Earth Governance for a Sustainable Future and the Vital Role of Women in Supporting Climate Action

The Faith Pavilion at COP29 hosted a series of dialogue sessions on its sixth day, addressing key issues related to the climate crisis. The discussions emphasized the importance of improving Earth governance to achieve a sustainable future, implementing effective nature-based solutions, transitioning to sustainable food systems, and integrating religious values with climate action. Participants highlighted how these approaches can address environmental challenges and promote climate justice by implementing strategies that enhance the resilience of communities most affected by climate change.

In her opening remarks, Maureen Goodman, Program Director of Brahma Kumaris UK, emphasized that the world is at a critical juncture in climate negotiations. She underscored the necessity of amplifying the role of faith communities in addressing environmental challenges, calling for unified efforts across climate summits to develop effective responses for the most vulnerable communities. Goodman also highlighted the importance of blending faith-based perspectives with other voices to build a sustainable and prosperous future for current and future generations.

The first session, titled “Protecting Our Common Climate System: Earth Governance for a Sustainable Future,” addressed fundamental issues related to the climate crisis and its link to weak global governance mechanisms. Participants argued that the climate crisis is a symptom of deeper systemic flaws in governance, which also contribute to other global challenges such as desertification, pandemics, and ongoing conflicts. They called for coalitions among civil society, faith-based institutions, like-minded states, and other stakeholders to drive meaningful governance reforms. Participants emphasized the need to curb carbon emissions and establish effective global policies to mitigate environmental damage.

The second session, “Just Transition to Sustainable Food System in Communities,” focused on the impact of climate change on small-scale farmers and the significant losses they face. Participants highlighted the crucial role of women in achieving food security, particularly in rural areas, and the importance of empowering them with resources and skills. They stressed the need to create sustainable food systems by enhancing community resilience, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, and adopting a holistic approach that connects people, food, and nature. Religious values promoting cooperation and environmental stewardship were emphasized as integral to achieving these goals.

In the third session, titled “Global EbA Fund: Catalytic Small Grants Advancing Innovation for Climate Resilience,” speakers highlighted the importance of nature-based solutions in adapting to climate change. The discussion centered on the fund’s role in supporting innovative and inclusive projects aimed at building community resilience, protecting biodiversity, and strengthening vulnerable ecosystems in the face of climate challenges.

The fourth session, “Manifesting Faith Climate Action,” explored the strong connection between religion and climate action. Speakers discussed how religious principles and values can contribute to addressing the climate crisis, emphasizing humanity’s responsibility to manage the Earth with care and respect rather than exploitation. They noted that humans are part of the planet’s ecosystem and that destructive actions against nature are at the root of the current climate crisis, but also that humans have the potential to be part of the solution.

The fifth session, “Faith in Action: Multi-Religious, Multisectoral & Intergenerational Collaboration for a Better Future,” stressed the importance of collaboration across faiths and generations in tackling climate change. Participants highlighted the Faith Pavilion’s role at COP summits as a vital platform for dialogue on climate action. They emphasized the urgency of bringing moral and spiritual voices to the forefront of efforts to achieve climate justice, stressing that genuine faith extends beyond beliefs to include practical actions and positive impacts on society and the environment.

The final session showcased the Children’s Eco Village by Islamic Help in Tanzania, a 38-acre initiative providing comprehensive care for orphans in a family-like setting while equipping them with essential life skills. The village teaches water and energy conservation, promotes environmental awareness, and encourages sustainable development. Participants underscored the importance of integrating environmental sustainability into humanitarian and development projects, warning that ignoring ecological considerations—such as deforestation and biodiversity loss—can undermine efforts to address poverty and long-term food and water security.

The Faith Pavilion at COP29, running from November 12 to 22, is hosting over 40 dialogue sessions with the participation of 97 organizations representing 11 faiths. Building on the success of its first edition at COP28, the Pavilion continues to promote interfaith collaboration to protect the planet, explore best practices for sustainable adaptation, encourage sustainable lifestyles, and address non-economic impacts of climate change while advocating for climate justice mechanisms.