COP31 – A Conference of Great Expectations
This year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) comes with huge expectations. We are already witnessing the unfolding climate crisis in the form of mega-droughts, forest fires and floods, intensified by a powerful El Niño. Meanwhile, growing geopolitical tensions are making collective climate action even more challenging. Politicians and negotiators are under immense pressure to deliver concrete results.
Interestingly, this year’s conference is being held under the inspiring motto:
“COP of the Future – COP of Implementation.”
After a long standoff, Türkiye and Australia agreed to an unprecedented joint-presidency and shared leadership model for the conference.
The conference officially opened on Monday, with participants emphasising the urgent need for collective climate action to keep global warming below 1.5°C.
Today, the Antalya Leaders Summit has begun. More than 100 presidents, prime ministers and ministers are expected to deliver their official national statements as part of the climate negotiations. Almost 100,000 delegates have registered for the conference. Due to extremely tight security arrangements, participants sometimes have to wait for hours while travelling to and from the venue.
BRAHMA KUMARIS AT COP31
Our Theme: “Climate Resilience Begins Within”
Under this theme, the Brahma Kumaris team is bringing an important spiritual perspective to the climate discussions, highlighting the deep connection between our thoughts, values, lifestyles and the present condition of our planet.
Team members: Burhan, Birajith, Aneta, Swapnil and Dorcas.
Through dialogues, interviews, meditation experiences and activities at Exhibition Booth No. 1, the Brahma Kumaris are sharing the message that lasting climate action requires not only technological and political solutions but also a transformation of human consciousness.
As discussions and negotiations progress, we are reminded that peace, cooperation and resilience in the world begin with peace, cooperation and resilience within ourselves.
EXHIBITION BOOTH NO. 1
Our Exhibition Booth No. 1 enjoys a prime location at the conference venue. From the very first day, it has become a lively meeting point for sharing our work, offering blessing cards to delegates and reconnecting with old acquaintances.
BK Team: Birajith, Shantanu, Dorcas, Swapnil, Aneta, Sonja, Golo and Sister Maureen. Burhan is taking the photograph.
MEETING THE QUEEN OF DENMARK
At the opening of the Danish Pavilion at COP31, Sonja had a brief encounter with Queen Mary of Denmark and presented her with a blessing card.
GREEN ZONE EVENT
The first programme of the Brahma Kumaris at COP31 this year was held at the COP31 Green Zone, Zero Waste Hub, Stage 1.
Sister Maureen, Aneta and Shantanu shared their insights on the theme:
“Consciousness, Community and Food Sovereignty: Three Pathways to Climate Resilience.”
The event explored the importance of inner awareness, community engagement and sustainable food systems in strengthening our ability to face and recover from the impacts of climate change. Approximately 40 people participated in the programme.
The programme began with a dialogue, followed by a film screening presenting a case study from India. The film highlighted how climate-induced migration is affecting local communities and their traditional ways of life.
Speakers: Sister Maureen, Aneta and Shantanu.
CLIMATE WISDOM STUDIO
This year, we are also recording interviews within the conference venue as part of our Climate Wisdom Studio initiative.
Golo interviewed Margareta Koltai, Policy Advisor at the Church of Sweden, exploring perspectives on climate change and environmental responsibility.
CLIMATE WISDOM STUDIO – YOUTH LEADERSHIP FOR CLIMATE ACTION
Young Voices Take Centre Stage
For the fourth consecutive year, our Climate Wisdom Studio has returned, with young people's perspectives taking centre stage.
Shantanu interviewed Lucy Plummer (Youth Representative, Soka Gakkai International Office for UN Affairs), Saikat Das (Net Zero Strategist), Birajith and Sonja.
The conversations explored young people's perspectives on climate change, their hopes for the future and the important role of youth in shaping a more sustainable and better world.
BREAKFAST EVENT AT TED COUNTDOWN HOUSE
For Aneta and Sonja, the day began early with a special breakfast event at the TED Countdown House in Antalya.
Convened by Project Dandelion, this invitation-only working breakfast brought together COP delegates to discuss the interconnection between health, women and climate change.
The central question was: What will it take to turn this knowledge into action?
Sonja had the opportunity to bring particular attention to the subject of mental health and to guide a meditation session.
INSPIRING EXCHANGE WITH THOMAS HIRSCH
In the afternoon, the team had an inspiring exchange with Thomas Hirsch, Adviser and Strategist on Climate and Development.
Together, they explored how the Brahma Kumaris can further strengthen their contribution to COP activities and present their unique values-based spiritual perspective more effectively in global climate discussions.
CLIMATE WISDOM STUDIO – THE HUMAN DIMENSION OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Under the theme “The Human Dimension of Climate Change,” three guests were welcomed to the Climate Wisdom Studio.
Golo interviewed Thomas Hirsch, Director of Climate and Development Advice; Madeleine-Alisa Wörner, Climate and Energy Policy Expert at Misereor; and Sonja.
The conversation explored how climate change is affecting people's lives and highlighted the important role that human values, meditation and prayer can play in addressing these challenges.
Participants: Burhan, Sonja, Golo, Madeleine-Alisa Wörner and Thomas Hirsch.
PRE-COP EVENTS
MEDIA TRAINING
Prior to the COP31 conference, Birajith and Shantanu participated in a Media Training programme to strengthen their communication and media engagement skills.
COY21 YOUTH CONFERENCE – THREE DAYS OF INSPIRATION, CONNECTION AND CLIMATE ACTION!
Over three inspiring days in Antalya, approximately 150 participants from more than 50 countries came together to create a vibrant community of young people united by their love and care for Mother Earth and one another.
The conference provided a wonderful opportunity for young people to connect, exchange ideas and strengthen their commitment to positive climate action.
Brahma Kumaris was represented by Biru and Shantanu from London. They facilitated a special session, contributed as speakers in another session and connected with like-minded young changemakers from around the world who are dedicated to creating positive change.
Their participation reflected the importance of youth leadership, cooperation and collective responsibility in building a sustainable future for our planet.
