COP25 – Madrid – Report 5 (phone)
Friday 6th December 2019 Madrid, Spain
Half-way briefing
This morning, our team met for the half-way briefing. BKs programs and activities have gone well but it appears the conference is not yet on track to deal adequately with the climate crisis. There is still a week to go but experts already voice doubts if the outcome is good enough.
Climate change may spiral out of control as the recent scientific reports do paint a grim picture of the future. So, our main topics of hope, solidarity and trust are more than ever in demand and appreciated. Everyone in our team is ready for another week of action. Gabrielle from Australia and Maria from Spain are saying goodbye as they had accreditation for only the first week.
Message from Dadi Janki
Dadi Janki, Head of the Brahma Kumaris, gave a message for the BK green team in Spain. She is 103 but still up to date on climate matters. She said: There are the five elements in the world – ether, air, water fire, and earth. Nowadays these five elements cannot be trusted. Therefore, act with peace. Honesty, love and peace – let me have these three qualities in my life in a natural way. I personally benefit with these three and those who live with me also benefit. Let me be very clear in my aim and I do not depend on anything. Let me be the change. Internally, we have to be strong in our efforts.
President of India visiting BK Spiritual Headquarters
His Excellency Ram Nath Kovind, the President of India, inaugurated the 2-day National Convention on “Empowerment of Women for Social Transformation” at the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Headquarters in Abu Road. The President said that women’s issues are fairly highlighted by organizations like the Brahma Kumaris, which is one of the world’s largest spiritual organizations being run by women. Empowering women empowers the whole society. Creating awareness towards women is everyone’s responsibility.
He also appreciated the Brahma Kumaris active support of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and its engagement in the Climate Change.
Green Outing
In the afternoon, everybody, including the logistical support team, had a well-deserved outing in a nearby park. We took a small rope-way to a nearby hill and then had a lovely walk in the sun overseeing the city of Madrid. Everybody felt recharged and enjoyed the time out in nature.
Climate March
In the evening a peaceful demonstration of nearly 500,000 took place in the centre of Madrid to protest against the lack of progress tackling climate emergency.
The BK logistic team for the conference has come from the whole of Spain. We give a big Thank You to all of them!
