From 14th to 16th November 2025, the UN Climate Change Conference COP30 in Belém, Brazil, entered a crucial stage as the technical phase concluded and the political phase began. Brazil’s chief negotiator, Liliam Chagas, confirmed that ministers—those holding true negotiation power—have arrived to take discussions forward. The urgency is clear, as available funding for transition and loss-and-damage remains extremely limited, while current national CO₂ reduction pledges still direct the world toward a dangerous 2.6°C temperature rise.
Brazil’s Environment Minister, Marina Silva, appealed to all nations to commit to a fossil fuel phaseout, calling it the ethical response to the climate crisis. The issue, however, remains deeply contentious, with countries divided over the very proposal to discuss a phaseout roadmap. Panama’s negotiator, Juan Carlos Monterrey, expressed the growing frustration: “It’s quite stupid that we talk about everything else, when fossil fuels are the actual problem.”
On 15th November, the Global Climate March in Belém brought together 70,000 people calling for climate justice. The historic mobilisation amplified voices largely absent from official COP30 negotiations.
On Friday, 14th November, Christiana Figueres joined the Climate Wisdom Studio for a special pre-recorded session. Having known Sister Jayanti since their meetings in Bonn and at COP19 in Warsaw, her presence was a warm reunion. The recording will be broadcast on 22nd November.
A special workshop, The Ownership Illusion – From Mine to Mutual, brought together young leaders from Brazil, the BK delegation, and partner organisations. Held at the Museum of Art in Belém, the session explored ownership, shared values, and deeper human connection. Through silent exercises, rotating small-group conversations, and reflections on four core themes—Respect, Mutual, Reconnect, and Mine—participants experienced the liberating effects of releasing attachment. Sister Maureen shared profound insights on indigenous worldviews, stressing that the planet needs loving, not saving, and that self-dignity enables true detachment. The workshop concluded with a meditative sitar performance by Alex and a guided reflection.
At the People’s Summit Tapiri, Goreth contributed to a panel on Climate Justice and Rights in the Amazon. She emphasised five core pillars of climate justice: equitable distribution of impacts, social and racial justice, community participation, historical responsibility, and a just transition. Her appeal for inner awareness and individual accountability resonated strongly with attendees. Professor Socorro Chaves later invited her to contribute a chapter to UFAM’s upcoming book, and she used the opportunity to invite participants to Sister Jayanti’s lecture.
The 5th live session of the Climate Wisdom Studio featured Golo Pilz in conversation with Kumi Naidoo, Karenna Gore, and Sister Maureen on the theme Empowering Communities, Protecting the Planet. The discussion highlighted the value of indigenous wisdom, human behaviour, and meditation as powerful tools for change. Karenna Gore described the Global Ethical Stocktake as not just analytical, but transformative—shifting perceptions and prompting deeper understanding.
At the TED Countdown House in Belém, a Global Ethical Stocktake Dialogue highlighted the crucial role of faith communities. Sister Maureen opened with a meditation, followed by reflections on just transformation and the combined strength of spirituality and traditional knowledge. Archbishop Marinez Bassotto concluded with insights from the Amazon, emphasizing collective responsibility.
At the People’s Summit, Alex presented the Brahma Kumaris “Reflection on the Global Ethical Stocktake,” calling for a pause to reconnect with one’s inner compass. Later, the studio hosted a session on Women Leading with Ethics in Climate Action, featuring Maureen, Laura Cook, and Fernanda Sossai in conversation with Sonja.
As the second week commenced, Sister Jayanti arrived in Belém. A special morning class was held with her, Maureen, and 15 green angels from seven countries. The halfway meeting welcomed Sister Jayanti and expressed gratitude to Ananya and Patricia as they transitioned out.
The Faiths for a Fossil Fuel Treaty Celebration and Rally brought together leaders from diverse traditions. Reverend Fletcher Harper opened with a call for urgent action, followed by a grounding meditation by Maureen. Kumi Naidoo’s vivid metaphor—reminding that we must “turn off the tap” rather than sweep the floor—captured the essence of the crisis. The gathering closed with a collective call to endorse and support the treaty.
The reception From Mine to Mutual united civil society leaders and COP30 delegates. Hopi and Akimel O’odham wisdom keeper Jacob Johns spoke on Indigenous visibility and the importance of creating new solutions. Sister Jayanti emphasized the foresight of Indigenous communities, the need for inner power, and connection with the Divine as the foundation for meaningful transformation. The evening ended with a beautiful sitar meditation led by Alex, accompanied by reflective guidance from Sister Jayanti.
