At the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in Belém, Brazil from 11–22 November 2025, Soka Gakkai International (SGI) participants advocated for meaningful youth participation, rights-based approaches to climate action and interfaith collaboration. 

Against the backdrop of challenging negotiations and mixed outcomes, SGI representatives engaged in multiple initiatives highlighting the intersection of ethics, faith, human rights and climate justice. The conference concluded with a historic but bittersweet outcome: a major victory on just transition (ensuring that the shift to a green, low-carbon economy is fair and inclusive), paired with disappointments on the financing needed to support adaptation and fossil fuel phase-out commitments.

"Ethics and faith provide the moral foundation for transformative climate action," said Flore Ghetti of SGI, who moderated a side event on 11 November titled "Ethics and Faith Transforming Community, National and Global Climate Action." The event was co-organized by SGI, Brahma Kumaris, Quaker UN Office, Quakers in Britain and Quaker Earthcare Witness.

"We need to counter ignorance—the false perception of separation between humans and nature—with wisdom that recognizes our profound interconnection," Ghetti emphasized. The side event featured faith leaders, UN Special Rapporteur Dr. Elisa Morgera and representatives from Small Island Developing States, demonstrating how ethical frameworks, human rights and scientific evidence can work together as an integrated structure to support transformative climate action. In addition, João Carlos dos Santos from the Soka Amazon Institute in Manaus, Brazil, shared information about its educational activities with an ethical perspective.

SGI co-organized a second side event on 11 November titled "Ancestral Wisdom and Youth Leadership: Pathways to Sustainable Climate Action" with Religions for Peace and the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation. Featuring Indigenous leaders alongside faith leaders and scientists, the event explored how localized action led by young people and Indigenous communities can transform climate justice commitments into practical solutions. Dos Santos shared examples of community-led ecological restoration initiatives by the Soka Amazon Institute, demonstrating the practical value of integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary conservation approaches.

SGI also participated in other key events throughout COP30. On 16 November, Masahiro Yokoyama of SGI served as a panelist in "Faiths for a Fossil Fuel Treaty: a Multi-faith Rally and Celebration of Commitment” held at the Amazon Climate Hub, reflecting SGI's role as a signatory to the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. On 17 November, Flore Ghetti spoke at an event at the Italian Pavilion titled "Learning, Reflection and Empowerment for Climate Action: A Dialogue on Challenges and Best Practices" organized by Cambio Io, Cambia il Mondo (“I change, the world changes”) and the Be The Hope Foundation. The event was also affiliated with the Italian Buddhist Institute Soka Gakkai, with speakers from Youth4Climate, UNDP Rome Centre and Earth Charter International. Panelists explored how personal transformation and climate action empowerment can drive meaningful change.

Ghetti participated actively in YOUNGO, the UN's youth climate constituency, coordinating the Just Transition Working Group. During the two weeks at COP30, she organized capacity-building sessions on just transition frameworks, held bilateral meetings with party delegations and delivered interventions demanding rights-based climate action. "We are raising our voice today, again, to remind parties that the adoption of a mechanism on just transition is not an option—it is an imperative," she stated during a youth intervention on 17 November. 

Sustained pressure from civil society through cross-constituency alliances proved decisive. On November 22, parties adopted the Belém Action Mechanism (BAM) for Just Transition—described by Climate Action Network International as "one of the strongest rights-based outcomes in the history of UN climate negotiations."

The BAM includes unprecedented language on human rights, labor rights, Indigenous Peoples' rights, gender equality and youth development, along with recognition of the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent that grants Indigenous Peoples the right to give or withhold their consent for any activities relating to their lands or resources. Tasneem Essop, Executive Director of Climate Action Network International, noted that this was a win shaped by years of pressure from civil society: "This outcome didn't fall from the sky; it was carved out through struggle, persistence and the moral clarity of those living on the frontlines of climate breakdown."

However, the conference delivered mixed results overall. While COP30 achieved the historic breakthrough on just transition, adaptation finance outcomes were significantly weakened, with developed countries pushing timelines to 2035 and reducing commitments. Most disappointingly, the final COP decision contained no mention of a transition away from fossil fuels.

Against the backdrop of challenging negotiations, SGI continued its work from previous COPs, promoting the integrity of nature, rights-based approaches and intergenerational solidarity. During side events and bilateral meetings, SGI representatives emphasized how a human rights-based approach to climate action is both an ethical imperative and the most effective strategy, requiring meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples, local communities and youth through their full participation, consent and leadership in decision-making.

Prior to COP30, a public event commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Earth Charter was held at the Vila Maguari Theater in Ananindeua, located next to Belém on 8–9 November. In the session titled “Democracy, Non-violence and Peace,” Nobuyuki Asai of SGI shared Soka Gakkai’s prime point of its peace activity and emphasized the importance of the culture of peace, which resonates with the Earth Charter. 

SGI remains committed to amplifying youth voices in climate policy, supporting faith-based perspectives in addressing the climate crisis and advocating for the full justice package—including adequate adaptation finance and fossil fuel phase-out commitments—that vulnerable communities urgently need.