Brahma Kumaris Report on the UN Climate Change Conference COP26 11th-13th Nov. 2021 -Glasgow, Scotland

On Saturday evening the 13th Nov. with one-day delay, the climate conference ended with the adoption of the Glasgow agreement. The original draft had strong recommendations for loss and damage as well as to phase out fossil fuels. Through a last minute intervention by India, China and others the text got watered down. The main problem of insufficient CO2 reduction promises by the countries was postponed to next year in Sharm-el-Sheik. Undoubtedly, some progress has been made but seeing the rapid acceleration of climate change, it’s clear that humanity still has to initiate the required paradigm shift and drastic lifestyle change.

Thursday 11th Nov.

The Interfaith Talanoa Declaration for COP 26

A delegation of faith leaders, including Sister Jayanti and Valeriane, presented the Talanoa declaration to Ovais Sarmad, UNFCCC Deputy Director. The declaration was well received and Ovais Sarmad stressed the importance of the input from faith based organizations for the COP process.

Interfaith Reflections on COP26 and the Road Forward

On 11th of November, Valeriane and Henrik from Interfaith Liaison Committee were invited to participate in the press conference of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation. They both shared about the work of interfaith in climate change and about the “Faith Call” emerging from the Talanoa Dialogue.

Exhibition at Peoples Summit

Interactive activity at exhibition with Maureen, Maria and Catherine Allinson at the Albany Center, People’s Summit for Climate Justice.

Sister Jayanti meeting first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon

In the afternoon, Sister Jayanti was able to meet briefly Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland. Sister Jayanti gave her a toli and a blessing card.

Philippa, an experienced BBC presenter, specially came for the last 2 days to Glasgow to make a documentary on the Brahma Kumaris ECO activities. Rajesh from London was 2 weeks with us and filmed lots of interviews and interesting scenes of our activities as well as from the conference. We look forward to see the final outcome.

BK Reception

On the 11 November, BKs organized a second reception at the Unitarian Church in downtown Glasgow. Around 40 guests and BKs where warmly welcomed by Sonja and Sister Jayanti. We all had lively discussions, good food, meditation and everybody enjoyed the atmosphere.

Shantanu and youth representatives meeting High-level Champions at COP

Friday 12th Nov.

Exhibition Green Zone Second Week

Maria and Roy at the BK stand in the Green zone

Golo beng interviewed at the BK stand in the Green zone by Belgium TV station. Barry helped at the stand.

Saturday 13th Nov.

It has also been announced that COP 27 will take place next year in Sharm-el-Sheik in Egypt. The BK COP team is already preparing for this event and booking accommodation etc. On Saturday morning our whole team said goodbye to our beautiful cottages in the countryside near Linlithgow.

Sister Jayanti, Caro and Ruth went to Manchester. Maureen, Maria, Philippa, Mary, Balwant, Rajesh and Shantanu went back to London. Valeriane visits a friend in Scotland, Golo and Sonja drove to Edinburgh for 2 days. The BK activities at the climate conferences have taken a big step forward and the whole green team thoroughly enjoyed the good company, the chances and opportunities and the many special scenes in drama. Thousands of thanks to the many helping hands in the kitchen, to the driving and supporting team with their yoga power and good wishes.

Programmes in Edinburgh

Sister Jayanti and Sister Louisa were invited by the Hindu Forum of Britain, Scotland chapter, to attend the 3rd Diwali Governmental Reception on 1.11 at the recently opened Queen Elizabeth House in Edinburgh. The reception was hosted by the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland and facilitated by Mr Puneet Dwivedi, Scotland Vice President of the Hindu Forum. Sister Jayanti participated in the candle lighting and spoke for a few minutes on the significance of Lakhsmi especially for Diwali as she is the embodiment of the wealth of virtues.

Solutions in Uncertain Times –

On Saturday afternoon Sonja and Golo conducted a program at inner Space in Edinburgh. They shared experiences from COP26 as well as doing a workshop on values for climate action. All the participants appreciated the programme and were quite happy to meet again in person after a long period of Covid restrictions.

Impressions from the conference

Thanks to the reporters Golo, Sonja and Sylvia from Egypt and her team for creating, editing and proofreading the reports. Special thanks also to Jignesh from Sweden for final formatting, uploading and distribution.