SGI Representatives Participate in COP29 Climate Conference

Azerbaijan 2024
A six-person panel sits on stage, with one individual standing at a central podium, while the panelist seated at the far right speaks into a microphone.
Lucy Plummer of the SGI Office for UN Affairs (far right) speaking at an event on the role of faith and science in climate change negotiations [© Seikyo Shimbun]

From November 11 to 21, SGI (Soka Gakkai International) representatives participated in the 29th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. On November 15, the SGI co-organized a panel discussion at the Faith Pavilion on the unique contributions of faith-based organizations.  

On November 16, together with other organizations, the SGI and SGI-UK co-organized a side event titled “What really makes us safe? Peace, climate finance and climate action in an existential time.” Lucy Plummer of the SGI Office for UN Affairs emphasized the need for inner transformation—human revolution—alongside structural change.

On November 20, the UNDP Rome Centre and Soka Gakkai Italy cohosted the event “Global Solidarity for Climate Action.” Stella Bianchi, executive director of the Soka Gakkai Italy campaign “Cambio io, cambia il mondo” (I change, the world changes), stressed the importance of hope and conviction in initiating change.

The SGI also engaged in events focused on youth engagement and biodiversity during COP29.