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UN COP29: BLIA Showcases Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Environmental Philosophy

In the Blue Zone pavilion at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), 133 countries, 58 organizations, and 45 associate members from around the globe participate in exhibitions. The pavilions not only showcase cultural features from various nations but also include areas for handicrafts, coffee service, and local product displays. Regular sharing sessions and activities are held to encourage public attention to environmental protection.

On November 21, Ven. You Lin, World Headquarters UN NGO Office Director, is invited to deliver a speech at the Faith Pavilion. The event draws over a hundred participants, both online and in person, to explore topics on environmental and spiritual preservation. Ven. You Lin shares the teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, emphasizing the "Three Acts of Goodness" as a means to achieve both environmental and spiritual preservation. Buddhism views life through the principles of cherishing and protecting life, while spiritual preservation can be practiced through doing good deeds, speaking good words, and thinking good thoughts. Ven. You Lin highlights a case of the BLIA Scouts in New York bringing the "Three Acts of Goodness" into their homes, influencing their families and communities.

The Faith Pavilion, which joined the UN Climate Change Framework in 2023, garners significant attention for its unique integration of religion and environmentalism. Mohamed Bahr, Head of Strategic Planning for the Muslim Council of Elders(译者注：“穆斯林長老委員會策略規劃主管”) and a lead organizer for COP29, invites religious leaders each morning to conduct prayers, sharing sessions, and keynote speeches, actively promoting religious involvement in environmental action.

"Please treat this as your home!" says Mohamed Bahr, meeting Ven. You Lin for the first time and welcoming her presence. He expresses hope that the Faith Pavilion will serve as a home-like platform for religious communities to collaborate in advancing environmental protection. Over the ten-day event, the Faith Pavilion hosts five activities daily, bringing together representatives from 11 religious groups and nearly 100 nonprofit organizations to discuss and share insights on environmental issues.