Week of Spirituality 2016 at United Nations

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the 'Week of Spirituality' at the United Nations (UN). This annual event, founded and hosted by the Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns - NY (CSVGS-NY), whose members represent non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from around the world, is generally held in the last week of October. The 'Week of Spirituality' features programs and insightful discussions about universal spirituality as a catalyst for the positive implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The focal point of the 'Week of Spirituality' is the SUNA - Spirit of the United Nations Award - given in five different categories to outstanding individuals whose work has demonstrated the vision and spirit of the United Nations expressed through the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of the Human Rights. Please see the attached photos to learn more about the program and award recipients.

This year's program was focused on the theme “The SDG Success - The Spiritual Indicators.” Included were forums and round table discussions on the topics of: peace culture and education; partnership with youth; ways of overcoming refugee crises; as well as guided meditations on SDG goals and uplifting cultural presentations.

The timing of the 'Week of Spirituality', coinciding with the celebration of United Nations Day, is a reminder that the UN's core foundation is one of spiritual values, and that implementation of universal spiritual values is essential to overcoming today’s Global Crisis.

In September 2016, the Sri Swami Madhavananda World Peace Council (SMWPC) became a member of the CSVGS. SMWPC will participate in and contribute to the activities of this like-minded community of NGOs that are dedicated to promoting and implementing peace culture, spirituality, and universal values in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.