The Convergence
Series 2
Episodes
Episode 1: 11 Days of Global Unity Summit: PEACE
September 21, 2017
On September 21st, the exciting highlight of this Summit (www.11daysofglobalunity.com) is broadcast on Voice America: a dialogue on Peace between Deepak Chopra, Karenna Gore (Al Gore’s daughter), and Kabir Sehgal, hosted by We The World’s founder Rick Ulfik.
We may be the first generation to have the ability and responsibility to decide if we will be the last generation! At this perilous moment in our world, when we hear about new social, political and environmental challenges every day, 11 Days of Global Unity September 11-21 provides a comprehensive way to know about and be part of a worldwide convergence of events, festivals, campaigns, and broadcasts for peace, justice, sustainability and transformation. The 11 Days of Global Unity Summit features some of the most visionary thinkers and activists of our Time: Deepak Chopra, Ralph Nader, Marianne Williamson, Robert Thurman, Karenna Gore, Nwamaka Agbo, Michael Beckwith, Sande Hart, Jonathan Granoff, and many others.
Episode Guests
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More to Explore!
Below are the three videos discussed in the Episode above. In addition to the Episode discussion with Deepak Chopra, Karenna Gore, Kabir Sehgal, Rick Ulfik and Jeff Vander Clute, we are pleased to present the discussions below with additional peace leaders from the United Nations (David Kirshbaum), SHIFT Network (Philip Hellmich) and Pathways to Peace and the Culture of Peace Initiative (Avon Mattison) hosted by Convergence Host Dr. Kurt Johnson.
About Pathways To Peace
Pathways To Peace (PTP)
International Secretariat, Culture of Peace Initiative
UN Consultative status (ECOSOC) (DPI)
UN Peace Messenger Organization
www.PathwaysToPeace.org | www.InternationalDayofPeace.org
For nearly four decades, Pathways To Peace (PTP) has been an evolutionary international Peacebuilding, educational and consulting organization dedicated to Humanity cooperatively building an integral sustainable Peace, intergenerationally & multiculturally for the benefit of all life and future generations.
Pathways To Peace is one of the Peacebuilding NGOs which helped establish the United Nations International Day of Peace (Peace Day) in 1981. It is a pioneer and currently a leader in the worldwide focus on the development of a Culture of Peace. PTP also helped establish the term “Peacebuilding” through the UN in the 1980s. Incorporated in 1983, PTP is an official Peace Messenger Organization of the United Nations and has Consultative Status with the United Nations (ECOSOC & DPI) and has worked collaboratively with UNESCO, UNICEF, the U.N. Centre for Human Rights, U.N. Centre for Human Settlements, UNDP, FAO, WHO, UNEP and other agencies. PTP serves as International Secretariat of the Culture of Peace Initiative. In 1989, this Initiative was granted Peace Messenger Initiative status by the UN Secretary-General.
Since 1983 to present, PTP attends most UN Conferences and often Co-sponsors parallel events, working closely with UN organizers and UN Agencies, from 1983 to present. Some recent examples include: High-level Political Forum on Climate Change, Intergenerational Dialogue on the SDG’s, World Conference on Oceans, Commission on the Status of Women, UN Summit for Refugees & Migrants, International Youth Conference, International Conference on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Indigenous Voices-Indigenous Rights in Media Conference, 100-Day Countdown to Peace Day, etc..
The Culture of Peace Initiative (CPI) is a cooperative local-to-global Peacebuilding Initiative uniting the strengths of organizations, networks, programs and people to cooperatively build a continuously-evolving Culture of Peace for the Common Good. Since 1983, this local/global Peacebuilding Initiative has served as a vehicle to highlight often unknown Peacebuilders working along diverse paths, who are building the emerging Culture of Peace within humanity. CPI also serves to unite the strengths of existing organizations building Culture of Peace for succeeding generations. The annual highlight of the Culture of Peace Initiative is the UN’s International Day of Peace, September 21 of each year, which provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to work together, on a shared date, to create practical acts of Peace with a year-round impact. The CPI Newsletter archive can be found at: pathwaystopeace.org/newsletter-archive/
Since 1983 PTP has initiated, organized, given consultation, and inspired hundreds of organizations, programs, and activities. In addition, Avon Mattison, co-founder and president of PTP, has mentored many Peacebuilders who now serve as Peace Leaders in various cultures and nations. As director emeritus Jeff Vander Clute and others have noted, “Pathways To Peace has been a mentor and a mother to many organizations and initiatives which are now having a major impact on Peacebuilding and the Culture of Peace globally.”
Additional examples of Pathways To Peace activities include:
- Establishing the Peace Wave: a daily Minute of Silence and Moment of Peace at Noon in each time zone rippling into a global Peace Wave
- Leadership in Peacebuilding Through Business and Peace Within Organizations
- Co-creator and Co-chair of UN International Day of Peace Committee at the United Nations
- Creator of International Day of Peace Facebook page
- Establishment & co-stewarding of the universal InternationalDayofPeace.org website to post, share and collaborate in Peace activities, beginning in June with the 100-day countdown to Peace Day on 21 September
- Co-creator of Peace Day/CPI TV Peace Day Livestream with Unity Foundation
- Creator and Co-facilitator of Peacebuilding Inquiry for the 21st Century (PB-21), with international leaders.
- Intergenerational & international delegations to UN Conferences, Summits, etc.
- Co-sponsor of program on Peace through ending human sex trafficking with Operation Big Sister and Fyera
- Providing intellectual and experiential foundation to launch the Ashland Culture of Peace Commission
Episode 2: The STAND UP FOR HUMANITY Event
November 1, 2017
STAND UP FOR HUMANITY is a visionary event taking place at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Friday, November 3rd at 6:30pm.
The architect of this project is Rev. Sylvia Sumter, Senior Minister of Unity of Washington, DC. and member of the Evolutionary Leaders Circle, which also includes series hosts, Ben Bowler and Dr. Kurt Johnson. In this episode, Deborah Moldow, Co-Director of the Evolutionary Leaders Circle, interviews Rev. Sylvia Sumter about the inspiration behind STAND UP FOR HUMANITY and how everyone can take part. Additional guests – all of whom will be speaking live in Washington, DC – are Stephen Dinan, CEO of The Shift Network and author of “Sacred America, Sacred World”; Imam Talib Shareef, Imam of the Masjid Muhammad in Washington, DC; and Rev. Donna Johnson, CEO of Unity Worldwide Ministries.
These brilliant guest speakers inspire us all to come together and STAND UP FOR HUMANITY to meet the challenges of our times.
Episode Guests
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Episode 3: Mungo Man and U DAY Festival
November 10, 2017
As Australia prepares to repatriate its oldest known human, 43 000 year old Mungo Man, we talk with Professor Jim Bowler who made the world famous discovery in 1974, about the scientific, cultural and spiritual significance of Mungo Man and this time of his repatriation. We also talk to Indigenous Events Director Sam Cook who is working on the “Return To Country” event, commemorating Mungo Man’s long-awaited return with cultural song and dance.
For Aboriginal people of Australia, the world’s oldest living culture, this moment represents a time of great healing. For the wider Australian community it is an opportunity for a long overdue acknowledgment of the sophistication of ancient aboriginal culture, which is still alive today.
In the second part of the show we sit down with legendary activist and diplomat Ambassador Mussie Hailu and look ahead to U DAY: Ethiopia in February, 2018. This intercultural and interspiritual gathering promises to be a powerful step on the Road to 2020.
Episode Guests
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Episode 4: U DAY Ethiopia-Convergence of Fires in the Land of Origins
January 26, 2018
Commemorating the growing global significance of United Nations Interfaith Harmony Week, UNITY EARTH-sponsored U DAY Festival: Ethiopia- Convergence of Fires in the Land of Origins, brings together global spiritual and religious leaders, international change-makers and world-class musical artists.
We gather Jan. 31- Febr. 7, with an online event for global participation Feb. 3: http://udayfestival.org/ethiopia-2018/
Supporting this vision, representatives from Aboriginal Australia, North and Central American indigenous leaders, Sikhs, Bahai, Sufis, Buddhists, and Hindus from India, and Thai Buddhists along with Jews, Christians, and Muslims gather to celebrate a colourful and diverse community. Ceremonies will join the themes of Unity, Peace and Compassion. On this radio special, UNITY EARTH’s U DAY Executive Director, Ben Bowler hosts event notables David Gershon, Jon Ramer, David Nicol, Claudia Welss, Deborah Moldow and Kristin Hoffmann, each further highlighted below.
Episode Guests
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Episode 5: Spotlight on Yoga, with Light on Light Magazine
April 3, 2018
Celebrating the debut of Light on Light Magazine in March 2018, we introduce the new online e-zine that is dedicated to illuminating the light of wisdom, inspiration, and transformation found within spiritual practices and inspired lifestyles for the flourishing of health, mind, and spirit every day. Light on Light welcomes the sharing of journeys across the myriad of pathways of world wisdom traditions, interfaith, and interspirituality and features renowned contributors across the global integral and interfaith communities.
In this radio special, we are honored to feature a Spotlight on Yoga, complementing the inspirations in the first issue, with Light on Light Host Editor, Karuna, interviewing Snatam Kaur, Shiva Rea, Elena Brower, Denise Scotto, and Irina Morrison— and sacred musician GuruGanesha. Join hosts Kurt Johnson and Karuna, along with Shannon Winters, Managing Editor, in celebrating the launch of Light on Light around the world.
Episode Guests
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More to Explore!
Below are three series of discussions which dive deeper into yoga.
A Three Part Discussion between Karuna and Shiva Rea:
A Two Part Discussion between Karuna and Elena Brower:
A Three Part Discussion between Karuna and Snatam Kaur:
Episode 6: The International Day of Yoga, with the United Nations Committee
June 15, 2018
VoiceAmerica’s Convergence Series and The United Nations NGO Committee for the International Day of Yoga invite you to celebrate Yoga Day 2018 with this broadcast and a special edition of Light on Light e-Magazine.
These presentations highlight the meaning of the UN’s International Day of Yoga, how yoga is experienced in the work of the UN, how yoga is practiced in the daily lives of individuals in UN organizations and initiatives, and how Yoga Day is celebrated around the world.
From highly personal stories, you’ll understand more about the UN and the fullness of yoga in ways that may surprise you. The Yoga Day broadcast and magazine draw upon the wisdom of renowned yoga masters and practitioners describing yoga as a way of life and its positive impacts on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health & well-being in cultures around the world. Contributors include participants in UN Yoga Day celebrations and renowned yogi’s and yogini’s, who share their insights.
Episode Guests
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More to Explore!
Jonathan Granoff is an international lawyer, advocate, scholar, and award winning screenwriter who serves as President of the Global Security Institute, United Nations Representative of the Permanent Secretariat of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, and Ambassador for Peace, Security and Nuclear Disarmament of The Parliament of the World’s Religions. He serves on numerous advisory and governing boards such as the International Law Section of the American Bar Association, Bawa Muhaiyaddeen Fellowship, Universal Sufi Council, World Wisdom Council, Tikkun, International Association of Sufism, Middle Powers Initiative, Parliamentarians for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament working to bring the values of love, compassion, and justice into action. He is a Fellow in he World Academy of Arts and Science and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. Blessed with having lived and studied with H.H. Bawa Muhaiyaddeen since his youth he is honored with the namesake Ahamed Muhaiyaddeen.
International Day of Yoga Speech
International Yoga Day 2015– Remarks by Jonathan Granoff from Global Security Institute
Speech Transcript
Remarks of Global Security Institute President, Jonathan Granoff, on the first ever commemoration of the International Day of Yoga, United Nations, NYC, June 21, 2015
Mr. Secretary-General, Your Excellencies, Dear Sisters and Brothers,
May we all be healthy with hearts that are true and actions that show kindness.
Thank you India and Prime Minister Modi for enlivening ancient wisdom for this modern age.
Yoga is about so much more than just exercising our bodies.
It is about the connectivity of life and reminds us that all lives are joined.
The arc of each individual precious life is as unique as each wave on the ocean.
And every wave is connected to the entire ocean.
We live in the light of life and that light lives in us.
Yoga is knowing this connectivity of life and the preciousness of every life.
The heart that feels this connection will want well-being and peace for all.
This is universal.
Knowing and living Shanti, Peace, Salaam, Shalom. That is yoga.
If we can separate from ourselves that which separates us from one another we will know and be that peace.
Qualities such as Anger, Pride, Falsehood, Jealousy, Hastiness, Hypocrisy, Fanaticism, Prejudice, and Bigotry separate us from one another.
Love, Compassion, Generosity, Justice, Tolerance, Humility, and Gratitude not only bring us together with one another, they open the door to inner peace.
The same qualities that bring us together as a human community bring us harmony and fulfillment within.
The manifestation of this truth is the Golden Rule:
Buddhism: “Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.” UDANAVARGA, 5:18;
Christianity: “All things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them.” Matthew 7:12;
Confucianism: “Do not unto others what you would not have them do unto you.” Analects 15:23;
Hinduism: “This is the sum of duty: do not unto others that which would cause you pain if done to you.” Mahabharata 5:1517;
Islam: “No one of you is a believer until he desires for others that which he desires for himself.” Hadith;
Jainism: “In happiness and suffering, in joy and grief, we should regard all creatures as we regard our own self.” Lord Mahavir 24th Tirthankara;
Judaism: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow man. That is the law; all the rest is commentary.” Talmud, Shabbat 31a;
Zoroastrianism: “That nature only is good when it shall not do unto another whatsoever is not good for its own self.” Dadistan-I-Dinik, 94:5.
This rule is the most practical guide for both our inner and outer conduct.
Not only is this ethical and spiritual truth good for our personal lives but when nations treat other nations accordingly stability, security and peace result.
It is time for a United Nations yoga:
Nations must treat other nations as they wish to be treated.
May our hearts be free of fear and courageous in compassion.
May we be free of the bondage of mind, desire, egoism, and pride and be the peace appropriate to the human birth.
The nations of the world are composed of individual souls all wanting the same kindness and security. May we, each of us, open our hearts to The infinite light of peace and bring that treasure into the world. May God bless all nations and all peoples, and every single precious life.
Episode 6: UNITY EARTH Lift Off Concert and NYC Convergence
January 23, 2019
This Special Broadcast of The Convergence on VoiceAmerica highlights The New York Convergence and UNITY EARTH Liftoff Concert on February 2, 2019 at New York City’s landmark United Palace Theatre (UNITY EARTH Lift Off), 3-6:30 PM. The concert and celebration, and a companion Leadership and Visioning Conference for UE’s Road to 2020 and Caravan of Unity across America, are part of the World Interfaith Harmony Week, a worldwide United Nations observance. The concert features Grammy Award Nominee Pato Banton and Kristin Hoffmann, and the spectacular 50 ft. screen music and multi-media performance of Bella Gaia, zooming in on planet earth from outer space! Appearing also are Akim Funk Buddha, Mystic Voice, Lyla June & William Ruiz, celebrated cross-cultural performers. Major New York and global celebrity change-makers give inspirational messages.
Episode Guests
Pato Banton
Kristin Hoffmann
Heather Shae & Rhiannon Catalyst
Rick Ulfik & Victoria Friedman
Ben Bowler & Deborah Moldow
Ken Kitatani & Denise Scotto
Rev. Diane Berke & Jon Ramer
Mitchell J. Rabin & Adam Collett
Shannon Winters & Yanni Maniates
Karuna & Eddie Stern