We, the Peoples, Together, Finding Global Solutions for Global Problems
This annual UN Department of Public Information (DPI) NGO Conference was an opportunity to discuss concrete ways to take the UN’s people-centered mandate forward, in closer partnership with civil society. The UNHQ was buzzing with high energy and enthusiasm as around 2000 participants from over 50 countries made their way to roundtable discussions, workshops, open forums, plenaries, and exhibitions! There was even a dedicated space for youths to network – The Youth Hub. It was a 2-days conference held on August 22 and 23 at the UNHQ, with a post-conference networking session on August 24 at the Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY.
DPI NGO conf. Officials. with Chair Winnie
The Brahma Kumaris at the UN, a delegation of 5, (Gayatri Naraine, Sabita Geer, Julia Grindon-Welch, Kinnari Murthy, Pramity Shah), participated by attending various roundtables and workshops that were of interest to them, by organizing an exhibit, and by being a speaker on a panel at one of the many workshops.
BK Delegation: Gayatri Naraine, Pramity Shah, Sabita Geer, Kinnari Murthy, Julia Grindon-Welch
Pramity getting ready at the Opening Plenary
The multimedia exhibit, prepared by a group of BK youths, highlighted the potential of individuals in furthering the development agenda of the United Nations. Their proposal to the UN is to raise the awareness that when individuals are not inspired, or interested enough, they will not necessarily commit to doing anything. If their human spirit is ignited and that enthusiasm is sustained through actions, partnerships, training, and peer support, their goals will like get achieved and many will get inspired. Here is the link to view the
animated video
BK exhibit with BKs Sabita and Pramity
Gayatri Naraine, the main BK representative at the UN, spoke on the panel, “How to Change the World: Using contemplative disciplines in the service of peace, justice, & human rights,” along with Deborah Norris, PhD., Founder of The Mindfulness Center, and Robert Perry, Esq., Shri Rama Chandra Mission, where about 70 people attended. The panel was facilitated by Denise Scotto, Esq., Chair, International Day of Yoga Committee to the UN, with rapporteur, Petra Schweitzer, PhD., Professor of Comparative Literature.
Section of Audience
Panel of Speakers
Sabita Geer, BKUN representative at DPI, attended the Intergenerational Dialogue with speakers, Ms. Frances Zainoeddin, International Federation on Aging and Jadayah Spencer, International Youth Leadership Institute. It was a small group that allowed for intimate discussion on how to bridge the gap between generations. It has been the concern that as much as it is necessary to focus on the issues that youths have to deal with, the fact that adults are aging is something that cannot be ignored. Young people and the aged are actually facing similar challenges: financial, health, education, food, employment issues, to name a few. To help resolve this, it was suggested that each one support ALL campaigns, across the table. There is a need to help raise the voices of each other. It was also noted that a wider vision is necessary if betterment is anticipated, as Ms. Frances wisely put it, “from cradle to grave.”
Intergeneration: Amy, Jadayah, Frances, Sabita
The conference ended with the dramatic theatrical performance of “Girl Be Heard” in which real life issues were highlighted and voices of girls and women were heard.
We take this opportunity to extend best wishes to everyone for success in implementation of the outcome document. As a closing note, I wish to remind all to keep the flame of your enthusiasm burning by reminding yourselves that you may be one person out there doing something great, but there are hundreds who are with you, in spirit. One can make a difference, if your spirit is deeply ignited!!
