days of climate crisis? With faith in our inner values, hope returns. She stated that both matter and soul are eternal and that there is always a way back to equilibrium, to a state of peace and harmony.
Asha, Sister Jayanti, Golo and Marek at the public program in Krakow
This year there is more debate on plant-based diet, excessive air travels and lifestyle change. Topics like hope, solidarity and trust are also being discussed more than ever. There is a growing uneasiness for the future.
Reception for Friends
The Brahma Kumaris (BK) hosted its reception in the convent of St. Stephens Catholic Church, quite close to the Climate Change conference venue. These events are well known for the sense of belonging they create and the delicious food. So, it was no wonder that more than 30 of our friends and contacts came. One participant said: Thank you so much for providing a family for me while I am at COP. After a powerful moment of silence, we enjoyed our vegan snacks and had a lively discussion.
Sister Jayanti, Adam Palion from the Catholic Church, and the Polish and international team at the reception.
Saturday 8th December: Climate March
More than 1,000 campaigners and activists from around the world demonstrated in the annual “March for Climate”. The demonstration has a long tradition at the COPs. This year, it was accompanied by an equal number of police. The demonstration usually marks the middle of the conference and is intended to give the needed push to the negotiations. Some of these so-called “climate pilgrims” have walked thousands of kilometres before arriving in Katowice. BKs Aneta, Bishek and Valeriane participated in the march.
Interfaith meeting UNFCCC
The Islamic Relief, GreenFaith, Brahma Kumaris, Franciscans International, Quakers and World Council of Churches had a pleasant meeting with Orvais Sarmad, Deputy Executive Secretary of UNFCCC, and presented him with the COP24 “Interfaith Statement”. Afterwards, there was an engaging discussion about the moral and ethical dimensions of climate change. Mr. Sarmad had visited the Interfaith Talanoa Dialogue on December 2nd and was eager to hear about the outcomes and conclusions.
He described the success of the “#TakeYourSeat and speak up” campaign. It has gone viral and already received more than 1.2 million messages. Sister Jayanti and other faith leaders offered their help and cooperation towards the success of the UNFCCC process.
Mr. Orvais Sarmad meeting with interfaith representatives
Krakow Programs
Krakow, an hour drive from Katowice, is the former capital of Poland and hosts many universities. It has a famous medieval city centre.
Sister Jayanti and the Polish COP support team
Around 50 BKs had come from all over Poland to meet Sister Jayanti and the international team at the local university. Sister Jayanti spoke about COP, her main impressions and the need of the time. She encouraged all to widen their viewpoint and create a community of greatness.
