Healing and Protecting the Earth
Flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, and weather anomalies are occurring across the globe; and pollution compromises air, water, crops, and other resources essential for human existence. An immediate threat—COVID-19—illustrates the dangers zoonotic diseases, which are spread through deforestation and encroachment of commercial development into natural habitats. Immediate change and solutions are critical.
Christopher Peters (Puhlik-lah/Karuk)
Hugh Locke is president and co-founder of the Smallholder Farmers Alliance, a non-profit working with small-scale family farmers to help feed and reforest a renewed Haiti, and founder and president of the Impact Farming Foundation, which is using a social business approach to transform smallholder farmers into a global force to combat climate change, improve food security and empower women.
Climate and Environment
Flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, and weather anomalies are occurring across the globe; and pollution compromises air, water, crops, and other resources essential for human existence. An immediate threat—COVID-19—illustrates the dangers zoonotic diseases, which are spread through deforestation and encroachment of commercial development into natural habitats. Immediate change and solutions are critical.
Dispelling the Fairytale Myth of Global Agriculture as a Battle Between Good and Evil
Hugh Locke, President of the Smallholder Farmer's Alliance of Haiti offers an analysis of a New York Times guest essay, "Sorry, but This is the Future of Food" by journalist and author Michael Grunwald.
Engaging Smallholder Farmers in Haiti
In an article entitled, “Engaging Smallholder Farmers in Haiti”, IAMC International Advisory Council member Hugh Locke provides an overview of the efforts of The Smallholder Farmer’s Alliance in Haiti.
Haitian-led Agricultural Taskforce Announced
A new Lavi Ti-Plantè Taskforce (“Farmer’s Life Taskforce”) was announced on October 13th as part of a White House Roundtable on Haiti.
Farmer-led Earthquake Recovery Effort in Haiti Needs Your Help
The quake struck the southern area of the country, causing significant destruction, more than 2,200 deaths, and devastating rural parts of Haiti where some of the region’s poorest people live and work.
FEEDING THE FUTURE: The Story of the Smallholder Farmers Alliance
Smallholder farmers comprise one-third of the world's population and hold the key to food security and reversing environmental degradation. The film will show the remarkable reforestation of Haiti through the use of trees as "currency" which smallholder farmers plant in exchange for better quality seeds, equipment, and training, and the regeneration of cotton production in Haiti, at one time one of the world's largest exporters of cotton.
Lessons From A Smallholder Farming Revolution in Haiti
The Smallholder Farmers Alliance (SFA) has developed a new sustainable agroforestry model that helps to feed and reforest a renewed Haiti by supporting smallholder farmers to become more productive and profitable, while at the same time helping to restore the environment through organic practices and tree planting.
Timberland and the Smallholder Farmers Alliance: Creating a Data-Driven Smallholder Cotton Supply Chain in Haiti
Global outdoor lifestyle brand Timberland has established a partnership with the non-profit Smallholder Farmers Alliance (SFA) in Haiti to completely reimagine the cotton supply chain and create a new system for producing cotton that maximizes benefits to smallholder farmers and export customers. The new supply chain is built around next-generation data and aims to be blockchain-ready.
The Man of the Trees: A Pioneer Environmentalist’s Vision for the Future
Hugh and Paul will share stories from the life of an extraordinary pioneer of the environmentalist movement, Richard St. Barbe Baker. One hundred years ago, Baker foresaw and warned the world about the emerging environmental crisis—and offered solutions that are only now being appreciated and applied. Baker’s work as a forester and conservationist paralleled his activities as an early member of the Baha’i Faith, a faith that provided inspiration for his ceaseless efforts to conserve and restore the world’s forests.
Navigating the Double Epoch: Thoughts on Changing Humanity's Current Plot Line
More than once during this past wild year of pandemic, politics and protest, I have been reminded of ancient Greek tragedies which often got so chaotic, and plot lines so complicated, they seemed insoluble. When a performance arrived at this seeming impasse, action would stop and a new character playing a deity would arrive via a crane or atop a platform that was either wheeled on stage or rose up from a trapdoor. This device became known by the Latin deus ex machina, which translates literally as, “god from the machine.” …
Voices of Hope for Haiti’s Future
What is one thing you and your organization or business have initiated since the 2010 earthquake that you feel will continue to have a positive impact and which gives you hope for Haiti’s future?
Half the Sky, Half the Land: The Role of Women Farmers in Transforming Global Agriculture
The Role of Women Farmers in Transforming Global Agriculture
Timberland Case Study: Supply Chain Mutuality with Blockchain
Atlanta McIlwraith, Senior Manager, Community Engagement and Communications, Timberland, and Hugh Locke, President and Cofounder, Smallholder Farmers Alliance, and President, Impact Farming
Tree Currency and the Smallholder Impact Farming Revolution
Hugh Locke, President & Co-Founder of the Smallholder Farmers Alliance in Haiti has found a way to turn trees into a form of currency that has helped thousands of smallholder farmers in Haiti to finance their way out of extreme poverty while at the same time combatting climate change, contributing to improved food security and empowering women.
Kombit: The Cooperative
This documentary film by Found Object tells the story of how the Smallholder Farmers Alliance in Haiti came into being through an innovative partnership with global outdoors brand Timberland.
The Haiti Experiment
The Haiti Experiment is Hugh Locke’s fascinating and heartwarming account of his efforts to help the people of this impoverished nation.
Christopher Peters (Puhlik-lah/Karuk)
Dr. Charles McNeill is Senior Advisor on Forests & Climate to UN Environment (UNEP) and responsible for global forest protection and restoration programs, including the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative.
Climate and Environment
Flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, and weather anomalies are occurring across the globe; and pollution compromises air, water, crops, and other resources essential for human existence. An immediate threat—COVID-19—illustrates the dangers zoonotic diseases, which are spread through deforestation and encroachment of commercial development into natural habitats. Immediate change and solutions are critical.
Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: June 2024
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update forJune 2024 includes information on activities in Brazil, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, and Peru.
Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update March/April 2024
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update for March and April 2024 includes information on activities in Brazil, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, North Kivu, and Peru.
Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update January/February 2024
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update for January and February 2024 includes information on activities in Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, and Peru.
Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update October 2023
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update for October 2023 includes information on activities in Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, and Peru.
Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: September 2023
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update for September 2023 includes information on activities in Brazil, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, and Peru.
Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: August 2023
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update for August 2023 includes information on activities in Brazil, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, and Peru.
Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: July 2023
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update for July 2023 includes information on activities in Brazil, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, and Peru.
IRI at the Amazon Summit
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative joins the leaders of the eight Amazon rainforest nations to address the challenges faced by the rainforest. IRI s involved in several programs at the "Amazon Summit" in Brazil.
Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: Second Quarter, 2023
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update for the second quarter, 2023 includes information on activities in Brazil, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, and Peru.
Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: First Quarter 2023
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update for the first quarter, 2023 includes information on activities in Brazil, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, and Peru.
Tropical Forests and Biodiversity
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative publication, "Tropical Forests and Biodiversity" is an issues primer for religious leaders and faith communities.
Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: November and December 2022
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update for November and December 2022 includes information on activities in Brazil, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, and Peru.
Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: October 2022
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative provided updates on activities in Brazil, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Peru.
Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: September 2022
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative provided updates on activities in Brazil, Columbia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Peru
Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: June 2022
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative provided updates of activities in Brazil, Columbia, Indonesia, and Peru.
Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: April-May 2022
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative provided updates of activities in Brazil, Columbia and Peru.
IRI Bulletin June-July 2021
The IRI Bulletin includes news on the following topics: IRI DRC holds workshops, develops actions with chapters in Ituri and Equateur. IRI DRC meets with the European Union’s Directorate General for International Partnerships. IRI Colombia’s local chapters make progress in the fulfillment of their action plans. IRI Peru launches national issue primer on forest reforestation as contribution to UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: A Primer on Deforestation For Religious Leaders and Faith Communities
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a forest-rich nation in a forest-rich region. Central Africa’s Congo Basin, an expanse that hosts the second largest tropical rainforest in the world, spans ten countries, including the DRC. Almost two-thirds of the Basin’s forests—and ten percent of the world’s tropical rainforests—lie within the DRC. More than half of the country is blessed with forest cover, which includes peat-swamp forests, mountain forests and mangroves. DRC’s extensive forests are home to extraordinary biodiversity, some of which is found nowhere else on Earth.
RESTAURATION DES FORÊTS GUÉRIR LES FORÊTS TROPICALES POUR UN RENOUVEAU SPIRITUEL
La restauration des paysages forestiers par le biais des plantation d'arbres, de la collecte et de la propagation de graines, de l'agroforesterie et de nombreuses autres méthodes de restauration offre un moyen de récupérer certaines des fonctions essentielles des forêts qui ont été perdues à cause de la déforestation et de la dégradation généralisées. Elle peut également être une opportunité pour un rétablissement et un renouvellement spirituels tout en retissant le lien que nous avons avec les écosystèmes forestiers.
Introducing IRI Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Congo Basin is home to the second largest rainforest in the world. About 60% of this forest lies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) covering more than 90 million hectares. Forest cover in DRC stores 7% of the world’s forest carbon—making it one of the largest forest carbon stocks in the world. It is made up of vast peatland spread over five of its twenty-six provinces and is home to forest elephants, the okapi and over 1,000 bird species. DRC’s forests also host more primates than any other country, including three species of Great Apes: gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos.
IRI DRC Animation Video (English subtitles)
Introducing the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative country program in DRC
IRI Indonesia Animation Video (English subtitles)
Introducing the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative country program in Indonesia
Introducing IRI Indonesia
Introducing IRI Indonesia - The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Indonesia brings together religious leaders and faith communities from across the country to defend forests and the rights of those that serve as their guardians.
FOREST RESTORATION: Healing Tropical Rainforests For Spiritual Renewal
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative (IRI) has issued a publication addressing the fundamental role faith communities can take in restoring and protecting tropical rainforests.
IRI Colombia: A Primer on Deforestation for Religious Leaders and Faith Communities
Colombia has the world’s eighth-largest forest cover and is the second most biodiverse country on Earth. It is home to 10% of the planet’s species of flora and fauna, including one fifth of the world’s bird species. Nearly half the country’s forests are designated as indigenous territories and are home to 102 indigenous communities. More than 90% of the population in Colombia identifies as having a religious faith.
IRI Bulletin 25 March 2021
IRI-Colombia delivers trainings and 2021 action plans with all 36 local chapters, IRI-Peru holds electoral dialogues on forests, IRI-Indonesia launches provincial chapter in Riau.
IRI Peru Animation Video (English subtitles)
Introducing the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative country program in Peru
Resource Guide on Rainforest Protection for Religious Communities
To mark World Environment Day, the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative has launched a Resource Guide on Rainforest Protection for Religious Communities...
Forests and Pandemics: How Protecting Tropical Forests Can Prevent Coronaviruses and Other Emerging Diseases
Tropical forests are being destroyed at alarming rates around the world, driving climate change and biodiversity loss, and intensifying poverty.
IRI Colombia animation - ENG subtitles
Introducing the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative country program in Colombia.
Interfaith Rainforest Initiative
Visit the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Website
Christopher Peters (Puhlik-lah/Karuk)
Reverend Dr. Upolu Luma Vaai is Principal and head of Theology and Ethics at Pacific Theological College in Suva, Fiji. He is a Fijian theologian and Pacific indigenous philosopher, specializing in Pacific relationality, eco-relational theology, decolonizing education, and relational hermeneutics. He is known for his research in Pacific indigenous philosophies and spirituality, theology, and climate change.
Climate and Environment
Flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, and weather anomalies are occurring across the globe; and pollution compromises air, water, crops, and other resources essential for human existence. An immediate threat—COVID-19—illustrates the dangers zoonotic diseases, which are spread through deforestation and encroachment of commercial development into natural habitats. Immediate change and solutions are critical.
The Gift of Aloha (Love) Pacific Islanders and Indigenous Peoples Share Their Sacred Values
Audrey Kitagawa, Founder & President of the International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation (IAMC), moderated a webinar, “The Gift of Aloha (Love) Pacific Islanders and Indigenous Peoples Share Their Sacred Values,” as part of World Interfaith Harmony Week on February 19, 2022. The event brought together experts from the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean — New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Hawai’i, and the indigenous Karuk tribe of Northern California — who shared how the sacred values of their indigenous traditions guide their communities through their unique challenges.
Ecological Racism and Deep-Sea Mining in the Pacific
The G20 Interfaith Forum presented a webinar “Ecological Racism and Deep Sea Mining in the Pacific” on Feb 17, 2022. The event was presented in “Talanoa” format (a traditional Fijian process of inclusive and transparent dialogue) and was moderated by Rev. Dr Upolu Luma Vaai and Dr Athena Peralta. Panelists included His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat, Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, Dr. Catherine Coumans, Kristina M. Gjerde, J.D. and Maureen Penjueli.
Pacific Theological College
The Pacific Theological College was established in 1961 with the support of 20 founding churches. It is the first regional ecumenical instiution of the Pacific, known for creating quality leaders. PTC is the first in the region to emphasize contextualization and indigenization of theology and education.
Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders: Systemic Racial Challenges
Indigenous Native Hawaiians and Pacific Island (NHPI) communities are faced with unique challenges. In the Pacific islands and other coastal communities, climate change threatens the land, food security, and delicate eco-systems. Systemic barriers to equity, justice, and opportunity have compromised NHPI families and communities, limiting opportunities and threatening their safety.
Prominent Leaders Discuss Systemic Racial Challenges Facing Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders
The Anti-Racism Initiative of the G20 Interfaith Forum, the world’s leading organization focused on the intersection of faith and policy, is gathering experts from government and civil society to discuss systemic racial challenges faced by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island (NHPI) communities at an upcoming webinar. Krystal Ka’ai, who leads the White House’s initiative on NHPI communities, said the issue is an especially timely and critical one.
Upolu L. Vaai, eDARE Caribbean & American Panelist (Sat 31 October 2020)
“The economic, ecological, and health crisis threatening Pacific livelihoods derives from a pathological old narrative of “Onefication”. We have been taught in mainstream education … to think in terms of compartmentalized categories. This compartmentalized framing has encouraged us to view life through split categories to achieve either one answer or one truth.”
A Dirtification of Economy from a Pacific Eco-Relational Perspective
In the dirt communities, dirt is not negative as profiled by conventional colonial thinking. Dirt is wholly part of Pacific identity and everyday economic life and wellbeing. Hence any economy that is not “down to dirt” and removed from the dirtified economic ways and interests of the communities is considered a digestive and a cleansing system of power.
‘Let the House Speak’: Memorialising the Islander Missionaries Chapel for Re-storying Ecumenism as the Pacific Household of God
In an article in The Pacific Journal of Theology, Rev. Prof. Upolu Vaai and Dr. Gladson Jathanna review the dominant colonial and imperial notions of ecumenism and explores how the history and symbolism of the Pacific Theological College Islander Missionaries Memorial Chapel (IMMC) demands a change of perspective in the story of ecumenism in the Pacific.
We Are Therefore We Live
There is overwhelming physical evidence and warning about climate change...However, it seems we have succumbed to the shadows of a one-sided story, a story that focuses entirely on the secular physical dimension with the spiritual lost beneath a one-dimensional umbra. My belief is that this neglected dimension holds the key to constructive and sustainable solutions to the climate crisis". In an article for the Toda Peace Institute, Revered Dr. Upolu Vaai outlines how "Pacific Eco-Relational Spirituality" can change the climate change story.
“Others are enjoying life from our death”, Eco-Relational Theology and a Methodist Ecological Revolution in Oceania
In a paper presented at the Oxford Institute of Methodist Theological Studies, Dr. Upolu Vaai reconstructs an eco-relational theology to argue that the concept of relationality is not only at the heart of the Triune God, it is also at the heart of the Wesleyan revival.
“A Call for an Eco-Relational Theology of Mission”
Brief Response: Upolu Lumā Vaai, Fiji Islands, February 2018, to keynote speech: Transforming Disciples, Transforming the Future: Young African Women and the Search for a “Liberated Future’ by Mutale Mulenga-Kaunda
Poem by: Rev. Dr. Upolu Luma Vaai
For many years the Pacific people have interpreted reality through the eyes of the dominant culture. It is time for the Pacific people to Reright and Rewrite their story.
Nuclear Weapons
Nuclear weapons have put mankind at great risk. Arresting the proliferation and ultimately abolishing nuclear weapons is an initiative involving many concerned individuals, governments, and organizations worldwide.
Christopher Peters (Puhlik-lah/Karuk)
Jonathan Granoff, J.D. is an attorney, author and international advocate who has focused for many years on the legal and ethical dimensions of human development and security, with a specific focus on advancing the rule of law to address international security and the threats posed by nuclear weapons.
Ukraine and Russia: The Causes of the Conflict, Diplomacy, and Possibilities for Peace
“UKRAINE AND RUSSIA: The Causes of the Conflict, Diplomacy, and Possibilities for Peace” explored the historical and more recent causes of the conflict to identify critical junctures where peace was not chosen, and consider ways forward toward peace. The event was co-sponsored by the Group of 78, the G20 Interfaith Forum, and the International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation.
WatchWatchMoral and Ethical Imperative: Abolishing Nuclear Weapons
On September 17, 2024, Audrey Kitagawa was featured in a webinar hosted by The Cobb Institute, which presents prominent speakers across a wide variety of fields to advance wisdom, harmony, and the common good through education, community building, and spiritual discovery.
WatchWatchLove is a Noun A Verb and Reality
An article by Jonathan Granoff, J.D., published on June 21, 2024 on the "Trends in Global Grassroots Organizing" website, trends.we.net
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteNuclear Prayer Day: Jonathan Granoff's Analysis
Jonathan Granoff was featured on Muslim Network TV discussing Nuclear Prayer Day and shared his perspective on the current threat of nuclear weapons.
Watch on External WebsiteWatch on External WebsiteGlobal Threats and New Thinking With Jonathan Granoff
In this "America Speaks" podcast, Jonathan Granoff shares his thoughts on nuclear weapons, climate change, and other global challenges; and his views on freedom, respect for others, and that change is possible in
Listen on External WebsiteListen on External WebsiteGranoff '70 Accepts Distinguished Achievement Award
Jonathan Granoff was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from the from the Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) for his decades-long career working towards world peace.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteNew Permanent Observer for International Anti-Corruption Academy Presents Letter of Appointment to the UN Secretary-General
Jonathan Granoff, J.D. is appointed the Permanent Observer for the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA). He presented his letter of appointment to UN Secretary-General António Guterres December 21, 2022, at UN Headquarters in New York City. He will take his seat in the General Assembly beginning January 2023.
ReadReadThe Diplomacy Imperative: Human Security, Illusory Security, and Nuclear Weapons
The Living Earth Movement presented a webinar featuring Ambassador James Goodby, Ambassador Thomas Graham, Jr., Jonathan Granoff - moderated by IAMC President/Founder Audrey E. Kitagawa. The event featured a special video presentation honoring Mikhail Gorbachev and George Shultz.
WatchWatchHuman Security: Virtuous, Practical, Urgent, and Necessary
Humanity is making itself an endangered species. Change is needed. Human security is the direct, accurate, and needed framework to generate that change. Continuing without a paradigm change will surely lead to disaster.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteGorbachev/Shultz Legacy Youth Award and Youth Fusion
The Gorbachev/Shultz Legacy Youth Sward continues the nuclear disarmament legacy of Mikhail Gorbachev, Nobel Peace Laureate and former U.S.S.R. President; and George Shultz, former U.S. Secretary of State and co-founder of Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons.
WatchWatchSecuring the Future: Disarmament Education as a Transformative Tool for Youth Empowerment
The Green Hope Foundation sponsored a Side Event on "Securing the Future: Disarmament Education as a Transformative Tool for Youth Empowerment" in conjunction with the 10th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) on August 3rd, 2022.
Nuclear Strategy and Ending the War in Ukraine
An article in The Hill by IAMC International Advisory Council Member Jonathan Granoff and Nobel Laureate and former President of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias proposing a strategy for ending the war in Ukraine.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteThe Lindau Initiative: Responsible Investing for a Sustainable Future
Jonathan Granoff of the Global Security Institute presented "The Lindau Initiative: Responsible Investing for a Sustainable Future," which is discussed in an interview with Michael Scheyer in Ring for Peace Magazine.
ReadReadConcrete Movement Toward Unitive Justice and Global Security
An hour-long roundtable with 9 experts, each involved for decades in the work toward creating the conditions for greater and more unitive justice and human security, explored what unitive justice may look like amidst our existential climate and political crises. The goal is to mobilize and empower a massive collective consciousness shift toward a federalist international structure as a new form of governance suited to the planetary challenges with justice and human security.
Watch on External WebsiteWatch on External WebsiteHuman Security: A Strong Foundation for Multilateral Cooperation
Human Security is the conceptual framework through which multilateral cooperation and common security amongst nations, which is now necessary, can be achieved. This article by Jonathan Granoff, J.D. argues that the concept of human security has not reached its potential to catalyse progress yet. Change is needed quickly. Human security can help make that change.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteRotary E-Club of World Peace Address
Jonathan Granoff addressed the Rotary E-Club of World Peace on June 14, 2022. "Ask yourself every day: Is my love alive, true, generous, and open? How can I bring love into action?' he asks.
Watch on External WebsiteWatch on External WebsiteThe Convergence — Humanity's Moment of Choice: Choosing Peace
There has been nothing more elusive in our human history than peace, although it is the most desired element in human life. Cycles of war and violence seem to repeat with each generation. How can we meet this challenge with vision and hope? It’s time for champions of peace—at personal and collective levels—to share their hearts, and share their visions.
Listen on External WebsiteListen on External WebsiteUnitive Justice and Global Security
On the occasion of the Nautilus Award for Global Unitive Healing, a Synergy Circle was hosted by "Evolutionary Leaders" featuring Elena Mustakova, Jonathan Granoff, Audrey Kitagawa, Jude Currivan, and Scott Alan Carlin to discuss "Unitve Justice and Global Security"
Watch on External WebsiteWatch on External WebsitePutin's nuclear risk: The stability that characterized the Cold War stand-off may no longer exist
In article for "The Hill" Ambassador David Steward and Jonathan Granoff express their concern over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and how it has increased the nuclear threat level. They note that, "our future depends on intense cooperation to achieve human security in the face of climate change, global pandemics, and other serious threats. Yet nothing undermines cooperation more than the threat of nuclear weapons. We must build a future without them for humanity to have a future at all."
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteThe Gift of Aloha (Love) In Selfless Service
The International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation (IAMC) and the Interfaith 'Ohana of Hawai'i present "The Gift of Aloha (Love) in Selfless Service". This panel will focus on the global challenges which humanity faces, and how their work seeks to make this world a better place – whether dealing with the nuclear threat, human security and well being, the fallout of the US’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, the massive public health problems with sanitation in India, and mobilizing civil society around the world to come together in goodwill and peace.
WatchWatchLessons From My 7 and Half Years, Often 24/7 Work with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Lessons From My 7 and Half Years, Often 24/7, Work With Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation (IAMC), Voices for a Nuclear Free World (URI), and Global Security Institute (GSI) co-sponsored an event hosted by Charter for Compassion, featuring Dr. Clarence B. Jones, lawyer, advisor, speech writer, and friend of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
WatchWatchRealistic Human Security: Principles & Policies for the Planet
Humanity faces critical challenges for which national responses are too narrow. New levels of cooperation are required for success. Every person is impacted by issues relating to the climate, biodiversity, nuclear weapons, the health of the oceans, equitable sustainable development, wildlife trafficking and pandemics, for example. Join world-renowned conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall and global security expert Jonathan Granoff in a candid conversation about the role of individuals and states in obtaining Human Security.
WatchWatchBuilding human security for Afghanistan
Like Sept. 11, the disgraceful events unfolding in front of our eyes in Afghanistan are the consequences of a misplaced, military-centric view of national security, instead of focusing on human security, which prioritizes education, health, food security, jobs, sustainable development, protecting the environment and climate, and helping cultures and communities thrive.
ReadReadWorld Unity Week Genuine Human Security: From the Personal to the Global with Jonathan Granoff and Maria Espinosa
A conversation on Genuine Human Security between Maria Espinosa, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defense of Ecuador, and former President of the United Nations General Assembly 73rd Session. Maria is an Ecuadorian poet, scholar, diplomat, and politician. Jonathan Granoff, President of the Global Security Institute, is a member of the Advisory Council of the IAMC. He is an attorney, author and international advocate emphasizing the legal, spiritual and ethical dimensions of peace and security. Jonathan and Maria discuss genuine human security and how it begins in the heart of individuals, because the relations between nations are really the relations between people.
WatchWatchHumanism, Human Security, and Human Survival: Roger Kimmel Smith interviews Jonathan Granoff
Roger Kimmel Smith interviews Jonathan Granoff, President of the Global Security Institute, a leading Non-Governmental Organization advocating for nuclear disarmament and peace. Jonathan Granoff was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.
WatchWatchA Dialogue on Matters That Matter with The Right Honourable Kim Campbell and Jonathan Granoff
American Bar Association International Law Section 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting Keynote featuring Jonathan Granoff and the Right Honourable Kim Campbell who has served Canada as Prime Minister, Minister of Justice, Attorney General and Minister of Defense.
WatchWatchJoint Interfaith Statement on the Entry into Force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
As the Treaty on the Prohibition on Nuclear Weapons entered into force on January 22, 2021, over 160 organizations worldwide endorsed the Joint Interfaith Statement on the Entry into Force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. This treaty comprehensively bans the use of nuclear weapons.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteApproaching Human Security
Approaching Human Security advocates the necessity of embracing an integral approach to security in order to ensure that humanity survives and flourishes. Human Security requires utilization of the tools of science and the values inherent in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteGSI President Jonathan Granoff and Dr. Jane Goodall for UN Peace Day 2020
This inspiring conversation covers the importance of pursuing peace globally and locally, and how to continue to motivate action on this issue every single day, especially during these difficult times of COVID-19 and in the face of so much unrest around the world.
Watch on External WebsiteWatch on External WebsiteGuidance for a Nuclear Weapons Free World: The Pope and the Ban Treaty
The pursuit of security by relying on the threat to unleash the terrible power to destroy both others and, using nuclear weapons, thus also ourselves, and the demonstrated readiness to unleash this horror is the backbone of nuclear deterrence. At one point in time the illusion that a nuclear war could be won existed.
ReadReadAddress of the Holy Father on Nuclear Weapons
One of the deepest longings of the human heart is for security, peace and stability. The possession of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction is not the answer to this desire; indeed they seem always to thwart it.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteNuclear Weapons and Compliance with International Humanitarian Law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
This Essay proceeds in three Parts. Part I describes the effects of nuclear weapons, Part II describes the Obama Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), and Part III suggests how a nuclear posture committed to abolition and compliance with international law might differ from the Obama NPR.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteTikkun Daily Blog: Spiritual Wisdom of the Week - Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
May we know our connection with the living Earth, our connection with all lives, our connection within with the qualities that lead to wisdom, and with the omnipresent light that brings us upwards into the Source and Sustainer of all.
ReadReadCalifornia State University Northridge (2008)
The Program, “Weapons of Mass Destruction: Religious, Ethical and Legal Dimensions of An Un-Ignorable Imperative” was held on April 29, 2008.
View GalleryView GalleryThe Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and Its 2005 Review Conference: A Legal and Political Analysis
Despite years of relative success in constraining the spread of nuclear weapons and efforts to obtain their universal elimination, 2 nuclear weapons continue to pose a tremendous threat to the survival of humanity. Their destructive capacity is beyond comprehension.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteThe Rome Declaration of Nobel Peace Laureates
The 7th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates took place in Rome from November 17 to 19 and was held, as were previous Summits, on the initiative of Mikhail Gorbachev and the Mayor of Rome, Walter Veltroni. The Nobel Peace Laureates and Laureate Organizations collectively declared their opposition of the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteNuclear Weapons, Ethics, Morals, and Law
Jonathan Granoff, President of Global Security Network and member of IAMC’s International Advisory Council published a detailed paper on Nuclear Weapons, Ethics, Morals, and Law in the Brigham Young University Law Review.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsitePacta Sunt Servanda: Nuclear Weapons and Global Secure Sustainable Development
Pacta Sunt Servanda is Latin for “Agreements Must Be Kept.” This maxim is one of the most ancient foundations of law itself. It is inextricably connected to good faith. Without it, the tools of law—words and agreements—become empty and entire social edifices collapse.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteThe 2nd Annual Nuclear Prayer Day – Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, President of the Global Security Institute, shared his reflections on the horrors of nuclear weapons and offered his prayer for peace at the 2nd Annual Nuclear Prayer Day at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopalian Church on August 6, 2023.
Climate and Environment
Flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, and weather anomalies are occurring across the globe; and pollution compromises air, water, crops, and other resources essential for human existence. An immediate threat—COVID-19—illustrates the dangers zoonotic diseases, which are spread through deforestation and encroachment of commercial development into natural habitats. Immediate change and solutions are critical.
Dispelling the Fairytale Myth of Global Agriculture as a Battle Between Good and Evil
Hugh Locke, President of the Smallholder Farmer's Alliance of Haiti offers an analysis of a New York Times guest essay, "Sorry, but This is the Future of Food" by journalist and author Michael Grunwald.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteInterfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: June 2024
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update forJune 2024 includes information on activities in Brazil, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, and Peru.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteInterfaith Rainforest Initiative Update March/April 2024
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update for March and April 2024 includes information on activities in Brazil, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, North Kivu, and Peru.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteInterfaith Rainforest Initiative Update January/February 2024
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update for January and February 2024 includes information on activities in Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, and Peru.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteProviding Refuge for Climate Refugees in International Law
Climate Refugees are forced to migrate when climate change renders their homelands uninhabitable, and they may become “stateless” if their country ceases to exist. But there is no treaty protecting them, and international law has not established responsibility. The G20 Interfaith Forum and co-sponsors Purdue University and the International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation hosted a discussion of this urgent and growing issue.
WatchWatchPeace, Unity, and Cooperation for a Living Earth
The Living Earth Movement and World Unity Week share a vision of promoting international peace, unity, and cooperation in the service of ecological harmony and the thriving of the whole ecosphere.
Click to Join EventClick to Join EventFarmer-led Earthquake Recovery Effort in Haiti Needs Your Help
The quake struck the southern area of the country, causing significant destruction, more than 2,200 deaths, and devastating rural parts of Haiti where some of the region’s poorest people live and work.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteIRI Bulletin June-July 2021
The IRI Bulletin includes news on the following topics: IRI DRC holds workshops, develops actions with chapters in Ituri and Equateur. IRI DRC meets with the European Union’s Directorate General for International Partnerships. IRI Colombia’s local chapters make progress in the fulfillment of their action plans. IRI Peru launches national issue primer on forest reforestation as contribution to UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
ReadReadDEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: A Primer on Deforestation For Religious Leaders and Faith Communities
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a forest-rich nation in a forest-rich region. Central Africa’s Congo Basin, an expanse that hosts the second largest tropical rainforest in the world, spans ten countries, including the DRC. Almost two-thirds of the Basin’s forests—and ten percent of the world’s tropical rainforests—lie within the DRC. More than half of the country is blessed with forest cover, which includes peat-swamp forests, mountain forests and mangroves. DRC’s extensive forests are home to extraordinary biodiversity, some of which is found nowhere else on Earth.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteRESTAURATION DES FORÊTS GUÉRIR LES FORÊTS TROPICALES POUR UN RENOUVEAU SPIRITUEL
La restauration des paysages forestiers par le biais des plantation d'arbres, de la collecte et de la propagation de graines, de l'agroforesterie et de nombreuses autres méthodes de restauration offre un moyen de récupérer certaines des fonctions essentielles des forêts qui ont été perdues à cause de la déforestation et de la dégradation généralisées. Elle peut également être une opportunité pour un rétablissement et un renouvellement spirituels tout en retissant le lien que nous avons avec les écosystèmes forestiers.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteIntroducing IRI Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Congo Basin is home to the second largest rainforest in the world. About 60% of this forest lies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) covering more than 90 million hectares. Forest cover in DRC stores 7% of the world’s forest carbon—making it one of the largest forest carbon stocks in the world. It is made up of vast peatland spread over five of its twenty-six provinces and is home to forest elephants, the okapi and over 1,000 bird species. DRC’s forests also host more primates than any other country, including three species of Great Apes: gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos.
ReadReadFEEDING THE FUTURE: The Story of the Smallholder Farmers Alliance
Smallholder farmers comprise one-third of the world's population and hold the key to food security and reversing environmental degradation. The film will show the remarkable reforestation of Haiti through the use of trees as "currency" which smallholder farmers plant in exchange for better quality seeds, equipment, and training, and the regeneration of cotton production in Haiti, at one time one of the world's largest exporters of cotton.
WatchWatchIRI Colombia: A Primer on Deforestation for Religious Leaders and Faith Communities
Colombia has the world’s eighth-largest forest cover and is the second most biodiverse country on Earth. It is home to 10% of the planet’s species of flora and fauna, including one fifth of the world’s bird species. Nearly half the country’s forests are designated as indigenous territories and are home to 102 indigenous communities. More than 90% of the population in Colombia identifies as having a religious faith.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteLessons From A Smallholder Farming Revolution in Haiti
The Smallholder Farmers Alliance (SFA) has developed a new sustainable agroforestry model that helps to feed and reforest a renewed Haiti by supporting smallholder farmers to become more productive and profitable, while at the same time helping to restore the environment through organic practices and tree planting.
WatchWatchTimberland and the Smallholder Farmers Alliance: Creating a Data-Driven Smallholder Cotton Supply Chain in Haiti
Global outdoor lifestyle brand Timberland has established a partnership with the non-profit Smallholder Farmers Alliance (SFA) in Haiti to completely reimagine the cotton supply chain and create a new system for producing cotton that maximizes benefits to smallholder farmers and export customers. The new supply chain is built around next-generation data and aims to be blockchain-ready.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteMaking Peace with Nature
The first UNEP synthesis report is titled: “Making Peace With Nature: A scientific blueprint to tackle the climate, biodiversity and pollution emergencies” and is based on evidence from global environmental assessments.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteThe Man of the Trees: A Pioneer Environmentalist’s Vision for the Future
Hugh and Paul will share stories from the life of an extraordinary pioneer of the environmentalist movement, Richard St. Barbe Baker. One hundred years ago, Baker foresaw and warned the world about the emerging environmental crisis—and offered solutions that are only now being appreciated and applied. Baker’s work as a forester and conservationist paralleled his activities as an early member of the Baha’i Faith, a faith that provided inspiration for his ceaseless efforts to conserve and restore the world’s forests.
WatchWatchNavigating the Double Epoch: Thoughts on Changing Humanity's Current Plot Line
More than once during this past wild year of pandemic, politics and protest, I have been reminded of ancient Greek tragedies which often got so chaotic, and plot lines so complicated, they seemed insoluble. When a performance arrived at this seeming impasse, action would stop and a new character playing a deity would arrive via a crane or atop a platform that was either wheeled on stage or rose up from a trapdoor. This device became known by the Latin deus ex machina, which translates literally as, “god from the machine.” …
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteA Dirtification of Economy from a Pacific Eco-Relational Perspective
In the dirt communities, dirt is not negative as profiled by conventional colonial thinking. Dirt is wholly part of Pacific identity and everyday economic life and wellbeing. Hence any economy that is not “down to dirt” and removed from the dirtified economic ways and interests of the communities is considered a digestive and a cleansing system of power.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteResource Guide on Rainforest Protection for Religious Communities
To mark World Environment Day, the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative has launched a Resource Guide on Rainforest Protection for Religious Communities...
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteForests and Pandemics: How Protecting Tropical Forests Can Prevent Coronaviruses and Other Emerging Diseases
Tropical forests are being destroyed at alarming rates around the world, driving climate change and biodiversity loss, and intensifying poverty.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteVoices of Hope for Haiti’s Future
What is one thing you and your organization or business have initiated since the 2010 earthquake that you feel will continue to have a positive impact and which gives you hope for Haiti’s future?
Read on External WebsiteRead on External Website‘Let the House Speak’: Memorialising the Islander Missionaries Chapel for Re-storying Ecumenism as the Pacific Household of God
In an article in The Pacific Journal of Theology, Rev. Prof. Upolu Vaai and Dr. Gladson Jathanna review the dominant colonial and imperial notions of ecumenism and explores how the history and symbolism of the Pacific Theological College Islander Missionaries Memorial Chapel (IMMC) demands a change of perspective in the story of ecumenism in the Pacific.
ReadReadHalf the Sky, Half the Land: The Role of Women Farmers in Transforming Global Agriculture
The Role of Women Farmers in Transforming Global Agriculture
Read on External WebsiteRead on External Website“Others are enjoying life from our death”, Eco-Relational Theology and a Methodist Ecological Revolution in Oceania
In a paper presented at the Oxford Institute of Methodist Theological Studies, Dr. Upolu Vaai reconstructs an eco-relational theology to argue that the concept of relationality is not only at the heart of the Triune God, it is also at the heart of the Wesleyan revival.
ReadReadTree Currency and the Smallholder Impact Farming Revolution
Hugh Locke, President & Co-Founder of the Smallholder Farmers Alliance in Haiti has found a way to turn trees into a form of currency that has helped thousands of smallholder farmers in Haiti to finance their way out of extreme poverty while at the same time combatting climate change, contributing to improved food security and empowering women.
WatchWatchThe Haiti Experiment
The Haiti Experiment is Hugh Locke’s fascinating and heartwarming account of his efforts to help the people of this impoverished nation.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteInterfaith Rainforest Initiative
Visit the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Website
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteEconomic Well-being
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and magnified socioeconomic inequities throughout the world. Homelessness, poverty, hunger, disease, and mental illness are growing; and efforts from government to grassroots are needed to address these inequities in communities around the world.
Christopher Peters (Puhlik-lah/Karuk)
Dr. David C. Korten, founder and president of the Living Economies Forum, is known for his best-selling books framing a new economy; and the principles he has proposed for the restructuring of economic institutions and relationships. He devotes his life to advancing the global transition now underway to a living Earth economy organized around deeply democratic self-governing living communities in which people work in co-productive partnership with the rest of nature to meet the needs of all.
Let's Ask the Right Questions
Prompted by a recent article in The New York Times related to population, David Korten's article "Let's Ask the Right Questions" shares his thoughts on getting our questions right as we work to change the story to change the future.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteEcological Civilization: From Emergency to Emergence
Drawing on the work and insights of many colleagues and from ongoing conversations, this paper was written in an effort to connect the dots and engage a serious conversation about the causes of the existential crisis we face, while bringing a message of hope and possibility to help move us forward on the path to an Ecological Civilization.
ReadReadEco'-nomics
We look to economics for maps to guide us in structuring and managing the economy to secure our means of living. Focused on individual financial return rather than community well-being, the maps of contemporary egoʹ-nomics guide the exploitation of people and nature to maximize individual private financial return.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteWellbeing versus GDP: The Challenge and Opportunity of Human Development in the 21st Century
In his article, “Wellbeing vs GDP: The Challenge and Opportunity of Human Development the 21st Century” David Korten poses the question, “Is humanity’s defining economic goal to grow GDP or to secure the wellbeing of people and the living Earth?“; and he proposes 3 basic truths and 3 priorities as a way to guide humanity to make the changes necessary to ensure that human wellbeing is prioritized.
Read on External WebsiteRead on External WebsiteLiving Economies Forum Website
Living Economies Forum works with and through partner organizations and a circle of extraordinary colleagues to articulate and communicate framing ideas that light the path to a New Economy grounded in positive living system principles that recognize life’s extraordinary capacity for cooperative self-organization.
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