The first day of the 21st Conference of Youth (COY21), being held at Akdeniz University, brought together more than 150 young international delegates representing over 50 countries. The conference featured several insightful sessions aimed at creating awareness about different dimensions of climate change and the role of policy-making in addressing global environmental challenges.
As part of the day's engagements, participants attended an informative session on the Global Plastics Treaty, exploring the challenges and underlying issues contributing to the delay in establishing the treaty as a legally binding resolution.
In the afternoon, the Brahma Kumaris, in collaboration with Enact Earth Foundation, conducted an interactive session titled “Human Library – Chapter 1: Resilience!!”, bringing together 12 young participants to explore the deeper meaning of resilience through personal stories and shared experiences.
The session featured three inspiring human books – Biru and Shantanu from the Brahma Kumaris, and Hemavathi from Enact Earth Foundation. Through their personal journeys, they shared experiences of resilience, highlighting how individuals navigate challenges, adapt to changing circumstances and discover inner strength during difficult times.
Participants had the opportunity to listen deeply, ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations, creating an atmosphere of openness, reflection and mutual learning. The session encouraged young delegates to understand resilience not merely as the ability to overcome difficulties but also as the capacity to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and positive change.
The session concluded with the distribution of Biodiversity Cards and “Open the Heart” wristbands, carrying forward the message of compassion, connection and environmental responsibility.
The Human Library created a meaningful space for storytelling, active listening, dialogue and collective learning. It highlighted how human experiences and inner transformation can inspire climate action, strengthen resilience and encourage young people to become agents of positive change.
Through this initiative, the Brahma Kumaris brought attention to the importance of inner resilience as an essential foundation for building a sustainable and harmonious world.
