Approximately 60 people attended, some from UN Missions, an Under Secretary-General, and representatives of UN agencies, departments and offices, including UNESCO, UNICEF, and the Alliance of Civilizations.  From the 35 NGOs present there were a variety of religious traditions, including Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Baha’i, Soka Gakkai, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, Methodist, Unitarian, Universalist, Quakers, Humanist, Tibetan Buddism, and more. Among those present was Bill Vendley, Secretary General of the World Conference on Religions for Peace. The gathering boasted citizens of many nations as well: Philippines, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, Zambia, Indonesia, Argentina, Iraq, Germany, USA, Spain and others. We also had a special treat: eight singers from the Zambian Vocal Group inspired everyone with their close harmonies and great hearts. 

Zambian Vocal Group

The Zambian guests realized that the Millennium Development Goals address the causes they champion back home, where they have an orphanage for AIDS orphans. They were also moved to see the emphasis on primary education, explaining that in their region 1,000 children show up on the first day of school – only to have all but 200 turned away. (Samples of their music are at http://www.zambianvocalgroup.com.)

After the guests helped themselves to the hot buffet, Carol Zinn, a URI UN Representative, led a sacred opening. Candles were passed around each table and lit together. Betsy Stang, a longtime URI member, said a brief blessing for the food.
Following remarks from URI’s Deborah Moldow and Monica Willard about the extraordinary opportunity of the MDGs to dramatically reduce human suffering in the next 15 years, the “work” of the luncheon meeting began.

After an explanation of the AI technique, the guests engaged in a deep listening with one another. The three AI questions for each pair were:
1.Tell me a little about yourself and what attracted you to this discussion today?
2. What insights and/or wisdom from faith traditions have you seen in your work to advance the MDGs?
3. How do you think could interfaith partnerships could inspire and empower the achievement of the MDGs?

Seven tables plunged into deep conversation as the Appreciative process worked its magic. Carol guided the process until all the tables had given their final reports. The room was a transformed space, with new friends exchanging business cards and many not wanting to leave.

Here is one moving report:

“Listening to the voices from the sacred heart, peace-building firsthand with Mohammed with us from Iraq, erasing barriers of organizations causing separation, and working for the highest good and equal respect of all, allowing peace to be realized as real upon earth.” Mohammed Mohammed Ali, from the Al-Hakim Foundation, explained that no civil society organizations were permitted under Saddam Hussein, but that since the end of his regime more than 2,000 NGOs have emerged, trying to find their way to partnerships and civic empowerment.

It was valuable for the NGOs to have time for conversation with UN Mission representatives and staff. Mr. Leslie Gatan of the Philippine Mission was a strong leader in helping to form the Tripartite Forum on Interfaith Cooperation for Peace, which included governments, civil society, and religious leaders.

Many participants commented afterwards that they found the AI technique, which was unfamiliar to them, to be very effective. We were quite gratified by this, since it was highly experimental to ask ambassadors and UN personnel to join in the Appreciative Inquiry.

We concluded by standing together and visioning a world of love and caring, reaching out to one another across the globe. All repeated together, “May Peace Prevail on Earth!”

Mr. Abraham Joseph, in charge of partnership initiatives at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs and several of our NGO colleagues commented on how much they appreciated the luncheon, and particularly the rare time to spend together in conversation from the heart.  We knew that our guests had experienced the spirit of the United Religions Initiative – and that they were nourished by it in the same way that URI nourishes all of us.

Some of the other comments received:

Thank you so much for the unique luncheon yesterday afternoon. I had never heard of URI before and am happy for the chance to get to know it. Cecile Meijer, Religions of the Sacred Heart

It was great to participate at the lunch yesterday. I agree with Carol Zinn that it is important to have these open spaces to dialogue and to start to build bridges/partnerships. Denise Scotto - International Federation of Women Lawyers

Oh, the luncheon was grand for my soul. Thanks and many blessings. Martha Gallahue - The National Service Conference of the American Ethical Union