UNCCD COP 17
Nurturing the seeds of hope
The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University participates in the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17), taking place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 17–28 August 2026. Under the COP17 theme “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope.”, the Brahma Kumaris will highlight the connection between inner transformation, values-based living and the restoration of our relationship with the Earth. Through workshops, dialogues, wellbeing sessions, interfaith events and meditation, the delegation will bring forward practical and spiritual approaches to strengthening resilience, sustainable land stewardship and hope for a flourishing future.
At UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, the Brahma Kumaris will bring a values-based perspective to the global conversation on land restoration, drought resilience and sustainable living. Their contribution will explore how inner resilience, spiritual awareness and conscious choices can complement environmental action, while presenting practical initiatives in yogic and natural farming, community resilience, plant-based food systems and eco-restoration meditation. Through dialogues, workshops and reflective sessions, the Brahma Kumaris will invite participants to consider how restoring our relationship with the Earth can begin with a transformation in awareness.
A central part of the Brahma Kumaris contribution will be the presentation of practical initiatives that demonstrate how spiritual awareness can support environmental and community regeneration. These include Rajrishi Gokul Village, a holistic rural development initiative addressing land degradation, drought, poverty and the erosion of traditional values through the interconnected pillars of People, Prosperity and Planet; the Shaswat Yogic Kheti Regenerative Agriculture Model Farm, which combines natural farming, self-reliance, water stewardship and Raja Yoga meditation; and Sustainable Yogic Agriculture, where farmers integrate natural farming methods with the conscious cultivation of positive and peaceful thoughts. The delegation will also share approaches to wholesome plant-based food systems, values-based relationships among pastoralists, livestock and land, and Peace Drops for Eco Restoration, a meditation initiative offering moments of focused positive energy for the Earth and for those engaged in restoration work. Together, these projects illustrate the Brahma Kumaris vision that restoring ecosystems and restoring human consciousness are deeply connected parts of the same journey.
Main Programmes
17 August 2026 — Drops of Hope: Restoring Peace
Wellbeing session with reflection and meditation at the Blue Zone Action Dome.
18 August 2026 — Hope in Action: Building Community and Food Resilience in Times of Crisis
Interactive workshop in the Green Zone exploring community and food resilience.
18 August 2026 — Drops of Hope: Restoring Love
Wellbeing session with reflection and meditation at the Blue Zone Action Dome.
19 August 2026 — Drops of Hope for Land and People
Presentation during People Day in the Green Zone.
19 August 2026 — Drops of Hope: Restoring Hope
Wellbeing session with reflection and meditation at the Blue Zone Action Dome.
20 August 2026 — Scaling Hope
Official side event in the Blue Zone.
20 August 2026 — Inner and Community Resilience, Empowering Hope for Land Restoration
Workshop at the Children and Youth Pavilion in the Blue Zone.
21 August 2026 — Restoring Land, Restoring Hope: Faith Voices on Regeneration
Faith-focused programme at the Blue Zone Action Dome, organized by the COP Faith Group.
22 August 2026 — Restoring Land, Restoring Hope: Faith Communities as Partners in Land Restoration
Interfaith side event and roundtable discussion in the Blue Zone.
22 August 2026 — Interfaith Talanoa Dialogue
Interfaith dialogue at a monastery in Ulaanbaatar.