Wisdom of Sikhi at UN Climate Change Conference COP28

We are not only harming Mother Earth, but we are also changing its climate. Temperatures are rising, and extreme weather events are causing droughts, wildfires, heatwaves, and floods. Yet, there is hope. By intertwining wisdom with scientific, technical, and political expertise, a sustainable transformation is possible. Photo: Unsplash

Sikhs spoke at UN Climate Conference on spiritual wisdom

The COP28 climate change conference in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which took place in Dubai at the end of November 2023, was the first UN climate conference to organize a dedicated Faith Pavilion for the participation of religious actors. The Faith Pavilion promoted interfaith dialog and enabled religious actors to urge decision-makers from politics and business to take more effective climate action. The pavilion symbolizes the importance of global, inclusive and multiplex cooperation in tackling man-made climate change and emphasizes the importance of religion and spirituality in the context of environmental and climate protection. Based on this, meditation cards were developed that inspire environmental and climate protection from the perspective of various traditions. You can download the Sikhi meditation cards here.

Holistic environmental protection: Only when we cleanse our inner environment can we cleanse the outer environment

On December 1 from 13:30 to 14:30 local time in Dubai, UAE (10:30-11:30 CET), Sikhs offered a workshop based on Gurmat, timeless spiritual wisdom, for the first time as part of a UN World Climate Change Conference (livestream https://faithatcop28.com/live-stream/).

When the Mind is Pure. The Environment is also Pure. The first ever Faith Pavilion and dedicated Sikhi Session at a UN World Climate Conference. Video: PunjabFeed, Wink Media

The program of the Sikhi Workshop states:

“Participate in the workshop by the SikhiCouncil during COP28. Explore holistic approaches to environmental protection. Immerse yourself in the fascinating connection between spirituality, environmental and climate protection, and how we can intuitively contribute to the well-being of all sentient beings, including nature. The workshop will commence with a devotional recitation on environmental protection from the Gurbani, the wisdom of over 30 Enlightened Ones which has been preserved in writing.

In a world increasingly grappling with crises and conflicts, an urgent transformation is needed. The workshop will inspire you to reflect on the inherent causes of environmental pollution and climate change. The objective is to initiate a transformative journey through contemplation, allowing for the discernment and conscientious cultivation of our interconnectedness with Mother Earth, embracing our collective role as guests on the planet. The insights gained will help you gradually detach from dominant linear growth-centric thinking and foster cyclical perspectives that prioritize the well-being of all sentient beings. Ultimately, the workshop aims to encourage the development of a Holistic Well-being Index (HWI) to measure the well-being of nature, animals, and humans and contribute to it. An HWI would measure our progress and prosperity not solely by income but by the well-being of all sentient beings. By combining wisdom with scientific, technical, and political expertise, we could work on a comprehensive inclusive global project and create a meaningful culture. This culture would prioritize the long-term well-being of Mother Earth and all its inhabitants over short-term material and power-political gains, refusing to accept the exploitation of nature, humans, and animals any longer.”

Introduction to the Faith Pavilion and Sikhi session with Harpreet Singh from SikhiCouncil & SikhTeachings. Film: Faith Pavilion, COP28

Dilmohan Singh, SikhiCouncil & SikhTeachings talks about that it is high time to consider spiritual wisdom into the climate debate. Film: Khushwant Singh

Key Messages

When our mind is polluted, everything is polluted.

ਮਨਿ ਮੈਲੈ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਮੈਲਾ ਤਨਿ ਧੋਤੈ ਮਨੁ ਹਛਾ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਇਹ ਜਗਤੁ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਇਆ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਬੂਝੈ ਕੋਇ ॥੧॥ GGS, 558, M.3

ਭਰੀਐ ਮਤਿ ਪਾਪਾ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ॥ ਓਹੁ ਧੋਪੈ ਨਾਵੈ ਕੈ ਰੰਗਿ ॥ ਪੁੰਨੀ ਪਾਪੀ ਆਖਣੁ ਨਾਹਿ ॥ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਣਾ ਲਿਖਿ ਲੈ ਜਾਹੁ ॥ ਆਪੇ ਬੀਜਿ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਖਾਹੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਆਵਹੁ ਜਾਹੁ ॥੨੦॥ GGS, 4, M.1

Once we recognize our role as spiritual travellers and guests, we instinctively protect Mother Earth and promote the well-being of all sentient beings, including nature.

ਛੋਡਿ ਖਿਆਲ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਕੇ ਧੰਧੇ ॥ ਹੋਇ ਪੈ ਖਾਕ ਫਕੀਰ ਮੁਸਾਫਰੁ ਇਹੁ ਦਰਵੇਸੁ ਕਬੂਲੁ ਦਰਾ ॥੧॥ GGS, 1083, M.5

Humanity needs a positive vision that inspires global collaboration: A Holistic Well-being Index (HWI) that transcends materialism and measures development and prosperity by the well-being of all sentient beings.

ਕਹਿ ਕਬੀਰ ਨਿਰਧਨੁ ਹੈ ਸੋਈ ॥ ਜਾ ਕੇ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥੪॥੮॥ GGS, 1159, Bhagat Kabir

More information will be available soon at www.faithatcop28.com.