Honoring World Interfaith Harmony Week

Implementing The Transformative Agenda of Sustainable Development Goals

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

United Nations Head Quarters, New York

The ambiance was beautifully set with an “intensely soulful” performance by Mr. Kinan Azmeh on the clarinet (http://www.kinanazmeh.com).

 

 

This was followed by a ceremonial presentation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by Religious and Faith Representatives, of which the Brahma Kumaris was one.

Standing in a semi-circle,each representative held up one of the SDGs, along with a youth representative, as a prayer was read by the Chaplin of the Church Center for the UN, Rev. Dionne Boissiere. It was quite a moving experience for many, including myself.

 

 

The first discussion, ‘Interfaith Harmony as a Key to Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals’, was lead by Mr. Tajeldin Hamad, Secretary General of the Universal Peace Federation, and a panel of distinguished speakers.

 

 

 

 

 

The second discussion was on ‘The Future of Cooperation Between Religious Communities and the United Nations.’

As the many experienced leaders shared, I noticed how each one pointed out the uniqueness of their faith/religion yet drawing our attention to what is common to us as global citizens, and our responsibility towards each other.  As H.E. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, High Representative of the Alliance of Civilizations, said in his opening remarks, “role of religious leaders is in community building, offering guidance in harmony, and promoting interfaith dialogue.”

Three key words surfaced: Tolerance, Peace and Love, which was supported by an inspiring short video about the Pope and Love.

The World Peace Prayer Society introduced the audience to The Fuji Declaration, an international alliance of individuals and organizations united by a commitment to live and collaborate toward the advancement of a more harmonious and flourishing world.  http://www.fujideclaration.org

Members of Sri Chinmoy: The Peace Meditation at the United Nations, entertained us with a couple of beautiful songs.

If we can only realize that we are all children of the One Supreme Parent, that it doesn’t matter how we reach out to or interact with that One, then it becomes so much easier to be more accepting of each one’s beliefs. We can embrace each other with the same unconditional love that our Parent bestows. Let us learn from our Parent how to love and live.

For more information: http://worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com