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|SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT | GENEVA 2000 FORUM

THE HUMAN ASPECTS OF SOCIAL INTERGRATION

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Report of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University at the United Nations General Assembly's Special Session on the Implementation of the Outcome of the World Summit for Social Development and Further Initiatives, Geneva, Switzerland, 26 - 30 June 2000

During the final week of June, representatives of the Brahma Kumaris from all 5 continents joined world leaders, members of the United Nations, and other NGOs in Geneva, at the + 5 year review of the accomplishments of the World Summit for Social Development (Copenhagen 1995).This major event consisted of two parts; the United Nations General Assembly's Special Session at the UN building (Palais des Nations), and the Geneva 2000 Forum, a platform for NGOs and other organizations to present their work in the field of social development, and to recommend new initiatives.

The BKWSU's contribution at the Forum consisted of a series of panel discussions, an exhibition, a stand promoting Manifesto 2000 as part of the International Year for the Culture of Peace Project, and a lunch-time meditation room, under the overall title: "The Human Aspects of Social Integration" The aim was to demonstrate how social development can be effectively achieved and sustained through the practical application of values such as cooperation, simplicity and responsibility. Some of the BK outreach programmes such as the work of the Global Hospital in Mt Abu, India, personal development courses in prisons, values-education programmes, solar energy systems for rural settlements, etc. were used as examples of projects that encourage the integration of different cultures, social groups, generations, and different talents and expertise. The panel discussions covered the themes of Health, Women of Spirit, Transmission of Values between Generations, the Culture of Peace, Values Education, Poverty Eradication, and Eco-Technology for Sustainable Development. Experts in these fields were invited to share their views. Speakers from the Brahma Kumaris also participated

in panels presented by other organizations, and for several months prior to the event, local members took part in NGO working groups in Geneva to help plan a range of joint activities. At the UN General Assembly Jayanti Kirpalani, BKWSU representative at the UN, Geneva, presented the Brahma Kumaris Statement on Social Development. Daily mid-day reflections gave the public an opportunity to take a break from the busy schedule of the Forum, to stand back from the problems of global issues, and to reflect in a positive way, within a tranquil atmosphere, on possibilities and potentials.

International Year for the Culture of Peace The Brahma Kumaris supervised a stand promoting 2000, International Year for the Culture of Peace declared by the UN General Assembly. Over 200 signatures were collected from individuals from all parts of the world for Manifesto 2000, which encourages people to live by the values which create a culture of peace. BKWSU has been designated "Messenger for Manifesto 2000" by UNESCO.

"Health of Body & Mind: A Pre-Condition for Social Development"

Monday, 26 June

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Speakers:

Dr. Raymond Abrezol - Director for Medical Sophrology, Switzerland

Dadi Janki - Co-Administrative Head, BKWSU, President, Janki Foundation for Global Health Care, India / UK

Dr. Astrid Stuckelberger - Health Psychologist, Swiss Society of Gerontology, Switzerland

Dr. Roger Cole - Director of Palliative Care-Woollagong, Australia

Moderator: Mrs. Beryl Carby-Mutambirwa - Consultant, Health Education, Switzerland

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Specialists shared their knowledge of healthcare on a physical, mental and spiritual level. It was recognised that the vitality of a community depends largely on the health of its people. Beryl Carby-Mutambirwa commented in her opening remarks: "Our health is not in the hands of governments alone; we must take responsibility for our own health through a positive change in our lifestyle and within our minds." Dr. Raymond Abrezol introduced Sophrology, the holistic science of consciousness, which aims to develop integrity, dignity, strength of individuality and liberty in every human being. He spoke of taking

responsibility for our own health by thinking for ourselves and not following the crowd, and by being conscious of our own self-worth. Thinking positively is good for our health; through this we develop our spirit which in turn controls the body. "Learn to be healthy and not suffer through sickness caused by imbalance in life." Dr. Astrid Stuckelberger spoke of the need for balance in body, mind and spirit. The long-term impact of negative states of mind has a serious effect on the body and can lead to depression and suicide, especially among the elderly. The theory that the rich and well educated have better health and a longer life than poor people needs to be dispelled. "It is a change in people's awareness that will help social development." Dr. Roger Cole observed that practitioners often have compassion based on sorrow as they take on the suffering of their patients: "Compassion from within a peaceful mind reaches further than compassion from a sorrowful mind" Unconditional love, compassion, and peace, can be accessed through meditation, in order to serve humanity selflessly. Patients who are dying experience hopelessness, anger, and depression. Once they reach a state of acceptance they feel free and beyond the concerns of their bodily connections, as if they have died to their old identity and found their true inner state of peace and security. "True healing means to reveal our true identity, so why wait until we are about to die to heal? Couldn't we die a little while we are still alive?" Dadi Janki spoke of the spiritual aspect of healthcare; the need for silence, happiness, love, and blessings. "Happiness leads to good health. It is only you who can give this medicine to yourself." Some bring illness to themselves through anger, greed, unfulfilled desires, expectations, suppression of feelings, and relationships not based on true love. "Three ingredients for a long and healthy life: live with attention but without worry, use time in a worthwhile way, keep your thoughts pure, positive and filled with strength." The discussion ended with a guided reflection on healing.

"Women of Spirit: Working for Social Development"

Tuesday, 27 June

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Speakers:

Francine Fournier - Assistant Director General of UNESCO for Social & Human Sciences, Paris, France

Marcia Fisk-Ong - International Educator, Geneva & Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Dr. Astrid Stuckelberger - Health Psychologist, Geneva International Network on Ageing (GINA), Switzerland

Jayanti Kirpalani - European Director & BKWSU Representative at the UN in Geneva

Charlotte Collette-White - Head of Communications, World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), UK

Fatima Dike - Actress, Women's Activist, South Africa

Moderator: Tamasin Ramsay - Paramedic, Australia

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Women from a wide range of backgrounds came together to discuss the special role of women as instruments of change in social development.

Francine Fournier spoke on the link between development, women and peace: "lasting development is not true if it is not based on peace". Sustainable development is created by societies, institutions and individuals together. Development policies for women must be made by women. "Women especially can cross the bridge between right and wrong, when there is equality in their minds and in their words." Fatima Dike shared the story of a woman in South Africa who led a group of 20 wives to challenge governments and fight for land to build homes near their husbands who worked far away. The women were given land, educated in building construction and built 60 homes in one year. Through vision, faith, inspiration, and empowerment, one woman can make a difference, and can inspire many others. "Strong women become leaders in their own homes before becoming leaders elsewhere." Marcia Fisk-Ong, mother and teacher, related through her personal experience that the key to success lies in an optimistic outlook and practical application. She asked the questions: "How can I change the status quo? Am I an example of change? Can we go beyond social limitations?" She shared a no-cost method to change the status quo: Educate and inspire our daughters through positive encouragement. "Education is the way to make a change." Dr. Astrid Stuckelberger focussed on the principle of balance: find the inner harmony between our masculine and feminine qualities so that we gain self-esteem to eradicate jealousy, empower our spirit to accomplish anything, maintain a harmonious link between each other and develop unconditional love to keep society together. "We must use our spirit to make a better life for all, working hand-in-hand with men at all levels of society." Charlotte Collette-White, in her mid-twenties and already in a position of leadership, spoke of the discrimination 'young women' face from both men and women in society. 'Young' implies immaturity, inexperience, and the inability to think. We must believe in ourselves, our abilities and qualities, and seize opportunities to promote ourselves as leaders. "Young women are today's and tomorrow's leaders." BK Jayanti Kirpalani highlighted the human side of development and the role that women play in this transformation. In India, it is said that the first guru is the mother. By educating girls with values, their character impacts the whole family. By understanding our spiritual identity we move away from materialism and competition, gain inner dignity, and acknowledge our attributes and values. Women become leaders when they let go of feelings of unworthiness, and realize their enormous potential. "We ignite the spirit of others through our own light."

"Transmission of Values Between Generations"

Tuesday, 27 June

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Organizers: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, Geneva International Network on Ageing, International Foundation for Population and Development, AIESEC and the Swiss Society of Gerontology.

Speakers:

Prof. Eya Nchama - Coordinator for non-governmental organizations, Geneva Welcome Center, Switzerland

Dadi Janki - Co-Administrative Head, BKWSU, India / UK

Bawa Jain - Secretary-General, Millennium Summit of Religious & Spiritual Leaders, USA

Dr. Roger Cole - Director of Palliative Care-Woollagong Hospital, Australia

Tamasin Ramsay - On behalf of an Aboriginal Elder of Australia

Fatima Dike - Actress, Women's Activist, South Africa

Moderators: Erik Larson - Insurance Consultant, USA

Theresa Klein - Coordinator, BKWSU, Geneva, Switzerland

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Generations are becoming progressively isolated or coming into conflict due to external pressures and influences. How can we encourage communication and appreciation between generations so that the transfer of culture, values, and wisdom, can be effectively sustained?

Erik Larson introduced the concept of universal values that are neither Western nor Eastern. Values are not stagnant; there is a dynamic flow as they move into our lives and cultures. Fatima Dike related a moving African folk story, "The Garden of Babies", about spiritual relationships between generations. Prof. Eya Nchama lamented that older people and young children are often abandoned in the West due to modern individualistic attitudes. In rural areas in Africa, 'elders' are still given utmost respect and play the important role of transmitting values and educating the younger ones.

Communities are united and can pull together in times of need. "We need to nurture traditional society life." Tamasin Ramsay read a letter written by an Aboriginal Elder. It described how Aboriginal people transmit values through stories. Due to "contamination" by materialism and the effects of social and political practices, much damage to the spirit has been endured. However, a healing process is now taking place, bringing new happiness and fulfilment. "The landscape of awareness is growing, space is opening for the spiritual and the political to walk together." Dr. Roger Cole spoke about the transmission of wisdom. Real wisdom is passed on when there is knowledge and understanding of our true personality and identity. Many young children have a concept that when someone dies, the soul moves on. This reassuring feeling of continuity is often lost later in life. Referring to his experience in working with the terminally ill, he observed that when the patient can put aside superficial identities (husband, father, doctor etc.) a state of deep peace and contentment follows. "Begin a journey where we look for values which bind generations and communities." Bawa Jain stated that in August, religious leaders would gather for the first time at the United Nations in New York to discuss issues such as conflict, poverty and the environment. Can they create an ethical framework to feed to political leaders instead of the other way around? There should be a fusion of the spiritual and the political; the United Nations can be the platform. "We have reached an era of spiritual renaissance." Dadi Janki outlined the basic principles of living together, for example: peace, love and courtesy, which, if learnt as a child, continues with us till old age. The role of parents and elders is not to complain about or hurt the children, but to be an example and give love and education for living. Young ones in return become responsible and respectful. "Have respect and love for others with a big heart, then it will be accepted by the heart."

"The Culture of Peace; A Dialogue on Manifesto 2000"

Wednesday, 28 June

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Speakers:

Prof. Thomas Odhiambo - President, African Academy of Sciences, Kenya

Dadi Janki - Co-Administrative Head, BKWSU, India / UK

Dr. Roger Cole - Director of Palliative Care-Wollongong, Australia

David Easter - Programme Officer, International Peace Bureau, Switzerland

Jolanda Crettaz - UN Representative, World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), Switzerland

Moderator: Chris Drake - International Lawyer, BKWSU Representative to the UN in New York, Hong-Kong

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Chris Drake introduced the topic: The General Assembly of the United Nations has proclaimed the year 2000 as "International Year for the Culture of Peace". Manifesto 2000 calls leaders and people of the world to make a pledge to practise six principles based on freedom, justice, unity and dignity. These principles, which respect all forms of life and celebrate the richness of the world's cultural diversity, are essential to lasting social development. UNESCO aims to collect 100 million signatures to present to the UN Millennium General Assembly. The Brahma Kumaris has been designated, with several other NGOs as "Messenger for Manifesto 2000" by UNESCO. "There is more to Manifesto 2000 than just a signature: it's about change; in attitude, thinking and behaviour." Dr. Roger Cole underlined three values arising from the Manifesto; respect, compassion and truth that are very powerful when used in union. In the '60s there was a lot of peace, love - and flowers - in the world, but there was a withdrawal from society. Values need to be developed on a deep personal level, expressed practically within the community, then finally implemented at a diplomatic level. "Consciousness can change and transform the world, but first, I am responsible for myself." Jolanda Crettaz observed that organizations become effective through education. WAGGGS promotes non-formal education, encouraging young women to face challenges, make responsible choices, be supportive of others and participate in local and worldwide activities. Work in Sierra Leone includes a civil defence group promoting peace amongst young people, tree planting in deforested areas, creating "Peace Parks" for refugee children, and an education programme for long-term development. "To promote peace we need the education of learning to know, to do, to live together, and to be." David Easter echoed the sentiments of many; how can we remain peaceful while there is suffering due to atrocities and injustice? There is a need for inner peace, a sense of grounding, of confidence. The International Peace Bureau promotes the Culture of Peace, by campaigning for the abolition of land mines, the ban of nuclear weapons and small arms. It promotes a Peace Education Campaign where teachers and organizations include conflict resolution, tolerance and non-violence. Through this, children develop the ability to understand how wars can be prevented, that peace is possible. "Society can change when people are united." Prof. Thomas Odhiambo rejoiced that the Human Genome Project gives scientific evidence that we are one human family.

Why should there be conflict? It is due to ethnic and religious differences. The army was dissolved in Costa Rica fifty years ago and money redirected into successful health and educational schemes. This is encouraging. We need to understand about the laws of spirituality, the soul and values. "With courage, dignity, cooperation and forgiveness we can move towards peace." Dadi Janki feels that peace is guaranteed. Hearts are now crying out, the world is in desperate need. After darkness comes light. When there are extremes, change happens. Science brings change, but silence brings us to a state of peace. Jealousy, greed and anger are destroying humanity. Let me know myself, link with the Divine and come together with love and respect to create a world of peace. "You can achieve whatever you choose; with courage and faith, anything is possible."

"Education Programmes for Community Development"

Thursday, 29 June

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Speakers:

Charly Maurer - Education et Développement, Switzerland

Ruth Bonner - International Baccalaureate Organization, Switzerland

Prof. Thomas Odhiambo - President, African Academy of Sciences, Kenya

Michael Muntinga - World Youth Service and Enterprise (WYSE), Switzerland

Helen Sayers - Living Values: an Educational Programme, Switzerland

Moderator: Benoît Duché - Values-education Coordinator, Brahma Kumaris, France

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Well-established programmes were presented showing how an education system that places universal values at its heart is essential for effective long-term social integration. Benoît Duché opened with a humorous game in which participants explored values together. Charly Maurer stated that education is the most powerful tool to bring about change, but we must be clear as to how, and in which direction change needs to happen. Schools contribute to this process but need support and cooperation from companies, universities, governments etc. Learning to live together is central to the aims of Education et Développement, entailing developing and sustaining values in the self and others. "Change is the theme of the new century for youth." Michael Muntinga described a two-week experimental values education programme by WYSE for

youth aged between 18-30 from different cultural backgrounds, which incorporates inner reflection, conflict resolution and community work. Week one; self exploration - looking at challenges young people face, and at their vision and potential. Week two; the outward expression of their values and the realisation of their potential in daily life. Strong connections develop between the young adults who continue to support and empower each other later in life. "We look at values that come from the heart - the heart is the basis of community life." To Ruth Bonner values-education is not a modern concept. 30 years ago she helped to develop a programme at a school in Geneva for students of 75 nationalities. They learned to live, work and study together in a values-based learning environment until the age of 18 when they passed the newly developed International Baccalaureate Diploma.

This was the beginning of an education system, now coordinated by the International Baccalaureate Organization, that is accepted by universities and governments world-wide. Academic subjects are taught rigorously, but values and community service are considered top priority. "Education is for life, not for homework and exams." Prof. Thomas Odhiambo transported us to an island on Lake Victoria where a model university serving the area and neighbouring countries is being established. Concentrating on post-graduate and professional levels, it provides opportunities for people to realise their innate skills and talents. Students and teachers learn, research, and serve together through 4 study areas; science (including health and technology), engineering, enterprise (including working with values) and ethics (peace studies and sociology).

"We not only study values, we live them." Helen Sayers introduced 'Living Values: An Educational Programme' with a video showing the programme in action in India, UK and Kuwait. She shared a touching story illustrating that even the wildest children have hearts of gold. Supported by UNESCO and in consultation with the Education Cluster of UNICEF (New York), "Living Values" views teachers as role models of patience, understanding and support, and students as being naturally creative, good, and eager to learn. "Values are integrated practically and experientially throughout the curriculum." Fatima Dike closed with a moving song "Child of Africa", in her native language, Xhosa.

"Poverty, Marginalization and Destitution: Can These Be Eradicated?"

Friday, 30 June

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Speakers:

Alfredo Sfeir-Younis - World Bank Special Representative to the UN & WTO, Geneva, Switzerland

Alphonse MacDonald - Director UNFPA Office, Geneva, Switzerland

Dadi Janki - Co-Administrative Head, BKWSU, India / UK

Translator for Dadi Janki - Jayanti Kirpalani - Director, BKWSU Europe, UK

Moderator: Erik Larson - Insurance Consultant, USA

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While some are striving to buy their third car, others struggle for the first meal of the day. "There's enough for everyone's need but not for anyone's greed" - wealth, power and resources are becoming progressively unevenly distributed. If we are to move towards a culture of generosity and community spirit, what are the values and actions needed to make this ideal a reality?

Erik Larson opened with a moment of silence before inviting Fatima Dike, playwright from South Africa, to sing a song about differences between social classes. Alfredo Sfeir-Younis highlighted the different facets of poverty: material, financial, ethical, moral and spiritual. Poverty is a mirror of the lack of true values, not just a reflection of finance. There must be reconciliation between economics and spirituality. Vast resources have been invested in eradicating poverty, but most projects failed because they were designed and implemented by governments; destiny was not in the hands of the poor. We must empower the poor; we are all responsible, personally and collectively. Decisions we make depend on the values we have.

"The greatest tragedy is to move from material poverty to spiritual poverty." Alphonse MacDonald went back to basics: there is one earth, one human species. We have created our differences and only we can undo them. Begin with the three basic values of the French Revolution: liberty (freedom in our actions but with responsibility), equality (we are all in the same boat - we can all take benefit from what is available), and brotherhood (whilst recognising our differences, consider all as our brothers or sisters - this brings respect). "Whatever is done in the name of development should be done in harmony and with honesty." BK Jayanti Kirpalani shared a spiritual perspective on poverty. Problems develop because of greed and possessiveness in the human spirit, caused by fear and the desire to accumulate things. Land is expensive whether in London or Mumbai but Aborigines and American Indians believe that land cannot be owned, that we belong to the land, we are custodians. Through silence we gain a deeper understanding of reality and come back to the awareness of our eternal nature of truth and dignity. We remove the feelings of "I" and "mine". "When we start sharing and caring, we see each other as part of one global family." Dadi Janki spoke of eradicating spiritual bankruptcy. Some have wealth yet are poor in values. To remove poverty, remove negativity and destructive habits, remove the spirit of competition and have respect and integrity. No earnings should be based on dishonesty. Teach the self and the family about simplicity. When there is selfless service and motivation from the heart, our hopes will be fulfilled. People are ready to serve with their resources but we must inspire them with compassion and love. Anything is possible. "What is the purpose of life? It is to be happy and give happiness. This is true prosperity."

Wall of Transformation A wall was created by a group of NGOs promoting "best practices and acts of service for the eradication of poverty". Each brick represents the contribution of an NGO. Brahma Kumaris Acts of Service for the Eradication of Poverty: Promoting awareness of the human dignity of every person and encouraging a culture of spiritual values in the world. Increasing the self esteem of the individual and self reliance of communities. Enriching the wealth of inner qualities to redress the crisis of moral poverty.

"Sustainable Eco-Technology: Case-Studies World-wide"

Friday, 30 June

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Speakers:

Joachim Pilz - Project Manager for Renewable Energy, Academy for a Better World, India

Stéphane Tardy - Farmer in Biodynamic Agriculture, France

Naseeb Dajani - Director, Global Harmony Foundation, Switzerland

Moderator: François Bécher - Director, BKWSU, France

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Sustainable eco-technology projects that are environmentally friendly, simple to install and easy to maintain, provide many benefits for communities in both affluent and developing countries. What are the values and shared vision needed for the success and continuity of these projects? François Bécher reflected on the tremendous changes and challenges in today's world. Production must take into consideration the needs of the people and the available resources. We have a moral and ethical responsibility to change our awareness; by paying attention to the things we buy and where we buy them from, our personal lifestyle and its effect on the ecosystem. "It is up to us to ensure that future generations can enjoy quality of life."

Joachim Pilz described a variety of renewable technologies, including solar thermal and solar photovoltaic systems, wind energy, tidal energy and biogas. He elaborated on a solar cooking system successfully developed in a village complex run by the Brahma Kumaris in Rajasthan, India. 35,000 meals per day can be cooked and approximately 100,000 visitors benefit every year. Simplicity of design, practical usage and easy maintenance are essential, but equally important are the values of trust, cooperation and responsibility that make for sustainability. There is no ownership on the design of equipment; it is freely available to engineers and contractors throughout the world. "Our aim is to combine sustainable technology with a values-based lifestyle." Stéphane Tardy painted a picture of the "peasant" farmer: one who maintains the rural environment, shares it with others, respects, protects and sustains it. Agriculture is the essential element for social development as it satisfies the primary needs of the population. Successful development projects depend on the motivation of local people. Finance alone does not work, and when foreign aid workers leave, projects often fail. A return to organic methods is essential to maintain stability of the soil. "We have become agricultural exploiters. Political decisions will not change our attitudes; it is ourselves - it is time to restore our values."

"Work means to put your spirit in all that you do." Naseeb Dajani connected values with human development: In the West we have big houses but broken homes. We have lost our humility; we are inundated with knowledge but starved of wisdom. Sustainable development is continuous, holistic, environmental, equitable, relevant to people's needs, and is sensitive (CHEERS). Development projects must incorporate compatibility with the culture and must be functional. Simplicity is vital; those using the technology must understand it and be able to integrate it; otherwise it will be rejected. Consider the "Seven Ls"; look at the situation, listen to the people, learn, live with them, lend a hand, liberate their talents, then let go. We can make an impact but change cannot be measured by figures alone. "We can make a difference, but without creating earthquakes in people's lives." Remark : this document is also available in French