UN special event: conference on 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', New York

NEW YORK CITY: 10 October 2023

An International Conference on 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' took place at the United Nations HQ in New York, USA.

Sri Swami Madhavananda World Peace Council (SSMWPC) representative Kripadevi, attended this significant conference, which was hosted by the Permanent Mission of India at the UN (IPM) and the Indian Council For Cultural Relations.

The ancient principle of vasudhaiva kutumbakam, as depicted in the Maya Upanishad, means: 'the world is one family'. This notion is recognised as a necessity for the global community to adopt, in order to come together as one family, preserve life on the planet and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of the SDG 2030 Agenda.

Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative to the UN, delivered the opening remarks at the event.

Mr Dennis Francis, President of the UN General Assembly, stated in his address the importance of unity and solidarity in these challenging times and highlighted that this theme of 'one world, one family' resonates with the need for global support.

Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President of the Indian Council For Cultural Relations, delivered the keynote speech, underscoring the significance of vasudhaiva kutumbakam in India's multilateral approach.

The application of the vasudhaiva kutumbakam concept was explored in two panel discussions: one concerning International Peacekeeping Forces; and the second – climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution.

The moderator of the conference was Denise Scotto, who serves as Chair of the International Day of Yoga Committee at the UN, with whom the SSMWPC holds an active participation role.