GLOBAL

We will present on the Peace Stage at the epic Shift Summit & Music Festival this weekend alongside 300+ changemakers, artists, healers, and visionaries. It’s THE event of the year for anyone committed to conscious change. Please Join us on September 21st, Monday at 8:10am Pacific!

At the United Nations

Join us LIVE from the UNITED NATIONS on PEACE DAYSeptember 21st, Monday 11am EDT – 7pm ED

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3 Days of Unity and Peace September 19 – 20 – 21.

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Happy International Day of

May Peace Prevail On Earth

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Following the Rose Garden opening, the annual Student Observation of the International Day of Peace brought together the efforts of students and grassroots organizations from both local and global intentions to the historic building of the United Nations for a celebration and urgent attention towards under the timely theme, Climate Action For Peace.  At exactly noon, our May Peace Prevail On Earth Peace Bell made of recycled weapons of war, was rung to send a peace wave to every corner on earth during the moment of silence that followed.  

The students expressed a sense of urgency among attendees – presentations and conversations of sustainable practices concerning fashion, agriculture, and pedestrian acts pervaded in the hall of Conference Room 4, while questions concerning carbon emissions, horticulture and water took hold of the event. The audience enjoyed a collaboration by famed musicians and Messengers of Peace, Midori, and Yo-Yo Ma, as well as a presentation by Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, youth director to Earth Guardians, prior to his presentation at the Climate March called upon by Greta Thunberg in Battery Park. This year’s youth moderator was the Honorable Kehkashan Basu.

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At the time of on-site registration, pre-registration for the annual conference was counted at near 2,300 people from 100 Countries – this event brought international visitors and community fixtures to the Head Quarters of the United Nations for two days of presentations, discussions, and interactive forums for sustainable peace and relevant topics towards an interfaith and intersectional future.

Peace Pals was approved to present a board with art from their traveling Ambassador of Peace exhibition. Displayed on view for conference attendees was art from students in Russia, Japan, Italy, Mexico, Ukraine, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, Greece, South Korea, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Israel, Turkey, and Colombia. All art included the message “May Peace Prevail On Earth!”

Included with the exhibit were informational pamphlets regarding the World Peace Prayer Society, and the Peace Pole Project.

For more information on Peace Pals International – Please visit.

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The World Peace Prayer Society celebrated its 20^th anniversary of assisting the United Nations Department of Public Information in planning and implementing the U.N. observances of the International Day of Peace.

THE PEACE BELL CEREMONY

Once again, students raised the flags of the U.N. Member States as the Secretary-General, António Guterres, rang the Peace Bell in the Japanese Garden in front of U.N. headquarters in New York. The presence of these young people was acknowledged by the incoming President of the General Assembly, H.E. Miroslav Lajčák, who said:

“As the United Nations works for peace, we will need to collaborate closely with young people. I am happy to see the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth with us today. And I am especially encouraged to see 194 students here – holding the flags of the United Nations and all its Member States. We will work together – across generations, across nationalities, across cultures – to attain our most precious goal – peace for our planet and all of its people.” (See video here: http://webtv.un.org/meetings-events/watch/miroslav-lajčák-general-assembly-president-at-united-nations-peace-bell-ceremony-for-the-international-day-of-peace-2017/5577070626001/?term=)

THE STUDENT OBSERVANCE

Video link: http://webtv.un.org/search/international-day-of-peace-2017-student-observance/5577070642001/?term=&lan=english&cat=Meetings%2FEvents

The annual student observance of the International Day of Peace, with the theme of “TOGETHER FOR PEACE: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All,” was opened by Ms. Alison Smale, the newly-appointed Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, United Nations Department of Public Information, who greeted the 700 high school and college students gathered in Conference Room 4, along with those watching live at the U.N., at the Peacekeeping Mission in Bogota, Colombia and those watching the U.N. webcast around the world.

She introduced Secretary-General Guterres, who delivered a warm greeting to the students. He said, “One thing is clear: the International Day of Peace is of special significance.” He called on the young people to do a better job with peace than his generation and spoke about his ten years serving as U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. Mr. Guterres enjoyed a lively round of Q&A with the students, asking for their comments and suggestions as well as their questions and replying to them as adults.

Ms. Smale then gave the floor Mr. Maher Nasser, who mentioned that the theme was close to his heart since he was a child of refugees whose parents were forced to flee their homes in 1948. He introduced Peace Messenger Dr. Jane Goodall, who spoke movingly to the students about how everyone can create peace in their lives. She told about refugees in the African countries where the young people were involved in her Roots and Shoots program and how every religion respects the Golden Rule. She said we need to stop the war we are waging on the natural world. She ended on a note of hope in the young people, especially when they are empowered to take action.

Next to speak was Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake of Sri Lanka, the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth. She and Dr. Goodall also engaged with the students.

Two animated films about refugees were shown. Youth Moderator Ms. Malala Waseme introduced the remainder of the program, including the peace projects presented by the young people via satellite at the Peacekeeping Mission in Bogota, followed by music provided by the talented sisters Omnia and Leila Hegazy, to the appreciation of the crowd. Then the students in the conference room whose projects had been selected for presentation. A wide range of inspiring projects were presented from the Mater Dei Prep emerging global leaders program’s Global Education Tool Kit to Breaking Walls arts for peace to the making and sharing Peace Cranes.

At the side of the dais, just beneath one of two giant screens, sat a six-sided Peace Pole and the WPPS peace bell. Just before 12 noon, two young refugee students now living in Vermont came to the front of the room to announce the Minute of Silence and the ringing of the peace bell. Malala Waseme explained that the Minute of Silence on the International Day of Peace would offer the opportunity of a 24-hour peace wave as a shared and practical act of peacebuilding (at 2:17:25 on the video). A young refugee girl from Iraq, Ms. Saja Amongali spoke about the WPPS peace bell being made from recycled weapons of war to introduce the Minute of Silence. The gong was sounded and everyone rose in silence. The message inscribed on the peace bell flashed on the double screens for all to see (at 2:17:12): May Peace Prevail on Earth!

At the close of the conference (2:24:28), Malala thanked the guest speakers, the Department of Public Information, the World Peace Prayer Society, United Religions Initiative, Pathways To Peace, Peace Day Philly, Roots and Shoots, and others. We are grateful for this long-standing partnership in mutual respect and cooperation.

The World Peace Prayer Society U.N. Representation Team:
Lisa Parker, Brandon Perdomo and Deborah Moldow

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Jude Currivan at the UN

The World Peace Prayer Society joined hands with New Innergy, The Source of Synergy Foundation and United Religions Initiative to present cosmologist and author Dr. Jude Currivan at the Church Center for the United Nations on May 9th. Partnering were UN colleagues: Global Movement for The Culture of Peace, the NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values & Global Concerns-NY, the UNSRC Enlightenment Society, and We, The World.

Presenters

Dr. Currivan spoke from the heart about her new book, The Cosmic Hologram, which offers a new perspective on the unified nature of reality that could transform our lives, our work and the work of the United Nations. Three responders appreciated her profound insights and offered their expertise: Dr. Kurt Johnson on science, Myra Jackson on the Sustainable Development Goals, and Amb. Anwarul K. Chowdhury on the future of the United Nations. In addition, Kristin Hoffman performed the song she wrote for the book, “Univer-Soul,” and Rachel Baird offered an original poem.

Amb Chowdhury

Kristin Hoffmann

Amb. Chowdhury spoke about the major themes of his current work to encourage a worldwide culture of peace. He cited the spiritual dimension as key to the future and mentioned the importance of the Fuji Declaration, launched in 2015 by Ervin Laszlo with Masami and Hiroo Saionji.

Deborah Moldow and Monica Willard hosted the event. They closed by leading the enthusiastic crowd in “May Peace Prevail on Earth.”

Deborah and Monica

“As our awareness expands we become ever more consciously connected and progressively resonate with the wholeness of the Cosmos.” – The Cosmic Hologram

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The World Peace Prayer Society ( WPPS) co-sponsored the 3^rd Annual Service of Gratitude and Remembrance during the UN Commission on the Status of Women at the chapel of the Church Center for the United Nations, along with partner organizations The Parliament of the World’s Religions, Temple of Understanding, Interfaith Center of New York, International Yoga Day Committee at the UN, United Religions Initiative, and United Methodist Women. This service of prayer and reflection honors the women who have gone before, leaving their indelible mark through dedicated service to humanity.

Chaplain Dionne Boissiere created a beautiful altar that included a mini Peace Pole, and Monica Willard of the URI invited everyone to name a woman who had inspired us before her passing and inscribe the names in a book.

A highlight of the program was by flautist Brandon Perdomo, who serves as WPPS Youth Representative to the UN, performing several musical numbers with percussionist Caitlin Cawley.

At the close of the service, Monica suggested a group photo and Sande Hart, of the Compassion Games International, called out for everyone to say, “May Peace Prevail on Earth!” A woman named Rachel Bachenberg then approached Rev. Deborah Moldow, WPPS UN Representative, to tell her about the Peace Pole at her church, Keystone United Methodist Church (formerly Broadway UMC) in Kansas City, Missouri, and how much it meant to the congregation.

Deborah and Monica co-hosted a small dinner to honor some of our special colleagues who were present for the event, including Sabina Rifat, who runs the programs for women for URI Pakistan. Together with Fr. James Channan, she has planted more than 60 Peace Poles all over Pakistan!

Monica Willard, Sabina Rifat, Deborah Moldow, Martha Gallahue

Deborah placed a desktop Peace Pole on the table at dinner, causing a young waiter to come up and tell us about the Peace Pole that is at his high school on Long Island, NY. He was so excited to tell us and to meet all of us that Monica gave him a mini Peace Pole. It is sincere young people like him who will take peace forward into the future.

May Peace Prevail on Earth!

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Each year, during the Week of Spirituality, Values & Global Concerns, the NGO Committee on Spirituality and Global Concerns-NY offers the Spirit of the United Nations award to representatives of the UN community, including an ambassador, a UN staff member and an NGO. Deborah Moldow was the co-recipient with Monica Willard in 2009.

This year, Rev. Deborah was invited to offer the opening invocation. She invoked the Spirit of Peace and invited all present to repeat, “May Peace Prevail on Earth.”

By Rev. Deborah Moldow
Representative to the United Nations for The World Peace Prayer Society

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On October 28, 2016, the Sacred and Transcendental Arts Working Group brought together representatives of NGOs, CSOs, UN Agencies and Missions along with performers of sacred and secular music in a program called, “Opening to the Spirit of the U.N.: Music, Meditation and Mindfulness.” This program focused on how the sacred arts of music, meditation and mindfulness can be vehicles for support of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Promote Just, Peaceful and Inclusive Societies). The event featured ceremony, inspiring speakers and a variety of music.

Rev. Deborah Muldow (front) with Yanni Maniates, Ben Bowler, Sean and Rastas

This event was sponsored by The Sacred and Transcendental Arts Working Group of the NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns-New York (“CSVGC”) as a closing to the 2016 Week of Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns.

Tom W. Q. Jiang, co-chairman of the Global Peace Messengers Alliance, a Chinese peace NGO

Deborah Moldow, the Representative to the United Nations for the World Peace Prayer Society, helped to organize the event. She offered a Call to Purpose that included the prayer, “May Peace Prevail on Earth” – and the more than 100 people gathered all responded by spontaneously repeating the prayer. Deborah suggested that Sustainable Development Goal #16 would serve as a bridge to a culture of peace that would draw forth the Divine Spark in all humanity, as stated in the Fuji Declaration.

Jake Blackbear Singer

A small Peace Pole graced the altar through the opening indigenous prayer songs by Jake “Blackbear” Singer and inspiring speakers Dr. Kurt Johnson, Ben Bowler of 1God.com, Dr. Andrew Vidich, and Sharon Hamilton-Getz. Drs. J.J. and Desiree Hurtak offered a meditation with stunning visuals on the large screen, including a shot from the WPPS event in the UN General Assembly and one showing Deborah with a large Peace Pole. There were numerous performances, including a rousing Reggae finale by Pato Banton and Antoinette.

Pato Banton

Ras I Ray

Later, Jake Blackbear told Deborah that he was headed to Washington, DC to offer a Pipe Ceremony inside the courtyard of the Pentagon on Nov. 4-5 with only 19 others invited. Deborah offered him the desktop Peace Pole to bring along, in alignment with the large Peace Pole inside the Pentagon chaplain’s chapel.

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Following the official observance of the 2016 International Day of Peace at the United Nations on September 16^th, a dedicated group gathered across the street to send their prayers for peace to every nation of the world.

More than 100 people filled the Tillman Chapel at the Church Center for the United Nations for an event hosted by Chaplain Dionne Boissiere of the United Methodist Women and organized by the World Peace Prayer Society and the United Religions Initiative.

Included among the participants was a busload of youth brought to the International Day of Peace observances from Vermont by Children of the Earth. These young people, many of whom are refugees from various countries, came to the event directly from a luncheon visit to the Mission of the United States, where they were greeted by Amb. Samantha Power.

Rev. Boissiere opened the event with a warm welcome that reiterated her commitment to opening the chapel to the International Day of Peace each year. Deborah Moldow, Representative to the United Nations for the World Peace Prayer Society, serving as M.C., began by introducing Monica Willard, Representative to the United Nations for the United Religions Initiative. Monica read the URI’s moving Nuclear Prayer in the spirit of the International Day of Peace. She also spoke about some of the inspiring events planned to take place for the International Day of Peace on September 21^st all over the world.

Interfaith filmmaker Ruth Broyde Sharone next told the touching story of the Israeli Palestinian Women’s Peace and Healing Quilt, which was displayed behind the chapel altar. A brief video explained this joyful vehicle for healing and peace in the Holy Land.

Peace Quilt with Ruth Broyde Sharone, Rev. Dionne Boissiere, Monica Willard (Photo: David Willard)

Deborah then explained the World Peace Flag Ceremony, in which all present would participate, raising the flag of every Member State of the United Nations – the very same flags that had been lifted by students at the Peace Bell as UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon rang it that morning for the final time in his administration. She demonstrated how each participant would announce the country name and present the flag.

Sasha Reed, Deborah Moldow, Patrick McCollum
(Photo: Patrick McCollum)

Sasha Reed
(Photo: David Willard)

Deborah then introduced Rev. Patrick McCollum to tell the story of the World Peace Violin, hand crafted to contain fragments from around the world from places of conflict that had been healed. Patrick introduced Ms. Sasha Reed, a beautiful young violinist who would accompany the ceremony with her transcendent music.

The flag distribution team of Brandon Perdomo, the WPPS Youth Representative to the UN, Yuji Hiraiwa, Akiko Imaizumi, and Dr. Joni Carley took their places, and the World Peace Flag Ceremony began.

(Photo: Patrick McCollum)

(Photo: David Willard)

As the music of peace flowed from the World Peace Violin, people of all ages and many nationalities took turns praying for peace to prevail in each country as its flag was raised. From time to time, Deborah sounded the World Peace Bell made from recycled weapons of war and everyone paused to proclaim, “May Peace Prevail on Earth!” The World Peace Flag Ceremony was a profound experience, as the chapel filled with everyone’s prayers from the heart.

Two of the students from Vermont, Johnny Strek and Aidan Lodge, posted a report on their UN experience. They wrote:

One of the many powerful parts of the day was the flag ceremony. Taking part in the UN chapel, 196 flags of the world were held up and met with the wish “may peace prevail,” while the world peace violin was played. There is a great deal of conflict in the world that seems to be caused by conflicting ideologies. To be in a chapel in which one’s faith didn’t matter and the hope for peace was sent out to everyone was truly incredible.  

May Peace Prevail on Earth!

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The International Day of Peace student observance at the United Nations began in 1997, when the Education Outreach division of the Department of Public Information (DPI) decided to invite local students to observe five UN-appointed days, including the International Day of Peace, then marked on the third Tuesday in September, the annual opening day of the General Assembly. The World Peace Prayer Society’s UN Representative offered a World Peace Flag Ceremony with the Middle School students raising the flags of all the Member States. DPI agreed to try it, and from then on the World Peace Prayer Society and Pathways To Peace were NGO partners in planning this event each year, later joined by the United Religions Initiative and the Jane Goodall Institute.

Over the years, the NGO partners worked with DPI on the annual theme and helped outreach to schools and entertainers. The NGOs also encouraged DPI to invite the Secretary-General into the student event from his ringing of the Peace Bell until his presence and that of the celebrity Messengers of Peace in attendance became a regular feature. They also succeeded in getting the UN to invite the students to offer short presentations on their own peace projects, which is always inspiring. And they asked for the students to be allowed to carry the flags outside to where the Secretary-General rings the Peace Bell.

In 2016, the 20^th student observance of the International Day of Peace at the United Nations took peace to a whole new level – literally. After raising the flags high at the UN Peace Bell, the students processed in to their event, which was held in the prestigious General Assembly Hall! After a rousing hip-hop presentation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addressed the students and asked them to become champions of the Global Goals.

Secretary-General
Photo by D. Moldow

The President of the 71^st General Assembly also spoke. Then it was time for the Messengers of Peace. Actor Michael Douglas then took on the role of M.C., and then showed a video on disarmament.  Dr. Jane Goodall spoke touchingly about the need to preserve the natural world.

Dr. Jane Goodall
Photo by David Willard

Stevie Wonder told of overcoming his disability to reach millions with his music.

Stevie Wonder
Photo by David Willard

Leonardo DiCaprio – a favorite with the students – showed a trailer for his new film about climate change.

Leonardo DiCaprio
Photo by David Willard

And Midori played a stunning piece on her violin, before explaining the importance of giving children the experience of living arts.  Following the introduction of the Global Teacher Award honoree, Ms. Hanan Al Hroub of Palestine, all were treated to a beautiful series of songs performed by the Rainbow Choir of children from the Republic of Korea, which was very warmly received.

Rainbow Choir
Photo by Ashley Young

But that wasn’t all! There were three Nobel Peace Prize laureates to speak to the youth about their passion for peace: Ms. Tawakkol Karman of Yemen, Ms. Leyma Gbowee of Liberia and Ms. Shirin Ebadi of Iran. As youth moderator Dena Mekawi took the podium, there were video links to the UN Peacekeeping missions in Cyprus and Liberia, as well as a student presentation from Rome. Then six students offered brief presentations of their own peace projects, after which Mrs. Ban rang a peace bell inscribed with “May Peace Prevail on Earth” for a 12 noon Minute of Silence, as she has each year of her husband’s term as Secretary-General, which concludes this year.

Mrs. Ban rings the Peace Bell

Following the event, Deborah Moldow and Monica Willard presented Mrs. Ban with a desktop Peace Pole in recognition of her dedication to the students and to peace.

Mrs. Ban, Rev. Deborah Muldow & Monica Willard (from left to right)

This spectacular morning of peace ended on a high note with the students being led in a chant of “SDGs – Building Blocks for Peace!” They will not forget their visit to the United Nations – where peace was celebrated at the highest level.

May Peace Prevail on Earth!

UN Photo by Rick Bajornas

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