NGO Committee at UN Probes Consciousness, Science and Spirit

New York, United States – The NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns-New York (CSVGC-NY) organized a UN High-Level Political Forum in New York on July 17, 2025, focused on "advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda." The event, “Beyond 2030: Consciousness, Science, and Spirit for an Ethical Future,” featured leading voices in science, spirituality, and systems innovation, exploring how expanded consciousness can guide humanity toward a sustainable and ethical future.

Universal Peace Federation is a member of CSVGC-NY at the United Nations, represented by Ms. Keiko White as treasurer.

The panel of speakers from diverse backgrounds emphasized the need for a transformation rooted in inner awareness, ethical responsibility, and collective healing. Mr. Danilo Parmegiani, chair of the committee and representative of the Legion of Good Will at the UN, offered opening remarks, followed by a meditation led by Ms. Sabita Geer, vice chair of the committee and representative of Brahma Kumaris at the UN.

In his brief opening remarks, Amb. Anwarul Chowdhury, former permanent representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations, suggested that the next UN secretary-general should be a woman. Participants considered that this would need a shift in consciousness.

Dr. William Keepin, mathematical physicist and co-founder of the Gender Reconciliation International Project, explored the convergence of quantum science and spiritual wisdom. Drawing on the theories of David Bohm and Bell’s Theorem, Dr. Keepin explained that “the strongest evidence to date of the interconnectedness of the cosmos” lies in quantum entanglement and the fractal structure of reality. 

Dr. Keepin emphasized, “Oneness with the infinite Divine is real, as evidenced in multiple religious texts,” citing teachings from Taoist and Sufi traditions: “You are not just a drop from the infinite ocean … You are the infinite ocean, contained in a single drop.”

Ms. Gayatri Naraine, representative of Brahma Kumaris at the UN, emphasized the urgent need for a shift in collective consciousness to meet the UN’s post-2030 vision. “We are 8 billion people, and transformation will accelerate when we understand the inner source of our actions – our intentions, our ego, and our willingness to serve,” she said.

Ms. Narraine warned that sustainability is not just a matter of policy but of inner alignment: “The great stumbling block for sustainable development at this time is the ego and the possessiveness of the mind.” She urged a return to values of humility, harmony with nature, and altruistic service: “We are all caretakers of the world. Consume less. Share more. Live more in harmony with nature.”

Mr. Grant Storry, philosopher-builder and tech entrepreneur, introduced a new leadership paradigm called “healership.” Integrating consciousness and emerging technologies, Mr. Storry called for the development of ethical AI and regenerative systems: “Love is not just an emotion; it is a universal frequency that drives coherence, regeneration, and change.” He emphasized that it is not only what technology does, but how it is created and rooted in human values that determines its impact.

Mr. Ramu Damodaran, permanent observer of the University for Peace to the United Nations, served as moderator. He reflected on the need for system-wide coherence at the global level: “At the UN, we are striving for coherence, but this conversation reminds us that trust and change also begin within.” He praised the panel for connecting institutional efforts with the spiritual qualities that lie within each individual.

This dynamic gathering reaffirmed that transforming systems requires transforming selves, and that any sustainable future must be rooted not only in scientific knowledge but also in the timeless wisdom of inner consciousness, compassion, and collective stewardship.

The event was brought to a serene closing with the sacred music of the harp performed by Ms. Kyoko Kimura, certified healing harpist.

 

By Genie Kagawa, UPF-UN Office Representative July 17, 2025