Celebrating the United Nations Commitment to Peace on Its 62nd Anniversay

- WEEK OF SPIRITUALITY, VALUES AND GLOBAL CONCERNS

In honor of the anniversary of the United Nations, the Week of Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns has been created to bring about a culture of peace in which we, the peoples of the world, can address together our common challenges in a holistic, positive and transformative way. The Week’s activities recognize that spirituality and adherence to universal values, such as those expressed in the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, are key to providing solutions to global concerns.

The Week of Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns is being launched on 22–26 October, 2007 at UN headquarters, during the United Nations 62nd anniversary, to inspire and generate collective engagement in an annual worldwide celebration.

Members of the UN community and the public are invited to participate in a series of programs and activities.

MONDAY – 22nd

12:00
Opening Gathering with Silent Meditation and Program Presentation
(CSVGC Taskforce)
Venue: Meditation Room,
UN Lobby

1:00 – 2:45
The Role and Importance of Silence in the UN System
(Spiritual Caucus)
Venue: Room TBA

Handout Distribution – “Inspiration from Kindness”
(Sacred & Transcendental Arts Working Group)

TUESDAY – 23rd

3:00 – 5:00
The Feminine Principle in Spirituality and Consciousness  (Women Rising Working Group)
Venue: GA37

6:00
“Peace, Disarmament and Sustainable Development”
Private Invitation only dinner.
(Spiritual Council for Global Challenges Working Group)

WEDNESDAY – 24th 

12:30
UN Anniversary Cake Cutting
(Spiritual Council and Values Caucus)
Venue: Cafeteria

2:00 – 4:00
The Spirituality of Martial Arts and Its contribution to World Peace
(Culture of Peace Working Group)
Venue: GA37

THURSDAY– 25th

12:00 – 1:30
Scorpio Solar Festival Meditation (Spiritual Dimensions of Science and Consciousness Working Group)
Venue: UN Meditation Room until 12:30; Discussion in Lobby 12:30 - 1:15. Keynote for Meditation: "Let Divine Purpose Guide the Work of the UN".

3:00 – 4:00
Launch of the Campus Peace Centers
(Campus Peace Centers Working Group)
Venue: GA37

4:00 – 5:00
The Public Good and Its Relation to Global Ethics (Universal Ethics Working Group)
Venue: GA37

FRIDAY – 26th

1:00 – 1:30
“Spirit of the UN” Award and Closing Ceremony
(CSVGC Task Force)
Venue: Dag Hammarskjöld Auditorium

1:30 – 2:45
Spiritual and Holistic Development Augmenting Business Practices (Spiritual History of UN and Values and Business Working Groups)
Venue: Dag Hammarskjöld Auditorium

June 13, 2007

Sacred Celebration of Divine Inspiration for the Screening of "RUMI Turning Ecstatic"

 

at the Dag Hammarskjold Auditorium - United Nations Headquarters

Unesco Has Declared 2007 - The International Year of Rumi

A film by...Tina Petrova & Stephen Roloff- Featuring Coleman Barks, Kabir Helminski, Andrew Harvey, Nader Khalili, the Mevlana Dervishes of Turkey and the poetry of Menlana Jellaludin Rumi.  With Special Guests: Tina Petrova Visionary, Media, Inc.  Dr. Nitin   Dilawri, Associate Producer, Andrew Harvey, Author, Scholar and Mystic-Sacred Activism

http://www.rumi-turningecstatic.com/

RSVP by  May 31 at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (212) 726-1617. The NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns Sacred and Transcendental Arts Working Group is organizing  this 800th Rumi Celebration at the United Nations with Co-Sponsors.

Tina Petrova

Tina Petrova is the Producer of the film. She has been involved in the Canadian Film and TV scene for over 40 years, as an award winning actor, writer director and producer. Over the years her primary focus has been projects of a social justice nature. Her break out award winning film,"The Lost Years" was made with the assistance of the National Film Board of Canada. After graduating from Ryerson University in Theatre and Film she was invited to further her studies at the Canadian Film Centre founded by Academy Award winner-Norman Jewison. She currently leads World Religion Retreats at Scarboro Foreign Missions and is on a good will Ambassador Tour with the film around the world during UNESCO's year of Rumi.Andrew Harvey who appears in the film has agreed to introduce Tina and the film. 

 

 

Andrew Harvey

Andrew Harvey PhD was educated at Oxford University, becoming the youngest person ever to be awarded a fellowship to All Soul's College. Andrew Harveys spiritual journey spans a 30 year exploration of mysticism with many great teachers including the great Tibetan adept, Thuksey Rimpoche: a collaboration with Sogyal Rimpoche and Patrick Gaffney in the writing of the Tibetan Book of the Living and Dying studying the teachings of Rumi and Sufi mysticism with Eva De Vitray Meyerovitch, and finally synthesizing all of his experiences with Father Bede Griffins in his ashram in south India near where Andrew Harvey was born. In 2005, Andrew Harvey delivered his vision of the contemporary crisis now confronting us in today's world and potential solution in what he has termed "Sacred Activism". which he sees as the culmination of his life's work. Andrew Harvey has taught at Oxford University, Cornell University, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, the California Institute of Integral Studies and the University of Creation Spirituality as well as various spiritual centers throughout the United States. He was the subject of the 1993 BBC film documentary The Making of a Modern Mystic and appears also in "RUMI Turning Ecstatic" and the Consciousness of the Christ Reclaiming Jesus for a New Humanity. Andrew Harvey is a professor of Sacred Activism at Wisdom University, Executive Director of the Center for Spiritual Democracy and Founder Director of the School of Sacred Activism.  A discussion is planned with questions and answers immediately following the screening of the film Besides the Sacred and Transcendental Arts Working Group of the NGO Committee, for Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns, The Society for Enlightenment and Transformation, United Nations Staff Recreation Club, and various other NGO's including The Instiute of International Social Development and Institute for the Development of Education Arts and Leisure, etc.businesses and organizations  are co-sponsoring the event.

 

 

RUMI

Born at a time of great conflict and exiled from his homeland as a child, Rumi lived from 1207 to 1273 AD and grew into perhaps the greatest Persian language poet and one of the greatest poets of all time . His followers founded the Mevlevi Order of Sufis, also known as the “Whirling Dervishes.”Rumi’s wisdom and his exquisite insight into the unity of religion and love make him the Poet Laureate of the Oneness of Humanity, a true Muslim, and a guide to global community beyond the “Clash of Civilizations.”At a time when people still hate and kill in the name of God, we need to restore the sacred light.
Indeed, so great a light shines from the mirror of Rumi’s heart that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recognized this year 2007 as the International Year of Rumi as part of its Global Movement for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World.Accordingly, this year, all around the world, in both the original Persian and in translation, people of love and good will are celebrating Rumi’s enormous contribution to ecstatic religious sanity.Rumi, Master of Love, is finding his way throughout the world this year in the hearts of many who are   reading translations of Rumi’s poetry and shows scenes from the sema, or planning pilgrimages to Turkey or turning a ceremony of the Whilrling Dervishes.
Your suggestions of how you can participate in New York or in other areas in the world where a Peace Series is being planned We have also received requests from Cairo, Egypt, two cities in India and Japan and I hope hope you will support this initiative in the best way to inspire the solutions for global concerns to to be discovered in the soul, consciousness and sacred activism.

 

For further information about the Film and the work at United Nations we are working ion in partnership to build a bridge between the East and West based on a new form of community global education and outreach, contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or at our Values and Business Working Group  Office in New York at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

May 31, 2007 

How Can Global Consciousness Respond to the Cry of the Least Developed Countries?

3:00—6:00 p.m. United Nations Headquarters, Manhattan Conference Room

Join us for an afternoon of keynote talks, sacred art, discussion and meditation.  We are using the occasion of this gathering to raise awareness of the plight of the world’s least developed countries, whose populations suffer inordinately under the weight of the present global economic imbalance.  At this time of planetary crisis all spiritual workers can contribute to building a thoughtform of solution to world problems. 

This meeting is held in observation of The Festival of Humanity, also known as The Festival of Goodwill and World Invocation Day—recognized worldwide as a day of prayer, meditation and invocation.  By joining together with men and women of goodwill throughout the world we can contribute towards the healing of the nations and the fostering of world unity.

Guest Speakers and Keynote Talks

1) Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, addressing the plight of the 50 Least Developed Countries;

2) The Brilliant Holograms of the Dutch Graphic Design Artist, Janosh, Accompanied by Music on the Theme: “Stimulating Global Consciousness; Take Up Your Own Mastery”;

3) Ida Urso, Ph.D., President, Aquarian Age Community and Spiritual Psychologist, addressing the theme, “How Can Global Consciousness Respond to the Cry of the Least Developed Countries?”

Registration to Participate in the Seminar Is Required

Everyone is required to register. Those without a valid UN Pass may request a One-Day Guest Pass.  You can register by visiting the following website http://www.aquaac.org or by calling (201) 984-7555. 

Sponsoring Organizations: UN-OHRLLS and the Aquarian Age Community
Co-sponsoring Organizations: Associazione Culturale dei Triangoli e della Buona Volontà Mondiale; CONGO Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns (NY); Legion of Good Will; Operation Peace Through Unity; Pathways to Peace; UN Days & Years Meditation Initiative & Other Fellow Supporting Organizations.

Follow Up On Values and Business Interactive Discussion in October 2006

In Cooperation with the Global Compact - Letter Reaching Out to the Civil Society

Dear Sir/Madam

Our planet is in the threshold of extreme danger that can annihilate our species and all life on earth – be it global warming, nuclear war or the more common-place poverty and hunger that kill societies through long-drawn horrific disease.

The United Nations put forward the Millennium Development Goals in 2000 for reducing poverty and hunger and other problems in the world by 2015.

In January 1999, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan challenged business leaders to join an international initiative – the Global Compact – that would bring companies together with UN agencies, labor and civil society to support universal environmental and social principles, specifically working to advance ten universal principles in the areas of human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption. The Global Compact’s operational phase was launched at UN Headquarters in New York on 26 July 2000.

Then there is the concept of Corporate Citizenship, which is the contribution a company makes to society and the environment through its core business activities, its social investment and philanthropy programs, and its engagement in public policy

Unifying all these efforts, the ‘Values and Business’ Working Group within the NGO Committee on ‘Spirituality, Human Values and Global Concerns’ under the umbrella organization CONGO (under General Consultative Status with ECOSOC of the United Nations), endeavors to make a report highlighting the best practices by the corporate houses in the US and abroad to serve as a template and benchmark for others to take inspiration and guidance from.

We would request you to kindly share your company’s experiences and endeavors that serve to fulfill the Millennium Development Goals, the Global Compact and Corporate Citizenship principles through your projects, programs, company environment and work culture.

Please let us know if you any further information.

Regards.

SHARON HAMILTON

Chair

Values and Business Working Group

1) Millennium Development Goals – http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/

2) Global Compact - http://www.un.org/Depts/ptd/global.htm

October 30, 2006

At the UN Church Center

“Achieving Values Corporate Citizenship and the Millennium Development Goals with the UN Global Compact”

  Introduction: The UN Global Compact, NGO Committee on Spirituality, Human Values and Global Concerns, and (CSVGC) Values and Business Working Group presented an in-depth interactive discussion on the principles and best practices, including case studies and practical applications on “Achieving Values Corporate Citizenship and the Millennium Development Goals with the UN Global Compact. The aim of this session was to understand, spread awareness and network with businesses, civil society and the United Nations on the importance and implementation of The Global Compact, the Millennium Development Goals, Corporate Citizenship and Values.  

Panelists: The speakers for the event included:1) Olajobi Makinwa, Civil Society Coordinator, UN Global Compact 2) Sharon Hamilton, Chairperson, Values and Business Working Group 3) Shomik Chaudhuri, UN Representative, Institute of International Social Development 4) Peter and Monika Mitchell Ressler, Co-Owners RMG Services, Financial Services Introductions: Sharon Hamilton, Chair welcomed the audience and introduced the speakers. She said that the (CSVGC) Values and Business Working Group is envisioning possibilities for the future and planning innovative programs to encourage businesses to respond to environmental and social issues, corporate and social responsibility and citizenship and suggesting them to become members of the Global Compact Initiative. “The time has come now to bring value to humanity through service, the way we touch others lives through the workplace and how we respect others human rights,” she said. Diane Williams, Chairperson Emeritus of CSVGC, to launch the ‘Values and Business’ Working Group, thanked Association for Spirit at Work for supporting the working group and continuing the flow of positive and transforming ideas throughout Session I. She said that the UN Global Compact launched by the Secretary General six years ago has grown into the world's largest voluntary corporate citizenship initiative with more than 3000 participants in over 100 countries. She explained that there are nine working groups in the Committee for ‘Spirituality, Human Values and Global Concerns’ and the ‘Values and Business’ Working Group was perfectly timed to begin as the Global Compact is focusing on Civil Society partnerships to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.   Panelist Olajobi Makinwa, Global Compact, shared information about globalization, UN, business, and corporate and social programs. CEOs of businesses are being encouraged to abide by the principles set forth by the Global Compact and to become part of the GCI membership. Compliance is necessary with 10 universal principles focusing on 4 areas – Human Rights, Labor Rights, Environment Protection and Anti-Corruption. She proposed partnerships to accomplish these UN Goals and the MDGs.  She proposed more discussion of how a company should perform under the prism of the Global Compact. The laws of a country can be different from others, so it is necessary to implement the respect of human rights and also respect the environment in tune with the law of each land. It is necessary to develop respect for the environment, human rights, labor standards and anti corruption in every place. She said that GCI has volunteer membership in 38 countries. As of March 2006 about 3,000 business participants and other stakeholders signed up as members of the Global Compact. The Global Compact regions include Europe with 48 percent, Asia with 20.6 percent, North America with 4.6 percent, South and Central America with 20.4 percent and Africa with 5 percent. She also said that the civil society was strengthening project implementation and developing relationships and partnerships to create a platform for the GCI Global Compact Initiative to reach out to societies in the remotest places. Shomik Chaudhuri, Institute of International Social Development, explained the principles of the Global Compact, the Millennium Development Goals, Corporate Citizenship and Values and the interlinking principles among them.  He elaborated on values becoming an important part of the corporate and business world in the present world in light of the scandals that have rocked the corporate world. He further elaborated on the importance of spiritual values that are now being accepted as part of the management courses and training to empower the business and corporate leaders to achieve ‘self mastery’ to perform better in their work and personal lives. He said that businesses are moving from a shareholder driven agenda to a more stakeholder focused approach. The new belief in the business world is for executives to be motivated by broader purpose than money. Companies are being encouraged to have a more holistic approach toward business. The quest is to develop a capitalism that puts the individual at the center of the universe, placing employees and customers first so that they can benefit shareholders. He also mentioned a 2-day Procurement Conference organized by IISD that was attended by 131 business owners who met 8 Procurement chiefs of the United Nations and its agencies to discuss the issue of enhancing business through ethics, transparency and pro-people business policies. Peter Ressler RMG Partners Work/Humanity, spoke on the responsibility to remind people in business who the businesses serve – humanity. He said that awareness should be raised to separate self and profit in business. Businesses exist to provide a service or produce products that touch everyone's lives.  Monika Ressler shared the interest with others to take responsibility of supporting the working group on Global Compact and suggested several ways in which the ideas of the society can be changed for accepting Global Compact, the MDGs, Corporate Citizenship and Values. She said that human rights principles should be implemented in businesses in each network that sign on and reach out to networks with interest to sign up. Discussion Forum on Values, Partnership Development: Walter Reichman, Applied Psychology He said that usually people end up exploiting employees to meet bottom line in most organizations.   Sheila Wall, Insurance Industry She said that the corporation has the fiduciary responsibility and the director and officers have liability policies for willful error and omissions that compromise higher standards. She said that remuneration of executives should be within a reasonable level compared to the average the other employees receive. Peter Ressler, RMG Partners Work/Humanity He said that honest ethical business principles are the basis of change. He said that laws, ethics, and codes are necessary but even better is if you treat someone well they will act better rather than punishing them or looking down on them or for those who have made mistakes. Tim Shea He said that legislation and concrete examples of measuring success through following the Global Compact would profit the planet and have positive resonance on the abilities of NGOs. He spoke about the laws guiding child protection in Australia and monetary mechanisms guiding the financial world. He also spoke on alternate fuel sources like solar bulbs in rural areas in some countries and newer business models. He also said that change of thought about business ethics should start first. Group discussion The working group for Global Compact and Values in Business discussed specific questions related to examples of values to expand upon, in ways to support the Global Compact and partnerships to achieve the goals of the program as well as planning the next session scheduled at the United Nations Headquarters in March 2007. Conclusion The event was documented, Group/Joint Invitation to GCI was extended, and Practical Application Forums were suggested.  Special thanks to Shomik Chaudhuri,, Institute of InternationalSocial Development for compiling this report.

September 6-8, 2006

In Support of the Annual DPI/NGO Conference and the Work of the United Nations our groups invited delegates from the DPI NGO conference to visit the UN Meditation Room. The Meditation Room is located to the right of the information desk in the UN Visitors Lobby. After the visit from 9:30am – 9:45am representatives from the sponsoring groups (listed below) were available outside the meditation room following the Silent Reflection to meet those interested in hearing more about our committees and caucuses. “There is an ancient saying that the sense of a vessel is not in its shell but in the void. So it is with this room. It is for those who come here to fill the void with what they find in their center of stillness.”  “This is a room devoted to peace and those who are giving their lives for peace. It is a room of quiet where only thoughts should speak.” Statements by Dag Hammarskjöld , UN Secretary-General (1953-1961), written for the dedication of the United Nations Meditation Room <http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/dag/meditationroom.htm>. The NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns (NY), Spiritual Caucus, Values Caucus, United Religions Initiative-UN & Earth Values Caucuswww.csvgc-ny.org, www.spiritualcaucusun.org, www.valuescaucus.org, www.uri.org  

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THE INCREDIBLE, UNLIMITED POWER WITHIN, WITH DR. HELENA STEINER-HORNSTEYN

April 28, 2006

In United Nations GA-37, near the UN bookstore, basement level by the vending machines.No security passes are needed. (Please use 46th and 1st Avenue entrance). The workshops are sponsored by the United Nations Recreation Club, U.N.S.R.C. Friendship Club, Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns (CSVGC), A Committee of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CONGO).  Helena Hornsteyn-Steiner is the Founder of ACTIVALE, a Global Enterprise for Human Development and World Peace, a leading international authority in the field of spiritual personal transformation and healing of body and mind and is ranked as one of the worlds Top 4 Spiritual Coaches.  

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FLOWER FESTIVAL

March 20, 2006

Traditional Japanese Arts Collective, featuring works by Miyoji Ishida, Hitomi Miyakoshi, Isuke Nakano, Suirei Narisawa, Nori Noda and Fumiko Uesaka   Flower FestivalHarmonizing United Nations Renewal, Social Development and Peace 3-5pm   Demonstration & Spring Ceremony6-8pm   Opening Reception  Remarks at 7pm South Lobby Secretariat Building, United Nations Headquarters, NYC The Flower Festival presents harmony within diversity through a collective exhibition of Japanese Traditional Arts. From Japan to the United Nations, the artists bring ancient wonders, timeless beauty through Japanese Traditional Arts, emphasizing the symbolic power of flowers through images with blossoms for renewal, on the occasion of the "Spirit of the United Nations", 60th Anniversary and the awareness of our responsibility for social development, global partnership and peace.  Organized by: United Nations Staff Recreation Council - Friendship Club Supported by: NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values & Global Concerns, (CSVGC), Values & Business, NGO-ECOSOC: Institute of International Social Development (I.I.S.D.), Institute for the Development of Education Arts & Leisure (I.D.E.A.L.)Sponsored by: www.memoria-kuyo.com, www.hokkoku.co.jp, www.packamerica.com, www.ikenobo.jp, www.berlitz.com, www.shoyeido.co.jp, www.hakuza.co.jp, www.nakaiintl.com, www.uniteboard.com, www.tsukuri-te.com, www.itoen.com, www.kitchoan.com, www.sushiden.com, www.kazuma.co.jp, www.choya.comFor Subcommittee Meetings and Events

HOW CAN THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSIONS OF SCIENCE AND CONSCIOUSNESS HELP THE UNITED NATIONS AND HUMANITY ACHIEVE BETTER STANDARDS OF LIFE IN LARGER FREEDOM?

May 26, 2005

With Special Guest Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury, from Bangladesh, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Dr. Masaru Emoto’s know for his research and books on the consciousness of water. (see press release)

Press Release for May 26th event

Spiritual Dimensions of the Development in discussion at the United Nations

By Danilo Parmegiani

New York/USA – How can the Spiritual Dimensions of Science and Consciousness help the United Nations and Humanity achieve better standards of life in larger freedom? This question was the topic of a conference at the United Nations Headquarters, in New York, gathering researchers and international leaders around the challenge of finding more efficient paths to overcome the problems that the world faces nowadays. Within this context, the day May 26, 2005, represents a mark for the formation of a paradigm that should be structured on the comprehension of the spiritual dimensions and its applicability in the development. The event overcrowded the Conference Room #1 of the UN. The presence of the audience surprised even the organizing committee that at the eve of the event had to move to a bigger auditorium due to the great number of registrations. The conference was opened by the presentation of the musician Dr. Eileen Kalaa Ain, who is known for presenting improvised compositions according to the vibration of the surroundings.

The opening words were from the Aquarian Age Community and the Legion of Good Will, organizations with consultative status with the UN that lead the subcommittee of NGOs Spiritual Dimensions of Science and Consciousness. To redirect humanity’s priorities by love, going from a national consciousness to a global consciousness, were the words of the representative of the Aquarian Age Community, Ida Urso, which according to her, will renew the meaning of freedom. The representative of the LGW at the UN, Maria Conceição Malaman, greeted those present with a message from the President of the Organization, José de Paiva Netto, with the title “Transformation by Spiritual Consciousness”, from the article “Question of Death or Life?”. The recognition by the Human Being of this spiritual identity and the need of his integration in love, were issues defended by the institution.

The major conferences were given by two top personalities in their respective areas of action. The Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the UN Office of the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS), Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury, and the Japanese scientist Masaru Emoto demonstrated under the optics of the human relations and of science, the difference that spirituality can make in the fulfillment of the challenges such as the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), established by the UN together with 192 countries until 2015.

EVOLUTION OF CONSCIOUSNESS

Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury, from Bangladesh, known worldwide in the position he was appointed in March 2002 by the Secretary-General of the United Nations as Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, focused his presentation on how the evolution of consciousness can impact on the objectives of the United Nations to promote social progress and to have better standards of life for all people of the world, in larger freedom. “It is very necessary for the Nations of the world, for civil society, to come together to develop this consciousness, to help other parts of the world, to help other people to get connected, to feel that this world is a global village and we all live in the same village, so we have to take care of each other, we have to feel love and compassion for each other. The Millennium Development Goals can only be achieved by this kind of evolution of consciousness.” About the initiative of an event of this nature in the UN he said, “(…)All are interconnected, all are connected. As a matter of fact, our human existence, every aspect of human existence is interconnected. We cannot separate one from the other. So, that is the most important thing we have to have in mind, one impacts in the other, so we have to take total view of our human existence.” Hidden messages of the water Dr. Masaru Emoto’s research has already been presented throughout the world and has been translated to several languages. So much repercussion is due to the fact of the Japanese scientist‘s capacity of capturing, by means of a microscope, photographs of the frozen water crystals. The images take beautiful forms when the water is exposed to words with good vibrations. The opposite also happens, disfiguring the water crystal photographed. “With my research and studies people can gradually start thinking about the water or the mystery of life. Also, people are starting to think about more deeply the relationship between people and water as well. Some people who are already practicing alternative medicines didn’t quite understand why what they are doing can heal people, but now they understand the theory of vibration and they really know what is making the difference.”

AND THE ACTIVITIES CONTINUE...

This event was a result from the permanent activities of the Subcommittee Spiritual Dimensions of Science and Consciousness, of the Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns of NGOs in the United Nations.In the dawn of this new millennium the world faces global problems that challenge the Human Being to re-think concepts and behaviors. The technological advance of humanity achieves surprising platforms, although accompanied by the constraining paradox of the crescent social unequalness. World governments, the United Nations and civil society impel themselves to guarantee the sustainability of the planet and better quality of life to all the human beings. This photography of the historical moment shows a decisive stage of the evolutional path of humanity. This new spiritual paradigm that arises, presents itself as an urgent providence that fosters the maturity and responsibility of the collectiveness from the intimate transformation of the individual.  

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Universal Ethics and Global Concerns Meeting

September 27, 2005

The Universal Ethics and Global Concerns Subcommittee of the CONGO Committee, Spirituality Values and Global Concerns, held its first meeting on Tuesday, September 27th, at 2:30 pm, in UN Church Center, 5th floor, Conference room. This meeting was co-sponsored by the subcommittee, The Culture of Peace. With Special Guest speaker David Adams. David succeeded in developing a survey with 700 NGO's relating to The Culture of Peace. David offered his views as which universal ethics may need to be prioritized in order to succeed at creating an effective culture of peace. First meeting of subcommittee Universal Ethics and Global Concerns in concert with subcommittee Culture of Peace:   Attendance: Thomas A Downes, Pax Christi International/ VCC, Ana Lita, International Humanist Ethical Union, Ex.Dir. The Appignani Bioethics Center, Edward Emery, Ethical Futures, Noema Chapin, Aquarian Age Community/ VCCC, Diane Williams, Chair of CSCGC, Kathleen Quain, Information Habitat, Rose Walker, The Nat'l Serv.Conf. of AEU, Martha Gallahue, facilitator, Chair of subcommittee EUG, Anne Creter, World Peace Prayer Society/ Co-Chair of subcommittee Culture of Peace Guest: David Adams, first Director of UNESCO project, Decade for a Culture of Peace. cf. http://decade-culture-of-peace.org . 

This meeting took place on September 27, 2005, at The UN Church Center, 5th floor Conference Room from 2:30pm-5:00pm.   The purpose of the meeting was to converse with David about his findings included in the 3000 page report from 700 NGO's in nearly 100 countries. We sought to uncover strategic steps forward to implement the Culture of Peace. We sought to highlight those universal practices or ethics relevant to the United Nations’ Mission.   Report on Conversation:   David gave to each person present a copy of Excerpts from Executive Summary of the World Report on The Culture of Peace, a Civil Society Report at Midpoint of Culture of Peace Decade and a list of all NGO's who contributed to the survey. We are reminded that, "The United Nations defines the culture of peace as respect for human rights, democracy and tolerance, the promotion of development, education for peace, the free flow of information and the wider participation of women as an integral appraoch to preventing violence and conflicts, and efforts aimed at the creation of conditions for peace and its consolidation (UN Resolution A/53/25). ...It is a holistic approach that can facilitate the integration and synergy of all the great social movements of our time."

We asked David first what universal ethical practices could he point to from the survey that would guide us in implementing a culture of peace?   David replied in two ways. First, he reviewed briefly the efforts that went into the creation of UN Resolution A 53/25 that instituted the decade and reminded us that we can never know the resistance we face until we push a bit. Thus, while all countries signed onto the Resolution, one country was heard to say, " It will be more difficult to start a war." He noted as well a mention of a voluntary contribution of monies to support The Culture of Peace was deleted when the resolution was passed. Thus, while we have a document with noble rhetoric, we have not as yet governmental motivation to achieve the reality.   Second, he stated that while 96% of the non-governmental organizations saw progress toward a culture of peace, both the lack of funding mechanisms needed to promote it and the practice of mass media that believes bad news is news and good news is not remain the major obstacles in promoting the campaign for a culture of peace. In addition, when television portrays humans as paranoid, violent, selfish, dogmatic and helpless, there is much greater difficulty in holding the torch of peace as an attainable goal.   Both David and the group then pursued again, what ethical requirements were needed to hold up a culture of peace.

David recommended that we look to the promotion of true democracy built upon transparency. He observed that we have a 5000 year old history of repression of internal dissension. In addition, there is a taboo that simply does not allow talking about the home use of military to control exploitation. All militaries throughout the world are used to control people both at home and abroad. He recommended that we locate an article in the Journal of Peace which describes the history of internal interventions by the military in the United States. There have been an average of 15 per year. We need to identify those taboos governments are using to promote fear and denial. Democracy includes a recognition of rights, of dissension, of openness. 

Several members recommended increased non-violent engagement with those we might consider our opponents as Gandhi did. We discussed the principle in martial arts of physical encounter that allowed the aggressors to defeat themselves. In martial arts, physical combat involves deep listening. We supported disciplined interaction built upon respect and loyalty to the principle of the good of all. Another pointed out shifting from hierarchical organizing to "spontaneously self-organizing symphonies of voices" such as happens in networking. Through the internet and other open systems for information sharing (aka trusting relationships), we can diffuse boundaries brought on by ethncity, nationality, religion and create a different level of coherence. We can mobilize a wider net of disparate groups to express their will for peace. Indeed, large groups of dissenting voices about the Viet Nam war may have prevented the US from using nuclear force. We recognized technology that was originally designed for war purposes is now being used for both war and peace. Nevertheless, it speaks to the principle of what was earlier mentioned in the martial arts approach, which is to use the energy of the other to gain an opposite effect.

We discussed what ethical strategies and actions are at play in the promotion of the culture of peace.   We reiterated that new governance models built upon transparency are making a big difference. Networking was looked upon as a new form of intimacy when it is directed to achieving nobler ends than individual citizens can achieve alone. Barbara Marx Hubbard was mentioned as doing innovative work in this regard. We note the work of Global Coalition Against Poverty (GCAP) a worldwide network against poverty. There are 75 million signatories on the Manifesto for Peace, 15 million of them from Brazil.  We agreed that ethical action must be dynamic and energizing. Turning military factories into factories of industry was mentioned as a way of turning minds toward peace and shifting the basis for human security. At a Peace Alliance Conference held September 23, in Washington, DC., there was a recommendation to campaign governments to putting 2 % of their military budgets toward peace education. Again we noted the principle of martial arts shifting energy from destructive to constructive use. Respect for others may require setting our agendas aside including our most deeply held assumptions that emphasize difference.

Continuing to intrude language for the culture of peace into the 60th General Assembly session was recommended (cf paragraph 144 in Millennial Summit Outcome document). David mentioned that he already had mobilized youth from Fondacion de Paz to participate in circulating the "Civil Society Report at Midpoint" to governmental Ambassadors. He encouraged us to join with this group for a meeting in The Church Center on Friday, October 14th at 5:00pm to help with this effort and hear how the youth were organizing to achieve their purpose. Their intent is to get the survey into Ambassadors hands before October 20th, the GA's Plenary session.

David also reminded us that we may need to be prepared for dramatic global changes in the next five years. The possibility of nuclear war, environmental disasters, and governmental collapses are all too real. Our approaches will have to factor in the contexts in which we find ourselves.   We then all offered closing remarks. (Anne recommends spelling this out more extensively)   Our group described this meeting with David as: creating unifying conversation, offering an expanding rich discussion of multiple-layered intersections. We need to work more with media, and make sure that we extend our outreach beyond those with whom we are comfortable. Yet in small groups, we can fortify our own intentions to implementing peace in our own locales. One member offered that war is not a culture and that art possesses great power to inspire us to be peace.   David closed by reminding us that all institutions are limited. They serve as beacons of purpose with great values. But they require us to put the values into action. “We here are attracted to the beacon United Nations. The greater UN, however, is ‘We the People’ Because of the presence of the UN, we have found others who are giving their lives to the same values we share. Because of the UN, a Manifesto was created as was GCAP, the MDG's, AGENDA 21, Our business are these ideals. We are the makers of a culture without precedent.” We are the creators of new traditions that can transcend war.

Summary Conclusions: Three strategies to implement a culture of peace: deep dialogue, closer encounter with others who may have different points of view from our own, inclusion of culture of peace language into UN documents,   Institutional changes to promote: increased information sharing and transparency in decision-making, mobilization of civil society via networking to increase advocacy effectiveness cf. Manifesto 2000, GCAP, Millennium Summit+5 network, etc.

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Season of Sacred Feasts, Season of Hope

October 6, 2005

Hardin Room, 11 th floor, Church Center, CSVGC Co-Sponsored with the Sub-Committee for the Elimination of Racism of the International Committee on Human Rights: Season of Sacred Feasts, Season of Hope. The unusual confluence of Sacred Feasts of various religions this October provides a wonderful opportunity for people of all faiths to make “spiritual connections” with each other for peace, human rights, social justice, and the healing of our wounded earth. This panel featured: Mr. Joel Levy – Jewish Faith, Director, New York Region, Anti-Defamation League; Brother Thomas Barton – Roman Catholic Faith, Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, HIV/AIDS Case Management for the Franciscan AIDS Initiative, Pilgrimage Guide to Assisi and Rome; Mr. Imbraham Ramey – Moslem Faith, Disarmament Program Coordinator for the Fellowship for Reconciliation, Dialogue and Call to Action. Leader of Song: Sister Jo-Ann Jackowski, Franciscan Sisters of the Poor. Co-Sponsors: International NGO Committee on Human Rights, NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns, NGO Committee on Children’s Rights, Franciscans Intl. & the Temple of Understanding 

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United Nations 60 th Anniversary event:

Ongoing Planning Committee Meetings for the UN 60 th event from April 2005 – October 2005.

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The Spirit of the United Nations: Markings for the Future

Thursday, October 27 th, 2005

On the occasion of the UN 60 th Anniversary and the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Dag Hammarskjold the Second Secretary General with Special Guests Hula Halau: Ka Leo Lake I Ka Hikina O Ka La, Roberto Mucaro Borrero, Chairman, NGO Committee on the UN International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Carl Murrell, Co-Chair, Values Caucus, Diane Williams, Chairperson, NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns (NY) a committee of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations and Co-Chair, CSVGC Spiritual Council for Global Challenges, Shashi Tharoor, Under-Secretary-General for Communication and Public Information, H.E. Jan Eliasson, President of the Sixtieth Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Ramu Damodaran, Chief Civil Society Service, Outreach Division, Department of Public Information, UN Singers, Video Montage of Reflections from Anwarul K. Chowdhury, Under-Secretary General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Director, UNIFEM, Farida Ali, Senior Programme Officer, UNICEF, Pera Wells, Acting Secretary-General, WFUNA, Gordon Tapper, Chief, Special Services Section, Office of Central Support Services, Julia Grindon-Welch, Co-Chair, Values Caucus, United Nations International School, Audrey Kitagawa, Co-Chair, CSVGC Spiritual Council for Global Challenges. This event was organized by the NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns and it’s special project the Spiritual Council for Global Challenges with the Values Caucus, Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, Legion of Goodwill, National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States. In cooperation with The Department of Public Information and the United Nations Staff and Recreation Council and numerous NGOs and supporting organizations.

THE ETHICAL AND SPIRITUAL DIMENSIONS OF THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS

February 12, 2004

The URI-UN, in partnership with The Values Caucus, The Spiritual Caucus and The NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns, presented a Round Table Discussion to Honor the 10th Anniversary of the Values Caucus on “The Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions of the Millennium Development Goals” on Thursday, 12 February 2004 at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

More than 60 members of the UN non-governmental community attended, overflowing the small conference room. URI-UN facilitator Deborah Moldow served as moderator, opening the meeting with the Moment of Silence traditional to the Values Caucus. There were congratulations on the 10th anniversary of the Values Caucus, including a message from Ambassador Juan Somavía, director-general of the ILO in Geneva. Monica Willard presented a celebratory cake, to be shared after the meeting.The first speaker was Alfredo Sfeir-Younis, Senior Advisor in the Office of the Managing Director of the World Bank. In this recently created post, Mr. Sfeir-Younis advises on the Bank’s efforts to further the United Nations Millennium Development Goals of poverty eradication and sustainable development.  Here is an excerpt from his inspiring remarks:

For many people, the Millennium Development goals represent a major landmark in public policy making. And, in many ways, I share this view. It is not only great that we address the issues of poverty, education, gender, children, environment, and health, but fundamental to the future of humanity… One thing is certain: the MDGs have brought together the will of many people and brought around the same table many organizations that, in the past, were following their own agendas. […]

… these MDGs, as new expressions of human betterment, will demand new and higher levels of human consciousness. […] It is essential that we focus on the role that individual and social awareness/consciousness play in the attainment of the MDGs. It is important to unleash our infinite human potential and put it at the service of these MDGs and more!  […]

… there is another way: to use the power of our wisdom and free will. And, through that power generate the type of energy that is needed to mobilize each and every citizen of the world. […] It is the purity of our intent that will carry all possible energies to the attainment of the MDGs.

Following Alfredo’s stirring words were remarks by Carol Zinn, SSJ, who serves as Alternative Representative of the URI to the United Nations, as well as representing the Congregations of St. Joseph, an international network of 13,600+ Catholic women religious serving in 51 countries in the areas of poverty eradication, human rights, education, gender equality, and sustainable development. She offered a deeply personal reflection:

The following litany of consciousness-deepening questions helps me to dive more critically into my own awareness and, hopefully, open myself to the necessary transformation so that the MDGs become operative in my own life. Once they are operative in my own life, then perhaps there is a chance that they might be operative among the global family. I invite you to hold this litany close to your mind and heart as you continue to offer our world your energy, insight, concern and hope that someday the MDGs will be achieved and the house on the hill will be rebuilt on the ground of justice, equality, peace and compassion.

Has the activity of my life this day been more inclusive than exclusive? Has it been reconciling in places and moments that cried out for reconciliation? Has it been reverent to all those I met throughout the day? Has it been marked with a sense of the sacred--did I recognize the sacred in all the events of this day? Has the activity of my life this day been characterized by the presence of hope? By the expression of joy? And has the activity of my life this day moved me closer to a spirit of holy abandon? In other words, did I realize today that this work I am doing is not my work--rather, it is work that is being asked to be done through me, for the life of the world.

Responses to this conversation were overwhelmingly enthusiastic and spilled over into subsequent meetings among the NGO community. The URI-UN is planning to continue this series of discussions on “The Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions of the Millennium Development Goals,” highlighting the relationship of the MDGs to various UN agencies and conferences. The next events in the series will be during the upcoming meetings for the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in March and the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) in April.

The meeting closed with everyone saying together:
“May Peace Prevail on Earth.” 

BUILDING A CULTURE OF PEACE AND THE EVOLUTION OF CONSCIOUSNESS AT UNITED NATIONS

June 2, 2004

Conference Room 8, 3 - 6pm. With Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS) and others. Sponsored with the Aquarian Age Community and Operation Peace through Unity. The focus was on the role of the United Nations and Civil Society in Promoting a Culture of Peace. It also asked the questions: Is there a relationship between the Evolution of Consciousness and a Culture of Peace?A complete summary of the program with transcripts of keynote presentations is available by clicking here. 

THE ETHICAL AND SPIRITUAL DIMENSIONS OF THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS

September 10, 2004

THE 57TH ANNUAL DPI/NGO CONFERENCE
Midday Workshop, 10 September  2004

Report by Deborah Moldow, Facilitator
The United Religions Initiative at the United NationsThe theme of the 2004 DPI/NGO Conference at the United Nations headquarters from 8-10 September was “The Millennium Development Goals: Civil Society Takes Action.” The conference, which boasted 1,800 participants from at least 79 countries, was organized by a committee chaired by Sr. Joan Kirby of the Temple of Understanding and member of the council of the United Religions Initiative at the United Nations CC, known as URI-UN.

This annual conference is traditionally enlivened by a selection of midday workshops organized by NGO groups to allow more active participation in a variety of topics related to the theme. On Friday, Sept. 10th, the URI-UN and our friends on the newly-formed New York NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns hosted an interactive workshop entitled “The Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions of the Millennium Development Goals.”

The workshop was well attended, with about 75 people filling the small conference room. Deborah Moldow, facilitator of URI-UN, welcomed everyone and requested a Moment of Silence, followed by an invocation prayer led by Audrey Kitagawa, co-facilitator of URI-UN. Monica Willard, URI Representative to the UN, then introduced the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Noel J. Brown, president of Friends of the United Nations and former head of the UN Environment Programme for the North American Region.

Dr. Brown delivered a rousing and inspiring address. He characterized the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as “the moral expression of the hopes of the leaders of the world at the dawn of the new millennium.” He spoke of the “singular erosion of the moral order” in a “climate of terror and a culture of fear.” He warned that “the war against terror has eclipsed the war against poverty,” and asked, “How do we build a global political ethos?” He stated that, despite many setbacks, the UN still has a moral capability that must be engaged.

Dr. Brown offered a number of practical suggestions for moving forward, including the following:

1.    Propose a Millennium Development Day, to provide a focus of attention and measure progress across the globe;
2.    Produce textbooks and curricula to bring the MDGs into the educational process. Create a children’s version of the MDGs and games in which they can be achieved. An MDG scholarship was also suggested;
3.    Prepare a report on the Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions of the Millennium Development Goals and submit it to the Secretary-General. Organize NGO Millennium Development Partners to work with the United Nations.

Dr. Brown’s remarks were warmly received. After one or two questions, it was time to move on to the interactive segment of the workshop. Participants were asked to move into groups, each of which would focus on one of the MDGs. In a process that drew inspiration from Appreciative Inquiry, each group responded to these instructions:

Question for each group member:        (10 minutes)
How do the ethical and spiritual dimensions of this MDG empower your NGO’s work? Introduce yourself and your work.

Group discussion:                (10 minutes)
Which are the key ethical and spiritual principles that underlie or support this MDG? Principles from religion, ethics, morality, history, etc.

Group Statement:                (10 minutes)
What statement would your group make to summarize the ethical and spiritual dimensions of this MDG? One sentence, please.

After a half-hour of lively discussion, the groups reported back to the whole gathering. Remarkably, the groups had managed, in the short time, to come up with rather cohesive statements, as follows:

GOAL 1:  ERADICATE EXTREME POVERTY AND HUNGER– Barbara Valocore, facilitator
Poverty and hunger diminish human dignity. We are one human race, so what affects the poorest affects us all. Do something every day–take it personally.

GOAL 2:  ACHIEVE UNIVERSAL PRIMARY EDUCATION – Nickolai Parker, facilitator
It is crucial for children especially to develop images of themselves that inculcate values of friendliness, love, compassion, respect for diversity, generosity, justice, fairness, peace, kindness and acceptance in their lives. As part of this process, we suggest incorporating these values into children’s games and play, and to create children’s versions of the MDGs that include these ethical, moral, and spiritual dimensions to imbue young people with the worth and importance of the development goals.

GOAL 3:  PROMOTE GENDER EQUALITY AND EMPOWER WOMEN – Monica Willard, facilitator
Our goal is to create a Culture of Peace in which the equality of women and men would redress the imbalance that arose historically with a Culture of Violence that has included trafficking of women and other abuses. The qualities of this Culture of Peace include unity, partnership, balance, communication, compassion, and receptivity, qualities that are valued by women as builders of society.
GOAL 4:  REDUCE CHILD MORTALITY – Frances Edwards, facilitator

GOAL 5:  IMPROVE MATERNAL HEALTH – John Clausen, facilitator (combined report)
We value all life on earth and acknowledge that each human life has a unique purpose. We honor women as the sacred chalice that gives birth to the child. As such, her health and well-being are vital and she should be surrounded by beauty.

GOAL 6:  COMBAT HIV/AIDS, MALARIA AND OTHER DISEASES –Martha Gallahue, facilitator
All spheres of society are affected by the infectious diseases of HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria and emerging & re-emerging diseases (i.e. sand flea parasite and polio).  Business and academia have a duty to engage with the international community of government and NGOs in the study, recommendation and deployment of solutions to MDG #6 (with cognizance of the other MDGs). The bond of covenant transcends gender, religion and geography. Infectious disease knows no boundaries, so it is incumbent upon all members of humanity to create and implement compassionate policy.

GOAL 7: ENSURE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY – Noel Brown, facilitator
It is our sacred duty to revere and care for the world to preserve the beauty and abundance of nature that is the birthright of all humanity.

GOAL 8:  DEVELOP GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR DEVELOPMENT – Diane Williams, facilitator
1.    Do unto others as you wish done unto you;
2.    Develop a new spiritual consciousness  on how to be a responsible global citizen in the world today, and awaken a spiritual (r)evolution driving global partnerships;
3.    In an interdependent world, global partnerships serve the material needs of citizens in developing countries and provide an opportunity in the richer countries to share resources to meet the needs of all the people in the world.

We celebrated with an enthusiastic round of applause.

After some encouraging remarks by Dr. Brown, Diane Williams, chair of the New York NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns, delivered a closing statement, reminding us that the very values that underpinned the work of Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are the same as those that move us to support the Millennium Development Goals.

As we closed with a final Moment of Silence in gratitude, a participant requested that we all join hands – a sight not often seen in a United Nations conference room. Together, we affirmed a sincere prayer: May Peace Prevail on Earth!

ANNUAL RETREAT OF THE NGO COMMITTEE ON SPIRITUALITY, VALUES AND GLOBAL CONCERNS

September 12, 2004

11 DAYS OF GLOBAL UNITY

September 11-21, 2004

The NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns sponsored a Meditation Room card with URI-UN, Earth Values Caucus, Spiritual Caucus, and Values Caucus.  

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THE ROLE OF RELIGION IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE AT THE UN
“RELIGIOUS NGOS, CIVIL SOCIETY AND UN REFORM”
October 22, 2004

Discussion on the Secretary-General’s Report on the recommendations by the Panel of Eminent Persons on UN-Civil Society Relations (Cardoso Report) 

Featuring:

Francis K. Butagira (invited)
Permanent Representative
Permanent Mission of Uganda to the UN

Martin Thuemmel
First Secretary
Permanent Mission of Germany to the UN

Adrian Hills
Senior Officer
Office of Deputy Secretary-General

The Church Center for the United Nations, 12th Floor
777 United Nations Plaza at 44th & 1st Avenue

Sponsored by the Committee of Religious NGOs and
Co-sponsored by Values Caucus, NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief, NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns