Part 3-04 Highlight UN Organizations and Staff

Filed under Proj-Event-Highlights

Events related to Various UN Organizations, and Staff

with links to various events previously listed:

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UN Secretariat

UNDP

UNICEF

UNOPS

UNESCO

Sample of A special Year  Promoted by UN Organizations

IYC International Year of the Child (Here or 3-03 UN Anniversary – special year?)

Sample detail:

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UN Secretariat

United Nations Security and Safety Service

Salute to the United Nations Security and Safety Service 1977 (A) Contents, Acknowledgements

On 7 June 1977, the Meditation Group at the UN held a special function to honour the UN Security and Safety Service. Colonel H. A. Trimble, Chief of the Service, described the functions and organization of the Service and then answered questions from the audience. Also speaking were Dr. Robert Muller, Deputy Under-Secretary-General, and Sri Chinmoy, leader of the Meditation Group.

Excerpts follow .

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Sri Chinmoy presents Colonel Trimble with a
medallion for his dedicated service to the United
Nations.

Dr. Robert Muller: UN sites…are places where the destiny, the peace and the future of our children are being forged.,,, cradles of a more peaceful, just and happy world… on a globe where there is still so much violence, indecency and disfigurement, there are those few islands, the UN sites, where one can see cleanliness, decency, an atmosphere of kindness. This we owe, to a very large degree, to our Security Forces.

***Colonel H.A. Trimble : To be a good Security Officer, you have to be an intelligent, mature individual who is ready to exercise the maximum of tact and courtesy with a reasonable amount of good judgment, plus a little bit of training and experience . I cannot over-stress the tact and courtesy.

There could be no better atmosphere to work in than the United Nations. I am sure that all my people appreciate this. They believe in the U.N ., they are dedicated to the U. N., and I think all these various ingredients go to build up a high sense of morale.

I am a very proud man. Part of the reason for making this statement is that as I look back on my life, I will judge the years that I have spent as the Chief of the Security and Safety Service as a highlight of my career.

***

Sri Chinmoy : Dear Chief, supreme Chief, good friend of humanity’s cause, you are protecting the body of the United Nations; therefore, the soul of the United Nations is extremely , extremely proud of you, for without the body, the soul-reality cannot manifest here on earth.

The United Nations is not only a building; it is something infinitely more important than a building-it is humanity’s cry and humanity’s smile.  With your invaluable service you are becoming one with humanity’s cry and humanity’s smile.

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1977-06-07-jun (44) UN-security-event-group-crp

Colonel Trimble, centre, and Sri Chinmoy, far left. with representatives from the Security and Safety Service.

***

Link or images from book of interviews https://www.srichinmoypeacemeditationatun.org/1977/09/26/salute-to-the-united-nations-security-and-safety-service-1977-a-contents-acknowledgements/

Page Image:

Link to text of details of speeches and questions and answers from event

https://www.srichinmoypeacemeditationatun.org/wp-content/uploads/1977/09/bu-scpmun-1977-salute-un-security-p007-036-event.pdf

UN Volunteers appreciated at UN event  for USA Peace Corps Volunteers

Peace Corps Anniversary Celebration – common peace ideal with UN Volunteers 1978 Mar

 15 March 1978, The Peace Corps commemorated its seventeenth anniversary with an evening programme at the UN in Conference Room 4, co-sponsored by Sri Chinmoy Meditation at the United Nations. HIGHLIGHTED Quote from programme:: “the Peace Corps of the USA and the UN Volunteers have grown from a common peace ideal and peace action“

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1978-03-15-10-Velma-Limford-dir-recruitment-action-usa recipient of the Hubert H. Humphrey Award for International Service.

Mr. Sam Brown, Director of ACTION, of which the Peace Corps is a part, delivered the key note address and presented the Hubert H. Humphrey Award for International Service, marking the first time the Peace Corps has publicly commended its own volunteers and staff. Congressman Christopher John Dodd of Connecticut, a former Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic, and Ms. Velma Linford, a Peace Corps staff member received the Award. 

The Meditation Group singers opened the anniversary programme. Speakers included U.S. Ambassador Allard Lowenstein, Malaysian A mbassador Zaiton Ibrahim, Ghanian Ambassador Frank E. Boaten, Congressman Dodd and Haskell Ward, N.Y.C. Commissioner of Community Development and former Peace Corps Volunteer in Ethiopia.

From moderator introduction: Peace: a significant part of the name of this Organisation and a concept dear to us in this UN Building. There was inspiration and aspiration present when John Kennedy, Hubert Humphrey and others established this Peace Corps Organisation. At that time, through this inspiration and aspiration, they touched the hearts of many of their fellow countrymen and women and called forth a response – a desire to serve selflessly the cause of peace. It was this same desire for peace which helped begin the UN. Some of you may know of a small room here, the Meditation Room of the United Nations. It was this same need for peace, and some hard work by our second Secretary-General, Dag Hammarskjold, and others that founded and redesigned  this room. There is an inscription on a plaque outside that room that I feel is appropriate to quote, saying that this room is devoted to peace and those that are giving their lives for peace. It is in this spirit that we would like to dedicate this programme to those who are giving their lives for peace all over the world through national and international organisations, as well as to all those who are working for peace through education, business , politics and in other ways.

The Programe was closed by message from former Senator and USA Vice President Humphrey that he had sent to PReciosu event for the UN community: ”

“I join my friends at the United Nations, and throughout the United States, in the hope and prayer that a just and lasting peace may be achieved within and among the nations of the world.

On this special occasion I urge them to join me in reaffirming a strong personal commitment to the relentless pursuit of this peace.” 

– Hubert Horatio Humphrey Jr. (May 27, 1911 – January 13, 1978) served as the 38th Vice President of the United States;  in the United States Senate, from 1949-64 and 1971-78; and nominee in the 1968 presidential election,

Excerpt form programe: (ad small photos)


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Ambassador Allard Lowenstein of the United States:

We have learned a lot about the complexities of motive and of impact. We now know that the Peace Corps cannot be just “us doing for them.” It has to be also “them doing for us” and “us doing for us” ; and sooner or later hopefully there will be no us and no them, but “everybody doing for everybody.” And to the extent that governments stand in the way of this, they are doing something that is harmful; and to the extent that governments facilitate this, they are reinforcing the work and ideals that they are carrying out on another level.

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Dr. Jasperdean Kobes, Director of Programs, World Education, Inc.:

n 1972, when we were preparing for the tenth anniversary of Ethiopia I,  we surveyed approximately 250 of our group to find out what we thought of the Peace Corps ten years later and also what we were doing ten years later. We found out two things. First, most of us felt that we had learned much more from the experience than we probably had given. And secondly, we found out that a very large proportion of our group was working in activities related to community development and social change. So I think there is a vast network of us out there that could really be tapped for developing this country.

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Mr. William David Angel, Associate Officer, Planning and Evaluation Office of the Assistant Secretary-General, U.N. Centre for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs:

the Peace Corps of the United States of America and the United Nations Volunteers have grown from a common peace ideal and peace action, which seem to be their unifying links. The international peace corps idea has spread around the world from the battlefields of World War I near Verdun, and advanced by numerous peace corps: in Europe and North America and Africa, Asia and Latin America….I do hope that the tremendous resources that you offer (in terms not only of your past and present, but of your future) can be devoted to the further realisation of this peace corps idea on the country, regional and global levels, and to your counterpart in the world community, the United Nations Volunteers.

1

Office Meditation and Remarks about UN

Given after a meditation held in the office of Mr. Carl Pedersen, Principal Officer, Office of the Director-General for Development and International Economic Co-operation.

Short Inspirational Talks at UN Secretariat Offices 1987 Nov 13

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(Sri Chinmoy and Carl Pedersen)

“The United Nations has not failed and will never fail. Only the mind of man has failed. Now the heart has to come to the fore and say, ‘This person is my sister. That person is my brother. I can be happy only if my sister and brother are also happy. If I try to stay always one step ahead of them, then they will not be happy. So if I have a true heart of oneness, I will not want them to remain behind me. Although I may have a little more vital and physical capacity than they have, I have to deal with my brothers and sisters with affection.’ The heart’s affection has to solve our problems, not the mind.”

Essay Award to Meditation Group member from Holy See Mission to the UN, Jan 1977

Essay Award to Meditation Group member from Holy See Mission to the UN, Jan 1977

.At a January Meeting of the Peace Meditation group at the UN, Sri Chinmoy who leads the regular meditation requested an announcement be made of  some details to all those present  that a member of the group, Joseph La Galia , was being recognized with a Silver Papal Medallion..

Joseph received the  recognition for the entry he submitted  to the contest sponsored by the Holy See Mission to the United Nations in celebration of World Peace Day.

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“…Former Secretaries-General Dag Hammarskjold and U Thant and the late President Childers of Ireland, have indeed tried to view world affairs with a more spiritual approach. They became aware of the truths embodied in all religions and tried to integrate these basic ideals into their work. These are the ideals of love and brotherhood which are at the base of the United Nation’s Charter. The United Nations has become a school for modern man which teaches him peace. Here each individual and Nation learns and teaches the art of building peace. In a speech delivered at t h e United Nations Head-quarters on October4, 1965, Pope Paul stated, “The world looks to you as to the architects, the builders of peace.”

Excerpts from his entry also appeared in the periodic Bulletin of the Group “Meditation at the United Nations” 1977-02-27, vol-05, -n-02-feb Page_47 to 49

Pramoda France Vacher, Serve UN 40 yrs 1987

13 May 1987 -Classical recital by Meditation Group member Pramoda France Vacher, as a farewell to the U.N. after 40 years of service to the Organisation

Pramoda France Vacher, Serve UN 40 yrs 1987 May 12

11 July 1980, Ms. France Vacher of the United Nations De-partment of Technical Co-operation for Development celebrated her ten years of membership in the meditation group with a concert and luncheon for her friends and colleagues, held in the Dag Hammarskjold Auditorium on 11 July 1980.

Ms. Vacher, who has faithfully served the United Nations for thirty-four years, is one of the original members of the group and also directs the meditation group choir.

At the end of the concert she thanked members of the group and her other friends and colleagues, saying, “I should like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Sri Chinmoy, who has been giving us so much over the years, and to all of you for coming and for allowing me to share some of this all-flowing joy with my colleagues and friends.”

Included in the programme of instrumental and vocal music was the performance of the following song in Bengali, which Sri Chinmoy composed especially for the occasion. The title of the song, “Pramoda,” means inner and outer joy.

Above: Friends and colleagues of Ms. Vacher enjoy a concert of spiritual music.

Below: Sri Chinmoy thanks Ms. Vacher for her dedication and support with a trophy for her years of service to the UN Community.

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Gallery 1:

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1979-12-10-0-sing-chandika-nemi-tanima-pramoda-nilima-rijuta-nayana

 
 

 

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Pramoda images:

see also Excerpt from 2011 Inspiration Sun “A life of Spiritual Search and UN Service”.2011?  page 5 -11

pdf:   Pramoda-service–un-inspire-sun-2011-pp5-11

Nilima Silver  receives long service award from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and presenting a booklet to Reverend. Desmond Mpilo Tutu during an exhibit in the Delegates Entrance Lobby.

(could be a different section 3-06  individuals or 3-16 more examples short photo with captions part at end )

 

A Visit to the United Nations Gift Center, 11 Feb 1977

A Visit to the United Nations Gift Center, 11 Feb 1977

Filed under Other programmes | Edit

On 11 February 1977 Sri Chinmoy visited the United Nations Gift Center, managed by a member of the Meditation Group. Sri Chinmoy meditated with the staff of the shop before their working day began and then gave a short talk .

An excerpt from his talk follows.

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UN Gift Center staff listen to Sri Chinmoy during his talk in their shop.

Sri Chinmoy : Every day people come to this shop from various parts of the world. They come here to identify themselves with the large, larger and largest world. Let me give you an example. I come from a tiny, obscure village in Bengal. India.

(1977-02-11-10.jpg August 16, 2018 14 MB

If I buy something from this place and take it back to my little home and show it to my friends, immediately a new world dawns before them–a world of vastness, a world of oneness, a world of satisfaction. The tiniest possible world is my village, Shakpura, in Bengal, India. The tiniest world comes into this shop and gets a gift which comes from another part of the world . Perhaps that part of the world where the gift was made may also be a small village. But my coming to this shop from one tiny place and your offering this gift from another tiny place makes a happy union between the two places. 

We come to the United Nations to be united and to serve humanity with one heart, with one soul and with one body. In this way the little, little worlds become one with the big world, and again, the big world gives to the little worlds what it has and what it is.

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* * ********************************

The gift supreme

The inner vision of the United Nations is the gift supreme. This vision the world can deny for ten , twenty, thirty, forty, one hundred years. But a day will dawn when the vision of the United Nations will save the world. And when the reality of the United Nations starts bearing fruit, then the breath of Immortality will be a living reality on earth.

–  Excerpt from talk “The United Nations As An Instrument Of Human Unification”  by Sri Chinmoy  on 9 May 1974 in Dag Hammarskjold Auditorium . Published in book: The Tears Of Nation-Hearts, Agni Press, 1974.

>

Excerpt from a Brooklyn Museum source referring to June Henneberger background:

Folk Art has always been a focus for the Brooklyn Museum whether is it collecting great examples of folk art made around the world or through our exhibition program as well as what is showcased for sale in our Museum Shop.

The Library also holds some great books and periodicals documenting international folk art. Recently this collection was greatly enhanced by the books from the library of Roma June Henneberger, former Brooklyn Museum staff member. Ms. Henneberger had co-founded the very first museum shop in the United States known as the  Brooklyn Museum Gift Shop in the 1960s! From 1964-1965, June created a similar cultural store called the “People to People” pavilion at the New York World’s Fair. From the late 1960s through the 1970s, she was the manager of the United Nations Gift Center.

Her library was filled with lots of rare books on folk art around the world and we are delighted to give them a home. Some titles that were in her library that are now available here:Pollock’s Toy Theatres,Fancy ribbon tying, Pottery: a utilitarian folk craft and theFolk art of Peru.

UNDP

 Thant Peace Award – United Nations Development Programme UNDP -1985 March 19

U THANT PEACE AWARD GIVEN to• The United Nations Development Programme, for its sustained practical commitment to world progress through integral development and its dedication to the fulfilment of each nation’s unique potentialities.

The leader of The Peace Meditation at the United Nations, Sri Chinmoy, presented the U Thant Peace Award this year to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The presentation was made March 19 during a ceremony on U Thant Island, in the East River. Dr. Uner Kirdar, who accepted the award on behalf of UNDP, said: “You are granting us the biggest honour.” The award, he added, belongs to UNDP field workers and those “whom we are privileged to serve.”

In a subsequent letter to Sri Chinmoy, the head of UNDP, Bradford Morse, wrote: “This award . . . gives us new inspiration, dedication and energy to serve in the best manner millions of human beings in poor countries . . .”  excerpt from Anahata Nada December 1984-March 1985 -page 4.

ny294-near-statement-on-1985-mar-21-ckg-USG-Brad-Morse-Administrator-Exec-Head-UNDP-appreciates-award.

Sri Chinmoy with Bradford Mose

“The U Thant Peace Award not only gives us new inspiration, dedication and energy to serve in the best manner millions of human beings in poor countries, but also constitutes a high commemoration of the spirit of the late Secretary-General U Thant, a world leader who was a champion of peace and development. I thank you from my heart once again for the great honour, and send you my very best wishes and respect”  – Bradford Morse, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme. From a statement on behalf of UNDP, dated 21 March 1985

“It is the greatest honour which has been granted through me to UNDP today, with this award named after our late Secretary-General U Thant. We consider this award as a symbol of the service rendered on the part of the United Nations for humanity. We are very privileged, honoured and indebted to you today for what you have granted us.” – Uner Kirdar,Director of Division of External Relations, and Governing Council Secretariat; United Nations Development Programme

Shown receiving the U Thant Peace Award on behalf of UNDP on 19 March 1985

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United Nations Development Programme. –1985 March 19th, received on behalf of UNDP by: Uner Kidar, Director of Division of External Relations and Governing Council Secretariat.    Bradford Morse, administrator of UNDP, gave statement on 21 March 1985.\

 

1985-04-mar-19-u-thant-award-undp-plaqueThe 1985 U Thant Peace Award is Presented to The United Nations Development Programme for Its:  Sustained Practical commitment to World Progress Through Integral Development — An expression of the Highest Spiritual Idealism;   Encouragement of Peaceful International Co-operation in the Spirit of the Charter of the United nations; and Dedication to the Fulfilment of Each Nation’s Unique Potentialities. – Presented by  Sri Chinmoy: the Peace Meditation at the United Nations 19 March 1985

(This may be in other section)  About the U Thant Peace Award:  The U Thant Peace Award is a symbolic presentation by Sri Chinmoy: The Peace Meditation at the United Nations to acknowledge, appreciate and admire distinguished accomplishments toward the attainment of world peace.  Recipients of the award must reflect the lofty spiritual ideals of the late Secretary-General of the United Nations, U Thant. Previous recipients of the U Thant Peace Award Include:

Some previous Recipients:

• UN Ambassador Zenon Rossides of Cyprus, for his life-long emphasis on spiritual values as a basis for world peace and his efforts for national security and disarmament. This concern for security and disarmament is echoed in the recent speeches of Professor de Marco;

• Dr. Jorge lIlueca, President of the 38th Session of the UN General Assembly and President of Panama, for his personal example in supporting the ideals of the UN Charter and his long-term service in international relations and International law;

Group offering the award, motivation and respect for U Thant (excerpted from various U Thant award presentations)

This humble award is offered periodically by a group whose members work for the international community in various capacities and have made an additional personal commitment to the world-uniting goals of the United Nations.  The award seeks both to inspire and to support the pursuit of the highest ideals of international service. We consider the support which the Meditation Group offers through this award as part of our own contribution to the spreading of these ideals.  The late Secretary-General U Thant, himself a life-long practitioner of meditation, appreciated and encouraged the early efforts of Sri Chinmoy and the Peace Meditation Group to bring to the fore the powerful spiritual ideals upon which the UN was founded. The U Thant Peace Award was so named in honour of this contemplative world leader’s exemplary devotion to peace in both his personal and his political life.

Mr Uner Kirdar -Senior Advisor UNDP

here or under individuals?

Mr. Uner Kirdar of UNDP – Events with Peace Meditation Group at UN – SUMMARY 2014

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1997 Jul 11:  Farewell tribute to Mr. Üner Kirdar, Senior Advisor to the Administrator of the United Nations

in Queens at Annam Brahma or at UN? (Photos form AB to be confirmed if match this date)

Uner Kirdar: Oneness-Pathfinder on: Human Dimension of Development, 1989 Feb 07

A Programe was held where Mr. Uner Kirdar of UNDP addressed the members of the Peace Meditation Group on the Human Dimensions of Development. The Group Honoured Mr Kidarwith song that Sri Chinmoy had composed in his honour. Below in addition to excerpt from the introduction to the Programe there is :The music score for the song; pages from a brochure from the day, and  Correspondence between Uner Kirdar and Sri Chinmoy.

From Introduction:

Today we are delighted to welcome a special guest and friend, Mr. Uner Kirdar. Mr. Kirdar, who is Director of UNDP’s Division of External Relations and Governing Council Secretariat, has been a kind and enthusiastic friend of the Peace Meditation Group at the UN for a number of years. He was with UNDP ‘ s former Administrator, Mr. Bradford Morse, when Mr. Morse and Sri Chinmoy met in this (Dag Hammarskjold) auditorium in in 1983, and since that time he has been extremely gracious toward us.

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In 1985, when the Meditation Group presented the U Thant Peace Award to UNDP, Mr. Kirdar was designated by Mr. Morse to accept the award in a beautiful ceremony on U Thant Island; in the East River..

Mr. Klrdar, who is a Turkish national, graduated from the Facu1ty of Law,at the University of Istanbul, then undertook graduate studies at the London School of Economic, and later received the Doctorate of Philosophy in international law and economics from Jesus College at Cambridge.

Mr. Kirdar held senior Positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of his country,which he represented at several UN General Assemblies, at ECOSOC, the UNDP Governing Council. In ‘1972, he was seconded by the Turkish Government to the United Nations Secretariat,and in 1978 he was promoted to the highest grade in the Turkish civil service, the rank of ambassadorial assignments.

1989-02-Feb-07-Uner-Kirdar-Oneness-Pathfinder-ocr_Page_4Following several important posts at the United Nations, Mr. Kirdar ~ transferred to UNDP,~here he has served for ,more than ten years in his present capacity. iJ/. He represents UNDP,1n most intergovernmental UN meetings! and is also responsible for the ~ Development Study Programme, which seeks to promote greater understanding of development issues and to stimulate the search for new solutions to problems of development. He has organized several seminars joining together high-level policy makers, international officials, academics and leaders of public and private enterprise.

Mr. Kirdar has written extensively for both Turkish and English-language publications; and has authored a book on the Structure of UN Economic Aid to Underdeveloped Countries.

 

After the event the following correspondence was exchanged between Mr .Kirdar and Sri Chinmoy.

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Mr. Alexander (Sandy) Davidson, Principal Technical Adviser for the United Nations Development Programme

on 22 March 1994, Mr. Alexander (Sandy) Davidson, Principal Technical Adviser for the United Nations Development Programme, was honoured by Sri Chinmoy and the Meditation Group at the U.N  on the occasion of his retirement.

1990s-award-sandy-davidson-ckg-un-Dag-H-aud_Page_04A Special Plaque for a special person

An inspiring story of some of Sandy Davidson’s accomplishments were featured in Oneness-Arrival-Shore – 1988 Nov 05, OAS/88-06 publication

Click on page below to expand:

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 1988-11-nov-05-oneness-arrival-shore-OAS-88-06_Page_2

Below are some photos of Sandy at different events with Sri Chinmoy and others over the past decade.

Running The Sri Chinmoy Thanksgiving Half Marathon in Flushing Meadow Park, NY

1980s-half-marathon-flushing-meadow-sandy-davidson-ckg_Page_11980s-half-marathon-flushing-meadow-sandy-davidson-ckg_Page_3

 1980s-achiles-track-club-s-davidson_Page_2Sandy Davidson is a Proud and Happy Member of  the Achilles Track ClubLifting up the World with a  Oneness Heart  08 April 1989

Nemi Fredner: Carrying on a family UN tradition:

10th anniversary at UNDP 1987 May 04

On 4 May1987.  Ms. Nemi Fredner celebrated her tenth year of service at UNDP (Technical Advisory Division) with a large and joyous programme held in the Dag Hammarskjold Auditorium.   Following is an interview with Ms. Fredner, who is very … Read more →

Following is an interview with Ms. Fredner, who is very supportive of the Peace Meditation Group at the UN. Nemi speaks about this in the article below.

1987-08-aug-27-view-from-hq-became-OAS_Page_6.

Question: As a UN staff member, I’m curious about this one-Do you feel yourself to be a UNDP staff member, a UN staff member, or both, and in what order of priority?

Ms. Fredner: I am very much a UNDP staff member, and lucky enough to have become acquainted with several hundred of my colleagues because of the nature of my work and the manageable size of UNDP headquarters. However, I feel that I belong to the UN as a whole, both because of the strong dedication of the Peace Meditation Group at the UN, to which I belong, and because of my family background: my mother was a social secretary to the first Secretary-General, Trygve Lie, and my father’s brother served as a UN administrative officer from 1946 until his death in 1964. I feel as though I was destined for the UN!

Question: I understand that you were an undergraduate at Radcliffe College and completed graduate studies at Columbia Teachers College and that, in fact, you originally had some difficulty in being allowed to stay at UNDP as a secretary because of your academic achievements. Why did you want to stay at UNDP? Do you ever have any regrets about the turn your career has taken at the United Nations?

Ms. Fredner: I was always geared toward a highly academic life, but found myself more interested in pursuing spiritual goals than in fulfilling intellectual or professional ambitions. As a member of the Meditation Group at the UN, I have benefited immeasurably from the inspiration of Sri Chinmoy, and I try to take to heart his message, as powerfully conveyed in this poem:

“My Lord,  Do teach me only one thing: How to love the world  The way You love me.”

I have no regrets about taking up secretarial service, because 1 am fortunate to know what I want out of life. Although my workload is often heavy, I feel free to be exactly the person I want to be, without conforming to the pressures, both self-imposed and external, of professional aims. My spiritual fife provides me with many opportunities to follow my interests and capacities, such as music and writing.

I am very pleased to be with UNDP. We can all feel that our great strength is our direct involvement in development projects which produce measurable results and lasting impact in so many countries. I think the most important improvement for UNDP, as for the UN as a whole, would be for us to unabashedly rededicate ourselves, on a daily basis, to the founding principles of the UN; to be openly proud of and committed to our work, whatever our level may be. I also hope that each staff member could feel that his or her attitude and performance do make a difference; in fact, they shape the fate of our organization.

UNICEF

a Weekend Unicef film festival in the Jharna Kala Gallery in 1975 

(Jharna Kala Gallery Presents a festival of UNICEF Films August 16, 1975)

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(needs work to decide which to include)

 

 

  •  

Sri Chnmoy’s Followers at UNICEF – Staff News, Aug-Sep 1983

  (maybefor indivuals?

 

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Sri Chinmoy: Peace Meditation at UN – A UNICEF Presence 1996 jun 30 chandika K. and nemi F did  based on a number of peoples contribution for UNICEF special double issue.

 

 

James P. Grant Executive Director UNICEF

Former Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), James p. Grant, was an enthusiastic and Charismatic Leader.

Sri Chinmoy, the Leader of  the  Peace Meditations at the UN and meditation Group members had the opportunity on many occasions to be with Jim Grant and experience his encouraging support for their shared goals of oneness and appreciation for the forward looking ideals of UNICEF and the wider United nations Community.

ny281-1994-sep-20-james-grant-exec-dir-unicef-greats-sri-chinmoy-prayer-breakfast-uthant-award-

w are  links to a few  examples

UNICEF Exec.Director, Grant congratulates Marathon Runners 1981 Oct 27

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on 27 October 1981, James Grant, the Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) opened the meeting with all the staff at Headquarters in New York by congratulating the staff that had completed the NY City running Marathon … Read more →

PEACE LIFTS

20 Sep 1988. “Now that peace is breaking out everywhere, we have to help push it up,” said James Grant, Executive Director of UNICEF, before he was physically lifted on a special apparatus by Sri Chinmoy, leader of the Peace Meditation at the United Nations. The 20 September lifts of Mr. Grant and other members of the UN community came at the end of an early morning seven mile peace walk (see Peace Walk) which celebrated the opening of the General Assembly.

The one-arm lift is part of a series of programmes entitled “Lifting Up the World with a Oneness-Heart” which honours individuals from various fields of endeavour. Under Mr. Grant’s stewardship, practical approaches towards peace including the ”Days of Tranquility” in El Salvador, when adversaries ceased hostilities so that children throughout the country could be inoculated against common diseases. Similar days have also taken place in Beirut and Afghanistan. Sri Chinmoy also had the honour of lifting Lester B. Korn, Ambassador of the United States; Jaap Ramaker, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Netherlands; Zhou Zbongxing, First Secretary of China; Nana Apeadu, Chairperson of the Pan African Human Rights Committee; and 16 others from various offices in the United Nations Community as the GA’s 43rd session began. What a way to start the day!

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Message by J.P. Grant, EXD UNICEF; For Sri Chinmoy Global Peace Concert + Award; 1989 Dec 10

 

Message by J.P. Grant, EXD UNICEF; For Sri Chinmoy Global Peace Concert + Award; 1989 Dec 10
UNICEF HOUSE Three United Nations Plaza New York, New York 10017 8 December 1989        On 10 December 1989 I will be in Washington and will, unfortunately, be unable to attend the Global Peace Concert in Manhattan that evening. However, … Read more →
 

Message by J.P. Grant, EXD UNICEF; For 25th of Sri Chinmoy in West; 1989 Apr 21

 

Message by J.P. Grant, EXD UNICEF; For 25th of Sri Chinmoy in West; 1989 Apr 21
Message by Mr. James P. Grant Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on the occasion of the completion of twenty-five years of exemplary services to the Indian Culture and spiritual heritage in the West by Sri Chinmoy … Read more →
 

1994 U Thant Peace Award to James Grant, Exd. UNICEF. Sep 20

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Mr. James Grant, Executive Director of UNICEF, receives the U Thant Peace Award from Sri Chinmoy as United Nations delegates and prayer leaders of various faiths look on. The presentation took place at an Interfaith Prayer Breakfast held at UNICEF …

“ Governments follow where people set the course. Certainly the Governments of Britain and France did not end colonialism . It was done by people like Mahatma Gandhi and by others who pioneered. And I myself feel that you are here very much in that same spirit and that same vein. That in particular is why I am appreciative of receiving this U Thant Peace Award from such treasured hands [Sri Chinmoy] and from such a treasured group.”  – James P. Grant, Executive Director of UNICEF

978 Benefit Runs for UNICEF and UNESCO – Bermuda and Connecticut

 

1978 Benefit Runs for UNICEF and UNESCO – Bermuda and Connecticut
On 1 (o2) January 1978, a Sri Chinmoy 10-Mile Run in benefit of UNICEF was held in Hamilton, Bermuda. The event attracted several former Olympic athletes among the 150 runners, which is believed to be the largest participation in Bermuda … Read more →
 

Moving Meditation for UN Children’s Fund – UNICEF Info. Bulletin Issue 15, 1977

 

Moving Meditation for UN Children’s Fund – UNICEF Info. Bulletin Issue 15, 1977
A service to UNICEF field offices, national committees, volunteer workers, government officials, information centres, teachers, lecturers , editors, newscasters and writers. CONTENTS — Issue Number Fifteen  1977 UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S DAY CELEBRATED AT UN HEADQUARTERS PROGRESS REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF … Read more →
 

Meditation Group & Sri Chinmoy Students Support UNICEF Gala Benifit 1977 11 Dec

 

Meditation Group & Sri Chinmoy Students Support UNICEF Gala Benifit 1977 11 Dec
There was a Gala Performance of The NUTCRACKER for the Benefit of UNICEF at the New York State Theatre, Lincoln Center New York City 11 Dec 1977 Members of the meditation Group at the UN joined with meditation teacher Sri … Read more →
 

1977 Benefits for UNICEF -: Run & Gala performance

 

1977 Benefits for UNICEF -: Run & Gala performance
On 11 December 1977 Sri Chinmoy awarded the UNICEF Cup to world-class marathon runner Dr. Norb Sander, who finished first out of 300 competitors in the Ten Mile Benefit Run for UNICEF held in New Canaan, Connecticut, on UNICEF’s 31st … Read more →
 

 

UNOPS

Concert for UNDP / OPS : Moments of Peace 1991 Jul 10

19 Jul 1991, About 50 staff members from the Office of Programme Services of the United Nations Development Programme took a lunchtime break on 10 July 1991 to attend a concert of meditative music by the Peace Meditation choir. Ms. Savita Shivaji, the OPS staff member who organised the event, meets together with a number of her colleagues for several minutes of silence for peace before each lunch hour.

Mr. Daan Everts, Assistant Administrator and Director of OPS: My predecessor referred to the singing last year as angelic, and I can say that it was the same this year.  You are bringing a message that is really important to heed. I believe that we have far too few such “moments of peace,” as you call them. We are so preoccupied with our meetings and memos and telephones that we do not take time for this kind of reflection, but it is absolutely essential. Here when I walk around the 14th and 15th floors, it is not always peaceful. It reminds me of a battleground, with the workload. But it is good to have these reminders. You turned OPS into the Office of Peace Songs. Maybe we can have more in the future. I am very grateful.   Appears in Meditation at the United Nations – 1992 Jan – Mar, Periodic Bulletin   for more on current UNOPS see : https://www.unops.org/

Nigel Fisher, AS-G, EXD of UNOPS,

“Lifting up World with Oneness Heart” Award for Nigel Fisher, AS-G, EXD of UNOPS, 2003 Nov

“Lifting up World with Oneness Heart” Award for Nigel Fisher, AS-G, EXD of UNOPS, 2003 Nov

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Introduction of Nigel Fisher, Executive Director of UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and Assistant Secretary General

18 Nov 2003,  Nigel Fisher is the Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services and Assistant Secretary General.

Mr. Fisher is highly regarded by his staff, who feel uplifted by his dynamic, responsive and accessible leadership. Before his current assignment, Mr. Fisher served as Deputy Special . Representative of the Secretary-General for Relief, Recovery and Reconstruction in Afghanistan. Mr. Fisher was Regional Director for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in South Asia from 1999-2002, and served as UNICEF’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and neighbouring countries after the events of 11 September 2001.


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Mr. Fisher worked with UNICEF for over 20 years in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, as well as at UNICEF headquarters in New York. A number of us present today, have been able to work as colleagues and observe his leadership in UNICEF and now in UNOPS.

A number of individuals from the UN, some of them who couldn’t be with us today, wanted me to mention specifically: Nigel’s ready senses of  humor even in trying circumstances. His basic compassion has made him strong advocate of the welfare of children around the world. This has had a tremendous impact on those around him in the most difficult circumstances. He has been fearless in protecting the life of staff. Sometimes those around him have felt he put himself in too much danger.

In 1998, he took leave from the UN and returned to his native Canada where, as United Nations Visiting Fellow he advised the Foreign Minister on the development of Canadian foreign policy regarding children in armed conflict and other areas.

Some of us wondered if he would return to the UN after his sabbatical, because we felt he needed a good rest from the work he had been doing and the dangers which were part of the job.

Prior to his sabbatical year in Canada, Mr. Fisher was Director of UNICEF’s Office of Emergency Programmes for three years, responsible for oversight of UNICEF’s humanitarian activities worldwide.

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During this period, he visited many of Africa’s conflict zones to advocate for child rights and respect for children. Sanyogita Sisler who is sitting here worked with him during that time. And can remember a number of stories attesting to dedication of Nigel.

In 1997, he chaired the United Nations Inter-Agency Working Group of the Secretary-General’s Executive Committee on Humanitarian Affairs, focusing on reforn and the humanitarian operations of the United Nations.

Mr. Fisher has considerable experience in advocacy for the protection of civilians, especially children.

As UNICEF Special Representative for Rwanda, he led that agency’s post-war recovery operations in the Great Lakes region of Africa. He coordinated the agency’s emergency response in the Middle East during and after the Gulf War, and initiated UNICEF-led agency operations in northern Iraq after the Gulf War.

Mr. Fisher has been UNICEF Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, and Representative in many countries of Africa, the Middle East and Asia. He is indeed an exemplary member of the United Nations family.

Mr. Fisher has worked extensively in the field of basic education and child development. He was Deputy Executive Secretary of the World Conference on Education which took place in Thailand in 1990. Snigdha Fitch, who is also sitting here has witnessed the fact that because of Nigel’s work during that time the Education awareness and effectiveness of  the related programmes increased tremendously. Nigel brought an academic approach and a practical knowledge to all his work. He s one of those rare people who can have the forward vision that is high up and can also build the practical ladders to reach those visions.

He has published in the areas of basic education, leadership, child trauma recovery, child rights and protection of children in zones of conflict. He has been a board member of several academic and other institutions in Canada, the United States and Norway, and past Honorary President of the Middle East Centre for Human Studies in Jordan.

We are delighted that Mr. Fisher has been selected to lead the United Nations Office for Project Services, and deeply honoured that he has taken the time to be with us today

UNESCO

World Harmony Concert at UNESCO Hq, Mar 28, 2006

PARIS – Sri Chinmoy offered a World Harmony concert at UNESCO headquartcrs here on March 28, 2006 which was sponsored by the Canadian Ambassador to UNESCO.Before the program, the spiritual teacher lifted UNESCO Ambassadors from eight countries, including China, Japan and Ukraine, as well as other diplomats and luminaries.Earlier that day, Sri Chinmoy held a private meeting with UNESCO’s Director-General, Koichiro Matsuura.  Photos and more text to be added as available  reported in Anahata Nada Mid Nov 2005 to Early April 2006
 

Torch relay + Interfaith Harmony encouraged by President (2009 – 2011) UNESCO General Conference

On many occasions members of the Peace Meditation group at the United Nations have assisted with coordination of Peace and Harmony Run activities and some have traveled to various countries on their vacation time to participate. 

The  Sri Chinmoy “Oneness-Home” Peace and Harmony Torch relay runs’ multi-year support for Interfaith Harmony is well documented. This was recognized and encouraged by the President (2009 – 2011) of UNESCO General Conference, Davidso Hepburn,   in his video message for the 25th Anniversary of the runs founding by Sri Chinmoy. Davidson Hepburen, had known of the various activities associated with Sri Chinmoy since he begun attending Peace Meditations at the UN in 1978 when he was his country’s ambassador.

“The World Harmony (and Peace)  Run has been welcomed by people of many different religions, beliefs and faith-based communities. It was launched by Sri Chinmoy in 1987 and even after his passing in 2007, continues to grow, advancing important ideals of UNESCO and of the entire United Nations community. Passing the Harmony Torch is a simple, tangible and powerful way to express love of one’s neighbour. Conveying this message of interfaith harmony and understanding in churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship will surely help foster a culture of peace and a growing feeling of universal oneness.”  – Davidson Hepburn message for “World Harmony and Peace Run 25th Anniversary: Toward 2022 and a Oneness-World”

(See full text and YouTube video with links to subtitles in 20 languages)

hepburn-25th-annivDr. Davidson Hepburn presenting his message for 25th Anniversary of the World Harmony Run and a vision for the next decade 2012 to 2022 and beyond.

To view with English subtitles use: http://youtu.be/maPwzfHtASQ

 

Harmony Concert, UNESCO Run Event, Art Exhibit:

Paris 26 – 27 May 2005

Some members of the Peace Meditation at the UN were able to travel to Paris for three events between 26 and 27 May 2005

HARMONY CONCERT OFFERED IN PARIS

– Sri Chinmoy offered a World Harmony Concert at Le Cirque d’Hiver the evening of May 26.
About 1,500 people attended the Paris concert.

UNESCO HOSTS HARMONY RUN PROGRAM

 -A special ceremony in connection with the World Harmony Run was held at UNESCO headquarters here on May 27. World Harmony Runners from several countries held the Harmony Torch, and Sri Chinmoy performed his spiritual music on several different instruments. Vladimir Petrovsky, the former Director-General of the United Nations in Geneva, was one of the main speakers. During the event, Sri Chinmoy dedicated his 12,000″ song to the soul of UNESCO.

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ART EXHIBIT HELD IN LOUVRE

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A day-long exhibit of Sri Chinmoy’s Jhama-Kala paintings was held in the Carrousel of the Louvre on May 27. Following an official reception, Sri Chinmoy offered a concert in an adjoining hall in connection with Oneness-Heart Tears and Smiles, the Sri Chinmoy Centre’s humanitarian aid organization. The program included a slide show and presentation describing the Centre’s humanitarian activities.

THIRTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF UNESCO OBSERVED 1981 Nov 10

The thirty fifth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization was observed by the meditation group on 10 November 1981 with a programme in the Dag Hammarskjold~ Auditorium at U.N. Headquarters in New York.

Guest speakers were Mr. Joseph A. Mehan, Chief of UNESCO’s Public Information Programme in New York, and Mr. Robert Muller, Secretary of the Economic and Social Council. Excerpts from their remarks follow.

Mr. Joseph Mehan, Public Information Officer, UNESCO Liaison Office:

I think that the baby pictures of UNESCO would probably show a son or 26 daughter of Uncle Sam look. When UNESCO was founded , there were only twenty nations in its membership, and after its first year there were forty-eight member states. It was very much a creation of Western powers.

Up to its teenage years, as so many children are wont to look like their parents, I think UNESCO maintained this look. A great deal of its programme was carried out in the developed world, which was slightly underdeveloped because of the war. In the early years UNESCO’s efforts Were directed to restoring educational systems, the scientific community and the cultural aspects of war-ravaged countries.

As happened with the whole United Nations system in the 1960s, when UNESCO was a teenager, its looks began to change. The thirty-fifth-birthday picture will show an organisation which reflects a far more global and far more diversified programme. There are now 155 member states and, needless to say, the representation of certain nations – which did not exist decades ago – is getting stronger within UNESCO.

Now the fields of activity are centred in the Third World. So, it takes a birthday to make us look back and think for a moment about the process of change that has taken place within UNESCO.

Dr. Robert Muller, Secretary, Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC); Director and Deputy to the Assistant Secretary-General, Office of the Secretariat Services for Economic and Social Matters:

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The reason why I was very eager to come and speak with you today is that I would like you to listen and perhaps give me answers that you have as a spiritual Master and spiritual seekers to something which I am observing on an increasing scale. I will put it under the title, “The Reading of Spiritual Signs.”

I am more and more convinced that we are really surrounded by and we are part of a spiritual world that goes beyond what we can see and hear. We have entered a phase of the evolution of human life on this planet where this is becoming more and more obvious. I have written about  how I woke up one morning and began unexpectedly, but quite naturally, to write about U Thant. I had no reason for doing it, but it came naturally and I did it. I continued to write about him , my thoughts about the basic kind of human relationships I had with him. When I arrived at the office an hour later, a colleague of mine came to me to say that I had lost a good friend, U Thant had died. Now how did that happen?

 I do not know what I will do tomorrow or two years from now. It will come from the outside ; it will be shown to me. These messages that come from the outside have been much better for me than whatever I could dream of myself. I believe that we have to learn to read signs. It is happening here in the United Nations, where again we are becoming a spiritual ground.

(excerpt from bu-scpmaun-1981-11-12-vol-09-n-11-12-nov-dec_Page_26-29)

UNESCO International Literacy Day celebrated with World Education 1979 Sep 04 at Meditation Group meeting

INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY, as proclaimed by UNESCO on 8 September, was marked by the meditation group with a programme held on 4 September 1979 at United Nations Headquarters. Ms. Sue Criscitiello of World Education explained the goals and techniques of the private, non-profit organisation which helps educationally disadvantaged adults and young people in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the United States. A primary goal of the organisation is to foster a sense of confidence among the learners and the belief that they do have the power to change their lives and surroundings for the better. Acquiring functional literacy is seen as only a part of the larger goal, although the drop-out rate in World Education’s literacy programmes is quite low in comparison to other programmes which are more formal. Below is a brief excerpt from Ms. Criscitiello’s talk.

Introduction

Literacy Day Began as result of the World Conference of Ministers of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy,” held under the auspices of UNESCO in 1965.

The General Conference of UNESCO at its 14th Session proclaimed September 8 as International Literacy Day. In the host country this year it will be celebrated a week from yesterday September 10, since September 8 falls on a Saturday.

We will begin our programme with a meditation lead by Sri Chinmoy who himself has is the Author of nearly 400 books which have been translated into many languages. We are happy to have with us a representative of World Education~~Ms. Sue Criscitiello

Some of you might recall that Dr. Kobes, Director of Programs for World Education INC. addressed us in March of 1978 during our programme honouring The Peace Core and International Cooperation efforts such as the UN Volunteers.

World Education is a private non-profit agency founded in 1951 to assist Literacy house in India. It provides professional assistance in non-formal education techniques and has worked in over 45 countries

Ms. Sue Criscitiello, World Education:

World Education first efforts were in India, where … Literacy House has been growing since 1951. …one thing that remains constant is our focus on learners…we have discovered that there are limits to the power of literacy.  Literacy is an educational need that goes hand-in- hand with other development needs. It must be a part of education about better health, nutrition, agriculture, sanitation and so on. And it must offer some promise of reward to the learner…. to improve their lives.

Another caution I would like to mention is that we must stop thinking of illiteracy as a problem in developing countries alone. … we have documented the extent of illiteracy in our own society.

UNESCO’s annual recognition of literacy work on September 8 gives us an opportunity to pay tribute to the work that is being done in the field of literacy. But it also gives us an opportunity to put literacy into perspective, to recognise what it means, its value and its limitations.

I would like to show you another slide show about our project in Bangladesh with the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) . This is one of our most successful projects, because we are no longer there and BRAC is not only carrying on the work that we helped to start, but is itself serving as a training centre in these kinds of educational approaches for other institutions in that country. This slide show again stresses that only as people take responsibility for their own actions, only as they realise the potential that lies within them, do we have a chance to make the world better for all of us.

– excerpt from Meditation at the UN bulletin 1980-08-27-vol-08-n-08-aug 

Sri Chinmoy receives Nehru Medallion from UNESCO

1995, UNESCO awarded Sri Chinmoy its Nehru Medallion on May 16 in recognition of his contributions toward world peace. Other recipients of the award include Indian Prime Minister Rao. The award was given in connection with the planting of a peace tree at UNESCO in honor of the Peace Run.”  https://www.srichinmoypeacemeditationatun.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Pages-from-A-Nad-Vol3-1990-2004-reduced-fs-1995-apr-jul.pdf  Pages from A-Nad-Vol3 1990-2004-reduced-fs-1995-apr-jul

Also in 1995

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1995 Pope John Paul II received the torch from Peace Run founder Sri Chinmoy at the Vatican in Rome.

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Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II used the Peace Run Torch to light the first of 1800 Beacons of Peace across Great Britain as part of the 50th V.E. Day Celebrations.

 

Sample of A special Year  Promoted by UN Organizations

International Year of the Child (IYC)

In December of 1976, the United Nations General Assembly Proclaimed 1979 as the International Year of the Child.

Honoured guests at a reception for !YC sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Panama to the U.N. at the Jharna-Kala Gallery (left to right); Ms. Nina Sibal, First Secretary. Permanent Mission of lndia to the U.N.; H.E. Mr. Alejandro D. Yango. Permanent Representattive of the Philippines; Sra. Emilia Castro de Barish, Alternate Permanent Representatiue of Costa Rica; H.E. Ms. Ana Esther de la Maza Vasquez, Alternate Representative of the Dominican Republic; H. E. Dr. J. E. lllueca, Permanent Representative of Panama; Sri Chinmoy; Mr. Seigfeld Wemers, Permanent Mission of Surinam (in background); Dr. Omar Jaen, Delegation of Panama; Lic. Pedro Briln Martinez, Delegation of Panama; Ms. Maryanne Nsubuga, Charge d ‘Affaires . a.i., Permanent Mission of Seycelles; Mr. Williams, Delegation of Panama; and H.E. Mr. E. Esquea-Guerrero, Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic to the U.N.

The Honourable Geraldine Ferraro, Congresswoman from New York: – at the USA National Visitor Center Wash DC, Programme to honour the International Year of the Child, 23 May,1979 .

A number of activities were undertaken by the Meditation Group at the UN under the leadership of Sri Chinmoy and by members of the Sri Chinmoy Centers NGO around the world in cooperation with local governments and other organizations to show support for the IYC. This was a wonderful experience for a number of individuals who later became involved in supporting other special events such as: the 40th anniversary of the UN in 1985; the International Year of Peace in 1986 and subsequent initiatives such as the World Harmony and Peace runs. Link to more details  below:

A. Excerpts from UN GA resolutions and other official documents (e.g. UNESCO, UNICEF ) requesting NGO and public involvement in IYC.

A. Excerpts from UN GA resolutions and other official documents (e.g. UNESCO, UNICEF ) requesting NGO and public involvement in IYC. 

General Assembly Resolution 31/169. 

Excerpt : The General Assembly, ...Convinced that an international year of the child could serve to encourage all countries to review their programmes for the promotion of the well-being of children and to mobilize support for national and local action programmes according to each country’s conditions, needs and priorities,…Bearing in mind that the year 1979 will be the twentieth anniversary of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child’” and could serve as an occasion to promote further its implementation,…Aware that, for an international year of the child to be effective, adequate preparation and the widespread support of Governments, non-governmental organization and the public will be required,

1. Proclaims the year 1979 International Year of the Child;

2. Decides that the International Year of the Child should have the following general objectives:  (a) To provide a framework for advocacy on behalf of children and for enhancing the awareness of the special needs of children on the part of decisionmakers and the public;…5. Designates the United Nations Children’s Fund as the lead agency of the United Nations system responsible for co-ordinating the activities of the International Year of the Child,…; 6. Invites non-governmental organizations and the public to participate actively in the International Year of the Child and to co-ordinate their programmes for the Year as fully as possible, especially at the national level;   106th plenary meeting – 21 December 1976

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UNESCO issued a poster, The Boy with the Dove, the work of the Cuban painter René Portocarrero.

International Year of the Child  In 1959, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. Twenty years later, this Magna Carta for children’s rights was still in abeyance, if not entirely violated.  In order to remind the world at large and rally public opinion, 1979 was proclaimed International Year of the Child. UNESCO issued a poster, The Boy with the Dove, the work of the Cuban painter René Portocarrero. This gouache joins the posters of Sonia Delaunay and Joan Miró in the series Artists in Support of UNESCO’s Activities.

 

UNICEF History – How IYC began and Surprising Results For a well written historical and sourced overview of the International Year of the Child (IYC) , including its first modest proposal, initial opposition even within the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Country Delegations, growing acceptance, grass roots organization, unique achievements and long-term legacy see Chapter Fifteen “THE YEAR OF THE CHILD” in Margie Black’s book “THE CHILDREN AND THE NATIONS”: Download 29 Pages in PDF format: http://www.unicef.org/about/history/files/Child-Nation-M-Black-Ch15-p353-377-year-or-child.pdf

B. Meditation Group held UNCEF Bazaar in UN Secretariat for IYC – Opened by ASG for IYC – Oct 1977

On 31 October 1977 the Meditation Group held a Bazaar at UN New York Headquarters in honour of the International Year of the Child. Leader of the group, Sri Chinmoy, offered a silent meditation for the success of the I.Y.C. which has been declared for 1979.   Dr. Aldaba-Lim, Assistant Secretary-General, Special Representative for the IYC, then spoke and cut the ribbon to open the Bazaar. Members of the Meditation Group sang Sri Chinmoy’s song dedicated to UNICEF. which has been requested by the General Assembly to act as the coordinating agency for the activities of the IYC.

Dr. Lim cuts the ribbon to open the Bazaar (above) and graciously offers the decoration to Sri Chinmoy

Dr. Lim cuts the ribbon to open the Bazaar (above) and graciously offers the decoration to Sri Chinmoy (below) .

 

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Dr. Estefania Aldaba-Lim. Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative for the International Year of the Child:  Sri Chinmoy, my dear friends in the United Nations and members of the Meditation Group, good morning. I am not going to speak very long. I just want to say how greatly I appreciate this invitation to join you on this very important occasion to raise funds for children of the world, especially children of the developing world, for which UNICEF, as you all know perhaps better than I do, has worked for all these years.

I know of what I speak for I have seen UNICEF in action in the little villages in th e Philippines and many other parts of Asia . For there the cents and the dollars which you contribute from these kinds of th ings that you have held throughout the years have gone to feeding children, not just ten,twenty or fifty, but hundreds of children, sometimes thousands of children, who probably would never have been able to receive food from their own families.  Often their parents cannot afford to give them even a glass of milk for all their lives, their poverty is so great.

This occasion takes on greater significance for several reasons. First,you are doing it in honour of the International Year of the Child, a declaration of the United Nations which will make 1979 the Year of the Child. And it is hoped that you and I from now on will continue to join hands, not only today, but in the years to come, in the next few years and thereafter, to make a better world for children, not only in the poor countries but even in the rich countries. For the International Year of the Child is not only for the poor, but as well for the rich countries of the world, for all the children of the world, to make everyone aware-rich parents and poor parents alike – of the special needs of children wherever they are, to maximize their development -psychological, emotional, cultural, moral and social development.

Therefore, on behalf of my colleagues in the UNICEF Secretariat here, as well as in the Secretariat of Geneva, I would like to say that the International Year of the Child is all gratitude to you for participating in today’s fund-raising. We shall ever be grateful to you and we hope that this is not the last time that you will be concerned for children-that your concern is not only for this month, not only for this year, but in the years to come. Thank you very. very much.

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C. Presentation of  painting dedicated to IYC by Representative of  Government of India and world tour to raise awareness of IYC

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D. Programme for IYC at the USA National Visitor Center in Washington DC. Guest Speakers Representative Geraldine Ferraror, USA Parks Dept.

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E. Dedication of IYC in Washington DC Park and Garden in California

F. Reception for UN Ambassadors at Gallery in Manhattan in support of IYC, Hosted by the Permanent Representative of Panama to the United Nations.

INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE CHILD CELEBRATED AT THE JHARNA-KALA GALLERY

The evening of 14 August 1979, the Mission of the Republic of Panama to the United Nations and the Meditation Group at the United Nations sponsored a reception in commemoration of the International Year of the Child, which was held at the Jharna-Kala Gallery on Madison Avenue.

Distinguished speakers from varied Permanent Missions offered brief remarks on the spirit behind the Year of the Child as well as expressions of solidarity and their commitment to the world’s children. The Jhama-Kala Gallery was at the time displaying among its collection the painting created as a special tribute to the Year of the Child by Sri Chinmoy. The programme also included the performance of Sri Chinmoy’s song. “This Is My Year, ”  by a children’s choir and the Meditation Group Choir. Excerpts from the programme follow.

His Excellency Dr. Jorge E. Illueca, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Panama to the United Nations:

Ladies and gentlemen; it gives me great pleasure in the name of the sponsors of this event to greet all of you and to express how much we appreciate your participation in this programme to commemorate the International Year of the Child.

I also wish to express our appreciation to the Jharna-Kala Foundation for the generous hospitality extended to us in the inspiring atmosphere of this art gallery, illuminated by the light of candor and joy of childhood that comes from the beautiful painting of Sri Chinmoy, as a supreme manifestation of mankind’s oneness with the cause of the International Year of the Child

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G. Song Dedicated to IYC and Children’s Contest

IYC Song .”This Is My Year”: National Champs

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CHILDREN’S CHOIR CONTESTS – THOUSANDS SING FOR IYC

Thousands of children across the globe sang in celebration of their Year, in children’s choir contests conducted in conjunction with October U.N. Day activities. “This Is My Year” by Sri Chinmoy was chosen by the organizers of the competition, who invited choirs to enter their cassette tape recordings of the piece.

First place winners in the contests were the Fifth Grade Choir at Canton Street School in Wharton, Texas, U. S.A. andthe Junction Park Primary School Choir in Brisbane, Australia.

Photo of National Champions:  Fifth Grade Choir at Canton Street School, Wharton, Texas.

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IYC Song .”This Is My Year”: National Champions: The Fifth. Grade Choir at Canton Street School, Wharton, Texas

 Selected quotes from teachers whose choirs participated, as well as the music.for “This Is My Year.”

“Concerning- the music of This Is My Year. I thought the words were very relevant to today’s children . I felt that the song was a good learning  and a very renewing experience for the children .. .  I felt like the song had a good spirit to it. The children enjoyed it very much.   “We thank you for letting us have the chance in this competition. We feel that if we do not win , at least we have tried and we have expanded with the children’s knowledge that this is their year and that we are try ing to do something new and enriching and special for them.”  – Bonita S. Reed, James R. Allen School, Brandenburg, Kentucky

“Thank you so much for the use of this music. It is a pleasure to be involved in something as global and worthwhile as this project. With regard to the text – well, all I can say is that it was written by someone with the greatest insight and understanding possible.”
– Kay Bollom, Canton Street Elementary School,Wharton , Texas

“My congratulations to Mr. Chinmoy for creating an excellent song . This has been a n educational experience for all of us. We have enjoyed learning  and performing this special song for a special year.  The text and the music complement each other very well . . . Expressive and always interesting.”  – Nancy B. Wenger, Northside Elementary School
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

“The work is commendable beyond my ability to express. George I. Howdyshell
Lancaster , Ohio

 

This is My Year 1979-iyc

Copyright © 2011 Sri Chinmoy  – All rights reserved under Creative Commons license 3.0

http://www.srichinmoysongs.com/song/view/this-is-my-year-this-is-my-year-i-am/12616/?book=56

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H. Related UN Day, Proclamations, Athletic and other events around the world

30 April -Meditation Group choir invited to perform in a celebration of the International Ycar of the Child, held in Riverside Church in Manhattan

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Note on top Image.

Taken from the lapel pin produced by the UNICEF National Committee in the Philippines to show support for the International Year of the Child. Pin personally presented to members of the Meditation Group by the then UNICEF Representative in the Philippines. Years later when sincerely admired by James Grant who had since become the Executive Director of UNICEF, he was offered the pin by the staff member from his jacket. He said, no you should keep it. You have worn if for so many years, I know you will protect it. With my travel it will eventually be lost if I accept it. James Grant supported the IYC as a representative of national government to Executive Board of UNICEF before he became UNICEF Executive Director.

 

UN Year of the Child (IYC): Summary of Peace Meditation involvement 1977 & 79

B. Meditation Group & UNICEF Bazaar for Year of Child – SUMMARY & IYC ASG Opens – 1977 Oct

D. IYC at USA National Visitor Center Wash DC; Speakers Rep. Geraldine Ferraror, USA Parks Dept.

F. Reception for UN Ambassadors at Gallery in Manhattan in support of IYC, Hosted by Perm.Rep. of Panama to UN

 

G. Song Dedicated to IYC and Children’s Contest -1979

etc

H. Related UN Day, Proclamations, Athletic and other IYC events around world

This is in section 3-05 Country – Regions:  UN CELEBRATES AFRICAN SPIRIT

14 Sep 1988, UN staff, delegates and NGO representatives celebrated the spirit of the African people on 14 September. (to condense)

The lunchtime programme, sponsored by Sri Chinmoy: the Peace Meditation at the United Nations, began with an introduction to the economic situation in Africa by Salim Lone of DPIs Africa Recovery office. Mr. Lone recounted how widespread drought and famine on the continent prompted the 1986 Special Session on African Recovery. Mr. Lone pointed out why national or regional reforms alone could not alleviate the depressed situation.

”In spite of all limitations”, the African people have the “courage, strength and vitality to live”, noted featured speaker Nana Apeadu, a Ghanaian and Chairperson of the PanAfrican Human Rights Organization. With anecdotes that brought smiles of acknowledgement to many faces in the audience, Mrs. Apeadu described the sharing spirit, especially in the extended family, that supports many Africans through ongoing crises. She also emphasized the role of African women and the “inner belief in a higher power”. She emphasized the all-important role the proper observance of human rights has in alleviating the refugee problem and preventing the loss of crucial human resources from Africa through the brain drain. Commenting from the audience, Banke Akerele of UNIFEM said, ‘1t takes real spirit to live under these conditions and not be part of the exodus. It is this spirit that keeps the continent alive.