Faith Leaders, Educators and Communities Conclude Two-Day National Workshop on Climate Action and Child Wellbeing through Mind-Heart Dialogue

Faith Leaders, Educators and Communities Conclude Two-Day National Workshop on Climate Action and Child Wellbeing through Mind-Heart Dialogue

The two-day national workshop, "Harnessing the Power of Faith for Climate & Child Wellbeing through Mind-Heart Dialogue," concluded today at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Leh, with a collective resolve to strengthen faith-led action for climate resilience, environmental stewardship and the wellbeing of children.

Organised by the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) with the support of UNICEF India, in collaboration with the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), the workshop brought together an inspiring gathering of faith leaders, development practitioners, educators, environmental experts, civil society organisations, youth representatives, social and behaviour change specialists, school children and community elders from across India and Ladakh.

The workshop was inaugurated on 16 July 2026 by Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, in the presence of eminent faith leaders and representatives from UNICEF India, GIWA and partner organisations. The inaugural ceremony featured a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, interfaith messages and the collective Interfaith Environmental Pledge, reaffirming a shared commitment to protect the Earth, nurture every child and work together across faiths for a healthier and more sustainable future.

The inaugural session was attended by distinguished representatives, including Reverend Daechen Chamga, President, Ladakh Moravian Christian Association; Mrs. Ayesha Malo, President, Anjuman Moin Ul Islam (Women's Wing); Mrs. Nasreen Marium, President, Anjuman E Imamia (Women's Wing); Ms. Shalini Prasad, Social and Behaviour Change Specialist, UNICEF India; Mr. Yusuf Kabir, Programme Specialist, Climate and Environment, WASH Section, UNICEF India; Ms. Ganga Nandini (Nancy Tripathi), Director, Global Interfaith WASH Alliance; Swami Bhavatej, Representative, Art of Living; Dr. Supreet Kaur, President, EcoSikh India; Sister Lucy Kurien, Founder, Maher, Pune; BK Shikha Chhabra, Representative, Brahma Kumaris, along with many other faith leaders, educators, civil society representatives and development partners from across India and Ladakh.

During the inaugural session, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena expressed gratitude to Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Founder of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and President of Parmarth Niketan, for his visionary leadership in bringing together faith communities to address pressing global challenges. He also acknowledged UNICEF India's continued confidence in faith leaders as catalysts for positive social and behavioural change.

Addressing the gathering, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena observed that while science and technology continue to transform the world, they must be guided by compassion, ethics and spiritual wisdom. He emphasised that faith leaders, being among the most trusted voices in society, have a profound responsibility to inspire communities to protect Mother Earth and secure a healthy future for generations to come.

Over the two days, participants engaged in intensive Mind-Heart Dialogue sessions, expert presentations on climate change, child wellbeing and social and behavioural change, interfaith dialogue, collaborative learning, interactive group discussions and action planning. The deliberations explored practical ways in which faith communities can complement scientific knowledge and public policy by encouraging sustainable lifestyles and community-led environmental action.

Adding vibrancy to the workshop was the enthusiastic participation of students and teachers from Mahabodhi Residential School and Ladakh Rigjung Public School. They actively participated in the Mind-Heart Dialogue sessions, interactive discussions and collaborative learning activities alongside faith leaders, experts and community elders. Their thoughtful engagement reflected the importance of nurturing environmental consciousness, compassion and shared responsibility among young people while strengthening meaningful intergenerational dialogue.

Throughout the workshop, participants recognised that the climate crisis is not merely an environmental challenge but also a moral and spiritual responsibility. Discussions underscored the need to integrate ethical values, environmental stewardship and compassion into education, community leadership and everyday life. Participants also developed practical recommendations to strengthen collaboration between faith communities, government institutions, educational organisations, development partners and civil society in advancing climate resilience and child wellbeing.

The workshop concluded with blessings from Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, who appreciated the wholehearted participation and commitment shown by everyone throughout the two-day programme. He particularly commended the active participation of faith leaders, development practitioners, educators, school children, teachers, youth and community elders, noting that the workshop truly embodied the spirit of inclusive and intergenerational learning. He expressed happiness that participants from diverse faith traditions and backgrounds came together with openness, mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose.

In his concluding address, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena called upon all faith leaders, government institutions, educational establishments, civil society organisations, development partners and every stakeholder to continue working together beyond the workshop. He emphasised that climate change, environmental conservation and the wellbeing of children are shared responsibilities that require sustained cooperation, compassion and collective action. He urged everyone to carry the spirit of the Mind-Heart Dialogue into their respective communities and institutions, transforming the learnings of the workshop into meaningful action for the benefit of both people and the planet.

Participants unanimously agreed that the workshop had created a unique platform for building trust, strengthening interfaith cooperation and inspiring practical community-based initiatives rooted in compassion, shared values and environmental responsibility. The Mind-Heart Dialogue approach was widely appreciated for fostering meaningful conversations that brought together scientific understanding with the ethical and spiritual values shared across faith traditions.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to carrying forward the spirit of unity and collaboration into their respective communities. The organisers expressed their sincere gratitude to all participating faith leaders, partner organisations, facilitators, volunteers, educators, students and community members whose enthusiastic involvement made the workshop a significant milestone in advancing interfaith collaboration for climate action, environmental stewardship and the wellbeing of children.

The recommendations emerging from the workshop will contribute towards strengthening faith-led initiatives and collaborative action, further reinforcing the shared commitment of all stakeholders to building a more compassionate, resilient and sustainable future for present and future generations.