Kosmos Co-sponsored Event | Anchoring the Spirit of Peace
by Dot Maver, PhD
Each year on September 21st, the UN International Day of Peace (IDP) calls for a ceasefire around the world as we recognize our shared responsibility to build infrastructures for peace – in our hearts and in our world – in order to live in harmonious relationship with self, others and all life.
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
(image) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s 2015 IDP message urged the mobilization of humanity in fulfillment of this year’s theme:
“This year’s International Day of Peace comes at a time of deadly violence and destabilizing conflicts around the world. Rather than succumbing to despair, we have a collective responsibility to demand an end to the brutality and impunity that prevail.
I call on all warring parties to lay down their weapons and observe a global ceasefire. To them I say: stop the killings and the destruction, and create space for lasting peace.
Although it may seem hopelessly distant, the dream of peace pulses in the lives of people everywhere. There is no group more poised to help realize this dream than today’s young people. They are part of the largest generation of youth in history, more aware and connected than any before. I urge all governments to make greater investments in realizing the potentially massive contributions of the world’s young peacebuilders.
At the same time, we need to mobilize all partners who share the goal of peace. Non-governmental organizations, faith-based groups and corporations all have a role to play in fostering social progress, protecting the environment and creating a more just, stable and peaceful world. The value of this collaboration is our theme for the Day: ‘Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All.’
We live at a moment of peril – but this is also an era of great promise. In a matter of days, leaders from across the globe will gather at the United Nations to adopt the 2030 agenda, our 15-year plan to achieve sustainable development. This is fundamental to ushering in a life of dignity for all, where poverty is history and peace is paramount.
On the International Day, as we mark the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, let us seize the opportunity achieve the Organization’s founding purpose: to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.”
In honor of the 2015 IDP with the theme “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All,” Kosmos Journal co-sponsored a gathering at the Nicholas Roerich Museum in New York City on Sunday, September 20th. This event titled: ANCHORING THE SPIRIT OF PEACE: A Gathering of Souls Honoring the Spiritual Foundations of the U.N. International Day of Peace, included music by Rick Ulfik, We The World, and Scarlet Rivera playing the World Peace Violin.
Those gathered included representatives of worldwide organizations affiliated with the United Nations, along with artists, musicians and spiritual leaders. All were aware of the failure of major systems across the planet, yet held the hope that these breakdowns may be the source of an all-systems breakthrough. Perhaps Nicholas Roerich whose paintings are featured at the Museum said it best, “You and We ~ here together in spirit. One Temple for all ~ for all, One God. Manifold worlds dwell in the Abode of the Almighty, and the Holy Spirit soars throughout. The Renovation of the World will come ~ the prophecies will be fulfilled. People will arise and build a New Temple.”
The International Day of Peace is a unique opportunity for people around the world to hold a shared focus on peace, including a widely observed Minute of Silence at 12 noon in all time zones. The event at the Roerich Museum offered a moment to prepare for this special day by sharing both deep contemplation and practical intentions for building a culture of peace, while surrounded by the artworks of a visionary master.
May Peace Prevail on Earth.
(image) Madonna Oriflamma, a painting created in 1932 to promote the Roerich Pact.
(image) Rev. Patrick McCollum, creator of the World Peace Violin; violinist, Scarlet Rivera
(image) Kosmos Project Director, Dot Maver, Ph.D. is a visionary peacebuilder whose keynote is inspiring cooperation on behalf of the common good. In addition to her work at Kosmos, She is a Founding Trustee of the National Peace Academy USA, and is a founder and board member of the Global Alliance for Ministries and Infrastructures of Peace, and the River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding. Her work in education, politics and grassroots community organizing is focused on applied peacebuilding utilizing a shared responsibility and shared leadership model. She serves on the board of the Nicholas Roerich Museum in NYC. Dot also serves on the United Nations International Day of Peace NGO Education Peace Team, the International Cities of Peace Advisory Council and is a World Business Academy Fellow.
