As the changing of seasons brings new and fresh energy, the BKUN team continues to generate the same with their presence in the NY Office along with participating in ongoing UN events across the world. 
We invite you to read news of International Day of Conscience, International Earth Day, Sustainability Week, UN Civil Society Conference, and more.

Promoting the Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience.

April 5, 2024

Conscious of the need for the creation of conditions of stability and well-being and peaceful and friendly relations based on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, gender, language or religion, the UN General Assembly declared 5 April as International Day of Conscience. 
The Unitive Cluster, a part of the Major Working Groups of NGOs in association with the Conference of NGOs (CoNGO) and of which Brahma Kumaris UN is a member, hosted an event to celebrate this day. 
Gayatri Naraine , Main Brahma Kumaris representative to the UN, spoke on Sabita Geer, Brahma Kumaris representative to the UN, shared about the role of the Unitive Cluster which is to serve as a platform for collaborative convening and intervening toward a more unified world while integrating all of UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Watch event here.

BK UN Team participating in the event held at the Baha'is Office

The BKUN team also attended the event hosted by The Permanent Mission of Bahrain at the UN where President of the General Assembly, H.E. Dr. Dennis Francis gave the opening address. The BK UN Team got the opportunity to meet him and other UN Officials.

President of the General Assembly, H.E. Dr. Dennis Francis, initiated Sustainability Week, a high-level thematic conversation aimed to take stock of the gaps and bottlenecks in achieving sustainability and the implications for the most vulnerable, particularly in developing countries. It also aimed to identify key local, national, and international solutions through enhanced partnerships and ambitious initiatives that strive to achieve socio-economic equality for all.  

The Brahma Kumaris were invited by UNANIMA International, to share on 
space for UN stakeholders and representatives to reflect on their own well-being and mental health; 2) explore the connections between climate, health, sustainable development, and global resilience; and 3) advocate for holistic approaches which center and optimize the 
health and well-being of people and the environment.

Watch event here.

Sabita Geer, UN representative presenting as a panelist during the UNANIMA event

The Committee for Religious NGOs, of which the Brahma Kumaris at the UN is a Co-chair, organized a virtual event in honor of Sustainability Week.

UN Civil Society Conference (UN CSC 2024)

Nairobi, Kenya

The objective of the conference was to come up with a hub for ImPACT Coalitions which will contribute to the broader processes in drafting the PACT of the Future. These civil society generated, diverse multi stakeholder constituted coalitions agree to work towards advancing 
certain key reform initiatives leading up to and beyond the Summit of the Future. 
The Brahma Kumaris co-sponsored a parallel event entitled,

Read more here.

Meeting with members of the Maasai tribe

National Park for Wildlife, Nairobi

Brahma Kumaris and the Environment

Earth Day: planet vs. plastics

22nd of April.

Brahma Kumaris Youth representatives for UN Environment Program, Children and Youth Major Group, in partnership with EarthDay.org , organized a one hour Global Meditation for Change on Sunday 21. Many Brahma Kumaris Centers around the world participated in this campaign.

Be inspired by a message by BK Jayanti Kirpalani, Additional Head of the Brahma Kumaris.

Ongoing at the UN

Despite everyone’s busy schedules, weekly one hour conversations and meditations continue with our UN community. These meditation sessions are focused on current themes of the UN including international days, as we pay attention to empowering ourselves and sharing peace, love, compassion and hope with the world. 
Additionally, there is weekly meditation and spiritual conversation for regular students of the Brahma Kumaris. 
The BKUN team continues to attend regular committee meetings.

Mayor of NYC, H.E. Eric Adams, invited all faith-based traditions to host prayers on May 2 in observance of National Prayer Day. BKUN team held a special meditation entitled, DIVERSITY, Many Voices in Praise of ONE.

Watch event here.

The BKUN Office entertained many visitors as the pandemic guidelines are now relaxed.

group of BKs visiting the BKUN Office

Michelle DellaFave singing at the National Day of Prayer event

The Brahma Kumaris paid a coursey call on the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Dr. Dennis Francis, and presented him with a copy of the Story of Immortality.

BK Gayatri Naraine presenting the book, Story of Immortality, to the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Dr. Dennis Francis

Former Permanent Representative of the Mission of India to the UN, H.E. Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, was invited to a farewell luncheon organized by the International Day of Yoga Committee at the UN. The gathering was hosted at the Brahma Kumaris Center in Manhattan, NYC.

Amb. Kamboj is flanked by members of the IDY Committee and BKs.

UN International Observances Celebrated by the Brahma Kumaris

International Days

Kindly make a special note of these dates so that events can be organized to celebrate or honor them. As usual, we appreciate a brief report and photos for social media and the blog . 
You are welcome to browse this website for updates on themes and other information and international days you may wish to observe.

June 5 World Environment Day 
June 21 International Day of Yoga 
August 12 International Youth Day 
August 19 World Humanitarian Day 
September 21 International Day of Peace 
October 1 International Day of Older Persons 
October 2 International Day of Non-violence 
November 16 International Day of Tolerance 
November 18 World Day of Remebrance for Road Traffic Victims 
December 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities 
December 10 Human Rights Day

International Weeks:

February 1 - 7 World Interfaith Harmony Week 
May 4 - 10 UN Global Road Safety Week (every 2 years)

International Months:

May Mental Health Awareness Month