On 18th Nov. 2025, the UN Climate Change Conference COP30 in Belém, Brazil, witnessed two days of intense negotiations, powerful ethical reflections, and meaningful spiritual contributions. As the endgame of COP30 unfolded, COP President Do Lago urged countries to “accelerate the pace”, outlining plans for two major decisions: a broad Mutirão Decision covering trade, finance, and NDCs, and a proposed fossil fuel phase-out roadmap. His assertive approach heightened expectations across delegations, though the outcome remains to be seen.
A significant concern arose as investigations revealed the presence of more than 300 industrial agriculture lobbyists—representing a sector linked to global deforestation—while civil society continued to face restrictions. At the same time, Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay reaffirmed the nation’s position as the world’s first carbon-negative country, urging western nations to cut emissions “for the happiness of your people,” offering a strong reminder of genuine climate leadership. Australia later withdrew its bid to host COP31, with Antalya, Turkey, announced as the new venue.
Facing Ethical Challenges
A key meeting of faith stakeholders on Monday morning facilitated open dialogue on the ethical challenges confronting global climate action. Sister Jayanti shared deep insights on rebuilding trust and strengthening international cooperation during critical times.
Higher Education Pavilion
A side event titled Transforming Higher Education for Climate Action focused on integrating inner and outer transformation within climate responses. Moderator Carolin led reflective exchanges, grounding the discussions.
Prof. Christine Wamsler highlighted the need to embed inner dimensions into sustainability science, noting the limitations of external solutions alone.
Laila Martins presented the Inner Development Goals as a practical framework to integrate inner competencies into education systems and UNFCCC processes.
Prof. Mark Lawrence emphasised the necessity of transdisciplinarity in addressing complex global crises.
Sister Jayanti concluded by illustrating how consciousness and spiritual practice contribute to genuine societal transformation through a lived understanding of interconnectedness.
Ancestral Wisdom, Contemporary Solutions
More than 80 participants joined a vibrant public program at the historic MABE (Belém Art Museum). The audience included Indigenous leaders such as Chief Agoho and Chief Rayo, a Hare Krishna priest, and members of the local community. Sister Jayanti also met Raja Yoga students who had been following online courses.
Climate Wisdom Studio
The evening livestream explored Inner Resilience, Planetary Renewal, with Golo interviewing Heliosa Shurman, a 79-year-old sailor known for her courage and determination. Lindsey Cook later reflected on expressing deep Quaker spiritual principles within the secular and politically complex space of UN climate negotiations.
Press Conferences – Tuesday, 19th Nov.
Sonja moderated the session Ethics and Peace Accelerating Climate Action, featuring Golo, Sister Jayanti and Suresh Yadav from the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Shantanu conducted another press event titled Conscious Food, Conscious Planet in partnership with the Plant-Based Treaty, with contributions from Sister Jayanti, Dr. Larissa Correiro and Enric Noguera.
Meetings during the day included:
Alan Dubner, Director of the Observatory of Climate, Brazil
Sônia Guajajara, Minister of Native People, Brazil
Ashish Kanna, Director General, International Solar Alliance
Marina Silva, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson
Satya S. Tripathi, Former UN Assistant Secretary-General
Capacity Building Hub
Around 20 participants joined Where Art Meets New Possibilities, an interactive session integrating art, music, meditation and collective reflection. Organised by the Reinventing Futures Institute, LB Cultura Circular and Brahma Kumaris, the program explored creative circularity as both a cultural and inner pathway to climate resilience. Artistic contributions came from Alex, Goreth, Nonie, Liu Berman and Indigenous artist Val Munduruku.
Climate Wisdom Studio – Continued
Golo interviewed Sister Jayanti and Rev. Fletcher Harper, Executive Director of GreenFaith, on the theme Global Solidarity in the Climate Decade. A second session featured Sister Jayanti with Santosh Gupta, Director of the Indian Social Network.
This two-day report reflects the evolving dynamics of COP30, highlighting not only political and environmental discussions but also the increasing global recognition of inner transformation, ethics, and spiritual wisdom as essential to climate action.
