Celebrating United Nations International Day of Peace 2025
On Saturday, September 20th, 2025 at Fordham University, Rose Hill Campus, Bronx, the Brahma Kumaris in conjunction with Fordham’s International Political Economy and Development, and the International Youth Organization, commemorated the UN International Day of Peace.
This interactive program invited the participants, who were seated in circles of five, to reflect on Peace in their lives, how to use the experience of peace in actions, and how those actions can influence the world, their culture, relationships, and also themselves. All this is possible when there is the awareness that Peace starts from within.
Profound thoughts shared by three distinguished presenters and provocative questions by the facilitators prompted this insightful dialogue. Attendees further explored the importance of justice, empathy, love, and courage, that peace is a personal responsibility and an opportunity for each individual to share with the world.
As guest of honor, Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury, dedicated advocate for the Culture of Peace and former Under-Secretary-General and High Representative of the United Nations, as well as the founder of the Global Movement for The Culture of Peace who stated that development cannot be possible without peace and that peace without the inclusion of women is not only necessary but fundamental.
Kelly Crisp, Vice President of the International Organization of Youth, delivered an address entitled “The Through Line from Trust to Peace.” She highlighted the role of soft power, culture, and intergenerational dialogue in building lasting peace, urging young leaders to practice “personal diplomacy” — fostering internal trust as the foundation for global cooperation. Her closing message underscored that “trust is the true architecture of peace.”
Carol Gibney, Director, Office of Campus Ministry Solidarity, and Leadership, Fordham University
With beautiful music by Michelle DellaFave, singer and actress, and Ayodele Maakheru, musician and music composer, and the final meditation led by BK Juan Milling, NGO Representative of the Brahma Kumaris at the UN, the event was wrapped in a climate of peace and enthusiasm to celebrate and share peace with one another.
The program was facilitated by Sabita Geer, Representative of the Brahma Kumaris at the UN, and Carmen Palmer, Coordinator of Activities of the Brahma Kumaris in Bronx.
Each attendee was given a gift of a special homemade sweet and a reflection card.
Voices of participants:
“I enjoyed a very inspiring evening at the International Day of Peace Celebration, held at Fordham University. The speakers were knowledge full and engaging.”
“I particularly found the group sharing sessions to be empowering which allowed us to communicate and share thoughts with individuals from different backgrounds. These were reflective, engaging and at times even personal communications.”
“We learnt a lot from each other and shared loving energy and compassion.”
“I left feeling refreshed and uplifted.”
