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UNITED NATIONS SECOND WORLD ASSEMBLY ON AGEING Madrid, Spain, April 2002
NGO World Forum On Ageing
Promoting Participation,
Well-Being
and Self-Fulfillment
NGOs from all over the world gathered in Madrid for the NGO Forum on Ageing connected with
the Second World Assembly of the United Nations on Ageing.
The main objective of the NGO Forum was to encourage civil society to participate in the
United Nations new International Action Plan on Ageing, by participating in the discussion
process. Moreover, the NGOs seeked to ensure that the Plan reflects the concerns and
experiences of older persons worldwide. Lastly, the Forum intended to share and strengthen
the NGOs work on ageing issues.
The contribution of Brahma Kumaris to the Forum was all under the umbrella of: Participation,
Well-Being and Self-Fulfillment.
A delegation of BK’s from several countries (Spain, France, UK, Switzerland, etc) were
present at the Forum lead by Dadi Janki, Co-Administrative Head of BKWSU; Sister Jayanti;
Representative of BKWSU at the UN in Geneva and Director of BKWSU in Europe; Gayatri Naraine,
Representative of BKWSU at the UN in New York and Chris Drake, Advisory Board member of Visions
of a Better World Foundation USA, Manager and Executive
Director of Sassoon Securities, LTD Hong Kong.
At the Forum BKWSU had three different exhibitions and rooms:
Panels organized by BKWSU:
The panel was organised by the Spiritual CAUCUSS at the UN in Geneva and BKWSU.
The speakers were Artur Sans, a representative of FIAPA (International
Federations of Associations of Aged People), Conchita Poncini (President
of the Committee of the Status of Women, CONGO, Geneva), Florence Ross
(a very active women for California aged 83 years-old), Jorge Reyes
(the president of the Third Age for the Third World, Barcelona) and
it was moderated by Astrid Stückelberger. Very good contributions were also made by
the public.
BK Jayanti(BKWSU) said that she has lived for the 30 last
years with a woman aged 86 and she learned how as one gets older one
slows down and this can be taken from a positive perspective. Giving all of us
as a chance to learn how to slow down our thoughts, allowing peace to be created inside.
When one experiences peace this has an effect on others,
it multiplies and has an effect to the world.
The panel was organised
by the Janki Foundation and BKWSU. Speakers: Dr. Sarah Eagger and Patricia
German from London, Dr. Juan Ramon Zaragoza from Spain and Dadi Janki. Dr.
Eagger spoke on the importance of love. Dr. Zaragoza shared some tips on how to have
a healthy life. Dadi Janki shared her experience of how 20 minutes of deep silence
is equivalent to 8 hours sleep. Dadi talked of the importance of overcoming sorrow,
worry and fear, and of having good thoughts, speaking good words and doing good actions.
110 people listened with a lot of attention and they were touched by Dadi Janki's
love and power. After the panel Dadi was interviewed by the Forum magazine.
(resulting in one full page from the interview).
His Excellency Mr. Koffi Annan spoke in front of an audience of only 300 people
representatives of different NGO’s. Mr.Annan answered 4 questions
(NGOs had been asked to prepare the questions, and one of the questions
selected was from the BKs. BK. Jayanti asked him the question.
In the afternoon Mrs. Annan addressed the audience on the importance of helping
elderly women. Mrs. Annan went to see the Brahma Kumaris stands and vitited the silent room.
People appreciated the BK's input at the Forum and the silent room was announced during
a plenary briefing.
On the 9th evening Dadi Janki, as the BKWSU representative spoke at the closing ceremony.
Following is the message she gave:
MESSAGE FROM DADI JANKI FOR THE CLOSING CEREMONY AT THE NGO'S WORLD FORUM ON AGEING
"Congratulations for this event. It has been a pleasure to see so much energy being given
to look after the aged. Everyone has worked together with love to care for the elderly.
It has always been my feeling that we should inspire each one to do as much as we can for
others. My own life since childhood has been of service, with my heart and my mind,
on a physical and inner level. Now we have to use to a greater extent, the power
of the mind, the attitude and vibrations. I enjoyed the intergenerational dialogue
of the young people with the elderly. The young have physical and mental energy
and they can do so much. The elderly can serve with the power of their good wishes.
If the two are combined, then definitely we can do something together to create a
better world. The young have to learn to accept the good wishes of the elder. Whatever
it is I can do as an individual it can only be to a certain limit. However when we work
together with unity, love and respect then so much more can be achieved. In fact,
whatever it is that we choose we can achieve; nothing is impossible. Coming together
we engage in dialogue and then we can do something collectively. It is important not
just to plan but actually do something to make the world a better place. When there
is enthusiasm and truth everything is possible. We can even say that miracles can happen!"
On the 11th April Dadi Janki made an oral statement, at the morning plenary session
at the UN World Assembly on Ageing. There audience included: government delegates; ministers
and ambassadors, as well as NGOs. It was very appropriate that Dadi, as an elder
should be addressing everyone at a conference on the theme of ageing.
She touched the hearts of many as she spoke, in English, from the platform, with BK.
Jayanti at her side.
The five - minute speech outlined the important contribution that older people bring
to society due to their wisdom, experience and good wishes. Through active participation,
their self-esteem and dignity is upheld. There needs to be more dialogue between
generations, respecting each other's ideas, learning from the past and from the future.
Older people should be encouraged to develop deep inner peace, which they can then
offer as the foundation for a society based on a culture of human values. In order
to change attitudes, behaviour, and thinking, personal power and spiritual practice
are needed - through dedication of time and attention to the inner self.
The statement ended with........"when our own efforts are combined with the gift
of God's blessings, our values truly come to life and the task of bringing about
a better world starts to be fulfilled". Copies of the statement were distributed
to all delegates.
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©2004 BKWSU |
