The Hague: The Faith Pavilion at COP29 hosted a series of dialogue sessions on its sixth day, focusing on crucial issues related to the climate crisis. The discussions emphasized the significance of enhancing earth governance for a sustainable future, implementing nature-based solutions, transitioning to sustainable food systems, and integrating religious values with climate action.
According to Emirates News Agency, participants underscored how these strategies could address environmental challenges and promote climate justice by strengthening the resilience of communities most affected by climate change. In her opening remarks, Maureen Goodman, Programme Director of Brahma Kumaris UK, highlighted the critical juncture of climate negotiations and the need to amplify the role of faith communities in addressing environmental challenges. She called for unified efforts across climate summits to develop effective responses for vulnerable communities and stressed the importance of blending faith-based perspective
s with other voices to build a sustainable future.
The first session, “Protecting Our Common Climate System: Earth Governance for a Sustainable Future,” addressed the climate crisis’s link to weak global governance mechanisms. Participants identified the climate crisis as a symptom of deeper systemic flaws in governance, contributing to global issues such as desertification, pandemics, and conflicts. They advocated for coalitions among civil society, faith-based institutions, states, and stakeholders to drive meaningful governance reforms, emphasizing the need to reduce 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 their significant losses. Participants highlighted women’s crucial role in achieving food security, especially in rural areas, and the importance of empowering them with resources and skills. They advocated
for sustainable food systems by enhancing community resilience, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, and adopting a holistic approach connecting people, food, and nature. Religious values promoting cooperation and environmental stewardship were emphasized as vital components of achieving these goals.
In the third session, “Global EbA Fund: Catalytic Small Grants Advancing Innovation for Climate Resilience,” speakers highlighted the importance of nature-based solutions in climate change adaptation. The discussion centered on the fund’s role in supporting innovative projects that build community resilience, protect biodiversity, and strengthen vulnerable ecosystems.
The fourth session, “Manifesting Faith Climate Action,” explored the connection between religion and climate action, emphasizing humanity’s responsibility to manage the Earth with care and respect rather than exploitation.
The fifth session, “Faith in Action: Multi-Religious, Multisectoral and 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 critical platform for dialogue on climate action.
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 focuses on water and energy conservation, environmental awareness, and sustainable development. Participants emphasized the importance of integrating environmental sustainability into humanitarian and development projects, warning that neglecting ecological considerations like deforestation and biodiversity loss could undermine efforts to address poverty and long-term food and water security.
