The Gyalwang Drukpa at the UN Climate Change Conference in Katowice: "An urgent correction of our moral path - now or never"
The Gyalwang Drukpa at the UN Climate Change Conference in Katowice: "An urgent correction of our moral path - now or never"
At the opening of the UN Climate Change Conference in December 2018 in Katowice, Poland, the Gyalwang Drukpa delivered a speech at the Action Hub on the COP 24 site, titled "An urgent correction of our moral path - it's now or never." He emphasized the urgency of first acknowledging climate change. The consequences of climate change are still being ignored worldwide, he said.
In his speech, the Gyalwang Drukpa called for a change in one's value system. Instead of focusing on individual success, personal happiness, and progress, it is necessary to include the welfare of society. There is no time to lose. Mankind will die out if attitudes toward nature and our place in this world are not changed. The responsibility for change starts with everyone - in every little action. It's about getting up from your chair and doing something: planting a tree, picking up a plastic bag, or eating less meat.
Candles in memory of the victims in Auschwitz
On the occasion of the Jewish Festival of Lights (Hanukkah), the Gyalwang Drukpa visited the former concentration camps Auschwitz and Auschwitz-Birkenau. Memorial Director Adrezj Karzynk led the distinguished guest from the Himalayas around the grounds. During the tour, the Gyalwang Drukpa lit candles in memory of the victims and the difficult chapter in German history.
Action connects - Reception in Krakow City Hall
The Mayor of Krakow, Jacek Majchrowski, received the Gyalwang Drukpa at the historic City Hall for a lively exchange on education, environmental protection, and climate protection. The Gyalwang Drukpa introduced the Druk Padma Karpo School in Ladakh, which firmly anchors these principles in the curriculum. He also spoke about the "Eco-Cycle and Pad Yatras" in Asia, as well as international tree-planting campaigns. The mayor reported on the city's far-reaching commitments and projects. Children in the schools are taught how to plant trees. Trees are regularly planted in the ground for a child's birth and for marriage. According to the mayor, the water is said to be the second-cleanest in the world. The Gyalwang Drukpa and Jacek Majchrowski agreed to initiate a tree-planting campaign. The Gyalwang Drukpa bid farewell with a greeting in the city's Golden Book: "With best wishes and blessings to you all."