*Dadi Janki was designated a Wisdom Keeper at two United Nations conferences: The Earth Summit in Brazil (1992) and Habitat II in Turkey (1996).  

In June 1992, Mrs. Hanne Strong, wife of the Secretary General of the conference, Mr. Maurice Strong, had a brilliant idea in terms of contributing to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development -- The Earth Summit. She selected and brought together a unique gathering of about 30 revered leaders from many of the world’s sacred traditions, personally raising funds to fly these leaders to Rio de Janeiro. The idea was for these religious and spiritual leaders to live and work together in a close communal setting. This group was called “The Wisdom Keepers” who participated substantively in many activities of the Earth Summit, and provided an inspiring presence for governmental and Non-governmental organizations participants alike. The Wisdom Keepers authored the opening statement of the Conference with the Declaration of the Sacred Earth Gathering.

In June 1996, a group of about 50 leaders met again. The Wisdom Keepers II met in Istanbul, Turkey as an official concurrent event of Habitat II. The Honorary Chair of Wisdom Keepers II was Mrs. Leia Boutros-Ghali and the Co-chairs included Dr. Wally N’Dow, Secretary-General of the Habitat II Conference, and Mrs. Hanne Strong. This meeting was a coming together in dialogue of spiritual leaders of different traditions, indigenous people, scientists, youth, and activists with decades of experience in grassroots organizing, based on mobilizing human spirit. Wisdom Keepers II was convened to consider the moral, ethical, and spiritual aspects of Habitat in a discussion complementary to the main United Nations Conference on Human Settlements. A document entitled “Declaration on Human Community” was the outcome of the The Wisdom Keepers II meeting and this was presented as an oral statement at the official Habitat II Governmental Conference.

Dadi Janki, Co-Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University was invited to participate in both The Wisdom Keepers I and II. At Wisdom Keepers 11, she also made an oral statement.

(Source of Information: Documents from the Habitat II – Wisdom Keepers II Secretariat, DC2 Building, United Nations, date 1996)

*Accurate Wording when using reference to Wisdom Keepers: