Brahma Kumaris at the United Nations BioDiversity Conference

Sharm-El-Sheik, Egypt: The 14th Biodiversity UN Conference COP14 took place in Sharm-El-Sheik, Egypt. The second half of the conference concluded with great results.

The Nature and Culture Summit: The Nature and Culture Summit was a meeting held within COP14.  Some 300 participants shared their experiences and their desire to influence the development of the Post 2020 arrangements for the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

During the first day, the participants had the opportunity to go to ‘Ras Mohamed National Park’, and were able to see mangroves, coral reefs, desert panoramas and to spend time with a Bedouin community. The participants were able to immerse themselves in the Egyptian natural beauty and cultural richness.

On the second day, the high-level panel on Biological and Cultural Diversity, Belief Systems, and Sacred Sites was held. The Egyptian Minister of the environment took part and the Brahma Kumaris were represented by BK Juan Milling.

BK Juan made a presentation on Spiritual values and the post 2020 agenda.  He said that hope is a form of energy that will lead our way into the future. He described ‘Eco Shanti’ as an ecology of care and a project which addresses consciousness and biodiversity. It is where natural values are an inner resource of sustainable energy. At the end of his presentation, BK Juan guided a meditation where 250 participants had a powerful experience of peace and silence.

On the third and last day of the summit, other presentations took place on themes such as Biological and Cultural Diversity, Human Rights and the Rights of Mother Nature.

For the closure ceremony, participants had an enjoyable cultural night and reception.

Last days of COP: During the last days of COP14, the Brahma Kumaris attended several side events.

Chen was part of a working group where she shared the concept of simplicity in our life and how that helps to uplift nature.  Her group adopted the slogan “Be simple. Be example. Win!” The UN moderator said “It looks a simple slogan, but it is very deep. It shows an elegant lifestyle, a life attitude!”

Chen also attended the side event on the China National Report to the CBD to learn more about the next conference in Beijing.  It will be hosted by Christiana Palmer, Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of CBD.

Dorcas attended the side event that reflected the similarities and challenges between COP21 in Paris and the next Biodiversity conference in China in 2020.  She heard that not much had been achieved in the Paris agreement and that they need to get governments to implement their commitments.

Juan met with an indigenous leader from Guatemala.  She invited him to visit their community and share more about ‘EcoShanti’. She shared how much peace and silence is needed in their fragile communities. He also met with youth delegates from Canada.