Human Security and Well-Being

The safety and well-being of mankind are threatened as never before by nuclear weapons, climate change, and economic inequities. Each of these issues is cause for concern, and the current confluence of all three is an unprecedented and serious threat to human security.

Building a Secure and Humane Future

The safety and well-being of mankind are threatened as never before by nuclear weapons, climate change, and economic inequities. Each of these issues is cause for concern, and the current confluence of all three is an unprecedented and serious threat to human security.

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.

Abolition of 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.

Event
October 24, 2024

Ukraine and Russia: The Causes of the Conflict, Diplomacy, and Possibilities for Peace

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

“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.

Event
September 17, 2024

Moral and Ethical Imperative: Abolishing Nuclear Weapons

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.

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.

Event
June 20, 2024

World Unity Week Live Plenary Event: Awakening From the Dream: The Reality of True Unity

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

Audrey E. Kitagawa and Jonathan Granoff are featured in a Live World Unity Week 2024 Plenary Event on Thursday June 20, 2024.

Event
April 5, 2024

Building the Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

The Brahma Kumaris at the United Nations celebrates the United Nations International Day of Conscience with an event focusing on "Building the Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience."

Event
August 6, 2023

Honoring the 2nd Annual Nuclear Prayer Day - August 6, 2023

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.

Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons and the United Religions Initiative honored the 2nd Annual Nuclear Prayer Day with prayers, reflections and action steps for a world free of nuclear weapons.

Video
August 4, 2023

Nuclear Prayer Day: Jonathan Granoff's Analysis

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

Jonathan Granoff was featured on Muslim Network TV discussing Nuclear Prayer Day and shared his perspective on the current threat of nuclear weapons.

Event
June 23, 2023

World Unity Week 2023: Promoting Human Security Through Love

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

President/Founder of IAMC, Audrey Kitagawa participates in a discussion about “Promoting Human Security Through Love” – a World Unity Week live event.

Audio
April 9, 2023

Global Threats and New Thinking With Jonathan Granoff

Jonathan Granoof, J.D.

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

Publication
April 7, 2023

“Love: A Noun and A Verb and Reality” by Ahamed Muhaiyaddeen

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

Jonathan Granoff shares an article, “Love: A Noun and A Verb and Reality” that was featured in the "Insight Newsletter" of the International Association of Sufism written under his Sufi name, Ahamed Muhaiyaddeen

Publication
March 29, 2023

Granoff '70 Accepts Distinguished Achievement Award

Jonathan Granoff J.D.

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.

Announcement
January 4, 2023

New Permanent Observer for International Anti-Corruption Academy Presents Letter of Appointment to the UN Secretary-General

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

Event
November 16, 2022

CHINA Town Hall 2022 : Exploring Pathways to Peace in the U.S.-China Relationship

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

IAMC partnered with the National Committee on U.S. China Relations to host a conversation on China On Wednesday, November 16, 2022.

Publication
October 17, 2022

The Astana Commitment to Spiritual Concord and Human Security

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

The Astana Commitment to Spiritual Concord and Human Security. October 17-18, 2022

Event
September 22, 2022

The Diplomacy Imperative: Human Security, Illusory Security, and Nuclear Weapons

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.

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.

August 20, 2022

Human Security: Virtuous, Practical, Urgent, and Necessary

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

Event
August 16, 2022

Gorbachev/Shultz Legacy Youth Award and Youth Fusion

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

Event
August 3, 2022

Securing the Future: Disarmament Education as a Transformative Tool for Youth Empowerment

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

Publication
July 10, 2022

Nuclear Strategy and Ending the War in Ukraine

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Oscar Arias

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.

Publication
July 3, 2022

The Lindau Initiative: Responsible Investing for a Sustainable Future

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

Event
June 24, 2022

Concrete Movement Toward Unitive Justice and Global Security

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

June 21, 2022

Human Security: A Strong Foundation for Multilateral Cooperation

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

Video
June 14, 2022

Rotary E-Club of World Peace Address

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

Event
June 10, 2022

The Convergence — Humanity's Moment of Choice: Choosing Peace

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

Event
May 31, 2022

Unitive Justice and Global Security

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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"

Publication
May 1, 2022

A Special Conversation on Responding to the Greatest Threats to Humanity

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

A transcript of a discussion moderated by Jonathan Granoff, published by the Fordham International Law Journal.

Publication
March 30, 2022

Putin's nuclear risk: The stability that characterized the Cold War stand-off may no longer exist

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
David Steward

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."

Event
February 22, 2022

The 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.

Event
February 22, 2022

Lessons From My 7 and Half Years, Often 24/7 Work with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Dr. Clarence B. Jones

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.

Video
January 19, 2022

Realistic Human Security: Principles & Policies for the Planet

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Dr. Jane Goodall DBE
The Oxford Union

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.

Publication
August 28, 2021

Building human security for Afghanistan

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Garry Jacobs

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.

Publication
August 9, 2021

Reflections

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

Audrey Kitagawa and Jonathan Granoff add their voices to the Voices-URI Call to Reflection as part of "a growing global chorus calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons."

Event
August 6, 2021

Voices Youth Webinar - "Hiroshima Day: Have We Done Enough?"

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

Voices Youth Webinar - "Hiroshima Day: Have We Done Enough?"

Event
June 25, 2021

Inner and Outer Peace, A Conversation

Prof. Dr. Azza Karam
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, Ph.D.
Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.

Peace on Earth can become a reality-but it starts with peace within each heart. How can we bring peace to the world if we don't have peace within ourselves?

Video
June 23, 2021

World Unity Week Genuine Human Security: From the Personal to the Global with Jonathan Granoff and Maria Espinosa

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
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.

Video
May 27, 2021

Humanism, Human Security, and Human Survival: Roger Kimmel Smith interviews Jonathan Granoff

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

Publication
April 22, 2021

Thoughts on Human Security

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

Human Security includes the principle that living in harmony with the reality of the natural world and its regenerative processes must be included in how states pursue security for their citizens.

Video
April 16, 2021

A Dialogue on Matters That Matter with The Right Honourable Kim Campbell and Jonathan Granoff

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

Video
February 16, 2021

Fireside Chat Friday - Series #3 Jonathan Granoff

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

Voices youth member Haneen Khalid, interviews Voices founding member, Jonathan Granoff for our Instagram Live Fireside Chat Friday Series.

Publication
January 22, 2021

Joint 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.

Publication
November 6, 2020

Approaching Human Security

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

Publication
October 18, 2020

Principles of Inner and Outer Peace

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

Spiritual Accord—The Basis of Peace, Conference Honoring the 10th Anniversary of the Forum of Spiritual Culture, Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan...

Video
September 20, 2020

GSI President Jonathan Granoff and Dr. Jane Goodall for UN Peace Day 2020

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

Publication
January 30, 2020

Guidance for a Nuclear Weapons Free World: The Pope and the Ban Treaty

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

Publication
January 2, 2020

The Forgotten Why

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

Every seed contains the blue print for its purposeful expression as its ultimate manifestation. Every natural manifestation is part of a larger purposeful expression...

Publication
November 24, 2019

Address of the Holy Father on Nuclear Weapons

Pope Francis

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.

Publication
July 5, 2012

The Framework of Human Unity

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
EnlightenNext Magazine

Nobel Peace laureates have a right, an ability, and a responsibility to articulate a morally empowered vision for all people on the planet.

Audio
July 2, 2012

Our Sacred Journey: The Peace and Security of the Individual and the Planet: From Our Inner World to the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.

Audrey Kitagawa, J.D. interviews Jonathan Granoff, J.D. to discuss his upbringing and experiences with his Spiritual Master...

Publication
January 1, 2011

Nuclear Weapons and Compliance with International Humanitarian Law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Charles J. Moxley Jr
John Burroughs

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.

Publication
September 8, 2009

Tikkun Daily Blog: Spiritual Wisdom of the Week - Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Rabbi Michael Lerner (Tikkun)
Rabbi Michael Lerner (Tikkun Daily Blog)

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.

Photos
April 29, 2008

California State University Northridge (2008)

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Mutombo Nkulu-N'Sengha, Ph.D.

The Program, “Weapons of Mass Destruction: Religious, Ethical and Legal Dimensions of An Un-Ignorable Imperative” was held on April 29, 2008.

Publication
September 26, 2007

The Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and Its 2005 Review Conference: A Legal and Political Analysis

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

Publication
November 19, 2006

The 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.

Publication
December 9, 2002

Nuclear Weapons, Ethics, Morals, and Law

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

Publication

Pacta Sunt Servanda: Nuclear Weapons and Global Secure Sustainable Development

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

Video

The 2nd Annual Nuclear Prayer Day – Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

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.

Economic 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.

Event
June 22, 2023

FOR THE LOVE OF LIFE: Finding Our Way to an Ecological Civilization

David Korten, PH.D.
Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.

The world premiere of a film featuring David Korten, discussing his life's work in uncovering the true impacts of economic policies.

Publication
February 8, 2023

Let's Ask the Right Questions

David Korten, Ph.D.

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.

Event
July 28, 2022

Creating an Ecological Civilization

Audrey E. Kitagawa
David Korten, PH.D.

The Living Earth Movement hosted a webinar on July 28, 2022 "Creating an Ecological Civilization" featuring speakers David Korten and Audrey E. Kitagawa. The event was moderated by Jeff Wells, and was co-sponsored by The iNternational Acdemy for Multicultural Cooperation.

Publication
November 3, 2021

Ecological Civilization: From Emergency to Emergence

David Korten, Ph.D.

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.

Publication
February 18, 2021

Eco'-nomics

David Korten, Ph.D.

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.

Publication
May 13, 2020

Wellbeing versus GDP: The Challenge and Opportunity of Human Development in the 21st Century

David Korten, Ph.D.

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.

Video
April 16, 2019

Reimagining a Sustainable Food Economy

David Korten, Ph.D.
Food Farmer Earth

From the archives: In this 2011 interview, David Korten, author of "When Corporations Rule The World", shares his optimistic vision for a food system that's environmentally, ethically and economically compatible with nature.

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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.

Event
October 24, 2024

Ukraine and Russia: The Causes of the Conflict, Diplomacy, and Possibilities for Peace

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

“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.

WatchWatch
Event
September 17, 2024

Moral and Ethical Imperative: Abolishing Nuclear Weapons

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.

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.

WatchWatch
Event
June 20, 2024

World Unity Week Live Plenary Event: Awakening From the Dream: The Reality of True Unity

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

Audrey E. Kitagawa and Jonathan Granoff are featured in a Live World Unity Week 2024 Plenary Event on Thursday June 20, 2024.

WatchWatch
Event
April 5, 2024

Building the Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

The Brahma Kumaris at the United Nations celebrates the United Nations International Day of Conscience with an event focusing on "Building the Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience."

WatchWatch
Event
August 6, 2023

Honoring the 2nd Annual Nuclear Prayer Day - August 6, 2023

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.

Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons and the United Religions Initiative honored the 2nd Annual Nuclear Prayer Day with prayers, reflections and action steps for a world free of nuclear weapons.

ViewView
Video
August 4, 2023

Nuclear Prayer Day: Jonathan Granoff's Analysis

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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 Website
Event
June 23, 2023

World Unity Week 2023: Promoting Human Security Through Love

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

President/Founder of IAMC, Audrey Kitagawa participates in a discussion about “Promoting Human Security Through Love” – a World Unity Week live event.

WatchWatch
Audio
April 9, 2023

Global Threats and New Thinking With Jonathan Granoff

Jonathan Granoof, J.D.

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 Website
Publication
April 7, 2023

“Love: A Noun and A Verb and Reality” by Ahamed Muhaiyaddeen

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

Jonathan Granoff shares an article, “Love: A Noun and A Verb and Reality” that was featured in the "Insight Newsletter" of the International Association of Sufism written under his Sufi name, Ahamed Muhaiyaddeen

Read on External WebsiteRead on External Website
Publication
March 29, 2023

Granoff '70 Accepts Distinguished Achievement Award

Jonathan Granoff J.D.

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 Website
Announcement
January 4, 2023

New Permanent Observer for International Anti-Corruption Academy Presents Letter of Appointment to the UN Secretary-General

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

ReadRead
Event
November 16, 2022

CHINA Town Hall 2022 : Exploring Pathways to Peace in the U.S.-China Relationship

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

IAMC partnered with the National Committee on U.S. China Relations to host a conversation on China On Wednesday, November 16, 2022.

WatchWatch
Publication
October 17, 2022

The Astana Commitment to Spiritual Concord and Human Security

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

The Astana Commitment to Spiritual Concord and Human Security. October 17-18, 2022

ReadRead
Event
September 22, 2022

The Diplomacy Imperative: Human Security, Illusory Security, and Nuclear Weapons

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.

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.

WatchWatch
August 20, 2022

Human Security: Virtuous, Practical, Urgent, and Necessary

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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 Website
Event
August 16, 2022

Gorbachev/Shultz Legacy Youth Award and Youth Fusion

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

WatchWatch
Event
August 3, 2022

Securing the Future: Disarmament Education as a Transformative Tool for Youth Empowerment

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

Publication
July 10, 2022

Nuclear Strategy and Ending the War in Ukraine

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Oscar Arias

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.

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Publication
July 3, 2022

The Lindau Initiative: Responsible Investing for a Sustainable Future

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

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Event
June 24, 2022

Concrete Movement Toward Unitive Justice and Global Security

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

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June 21, 2022

Human Security: A Strong Foundation for Multilateral Cooperation

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

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Video
June 14, 2022

Rotary E-Club of World Peace Address

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

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Event
June 10, 2022

The Convergence — Humanity's Moment of Choice: Choosing Peace

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

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Event
May 31, 2022

Unitive Justice and Global Security

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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"

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Publication
May 1, 2022

A Special Conversation on Responding to the Greatest Threats to Humanity

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

A transcript of a discussion moderated by Jonathan Granoff, published by the Fordham International Law Journal.

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Publication
March 30, 2022

Putin's nuclear risk: The stability that characterized the Cold War stand-off may no longer exist

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
David Steward

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."

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Event
February 22, 2022

The 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.

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Event
February 22, 2022

Lessons From My 7 and Half Years, Often 24/7 Work with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Dr. Clarence B. Jones

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.

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Video
January 19, 2022

Realistic Human Security: Principles & Policies for the Planet

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Dr. Jane Goodall DBE
The Oxford Union

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.

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Publication
August 28, 2021

Building human security for Afghanistan

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Garry Jacobs

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.

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Publication
August 9, 2021

Reflections

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

Audrey Kitagawa and Jonathan Granoff add their voices to the Voices-URI Call to Reflection as part of "a growing global chorus calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons."

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Event
August 6, 2021

Voices Youth Webinar - "Hiroshima Day: Have We Done Enough?"

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

Voices Youth Webinar - "Hiroshima Day: Have We Done Enough?"

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Event
June 25, 2021

Inner and Outer Peace, A Conversation

Prof. Dr. Azza Karam
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, Ph.D.

Peace on Earth can become a reality-but it starts with peace within each heart. How can we bring peace to the world if we don't have peace within ourselves?

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Video
June 23, 2021

World Unity Week Genuine Human Security: From the Personal to the Global with Jonathan Granoff and Maria Espinosa

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
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.

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Video
May 27, 2021

Humanism, Human Security, and Human Survival: Roger Kimmel Smith interviews Jonathan Granoff

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

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Publication
April 22, 2021

Thoughts on Human Security

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

Human Security includes the principle that living in harmony with the reality of the natural world and its regenerative processes must be included in how states pursue security for their citizens.

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Video
April 16, 2021

A Dialogue on Matters That Matter with The Right Honourable Kim Campbell and Jonathan Granoff

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

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Video
February 16, 2021

Fireside Chat Friday - Series #3 Jonathan Granoff

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

Voices youth member Haneen Khalid, interviews Voices founding member, Jonathan Granoff for our Instagram Live Fireside Chat Friday Series.

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Publication
January 22, 2021

Joint 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.

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Publication
November 6, 2020

Approaching Human Security

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

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Publication
October 18, 2020

Principles of Inner and Outer Peace

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

Spiritual Accord—The Basis of Peace, Conference Honoring the 10th Anniversary of the Forum of Spiritual Culture, Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan...

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Video
September 20, 2020

GSI President Jonathan Granoff and Dr. Jane Goodall for UN Peace Day 2020

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

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Publication
January 30, 2020

Guidance for a Nuclear Weapons Free World: The Pope and the Ban Treaty

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

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Publication
January 2, 2020

The Forgotten Why

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

Every seed contains the blue print for its purposeful expression as its ultimate manifestation. Every natural manifestation is part of a larger purposeful expression...

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Publication
November 24, 2019

Address of the Holy Father on Nuclear Weapons

Pope Francis

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.

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Publication
July 5, 2012

The Framework of Human Unity

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

Nobel Peace laureates have a right, an ability, and a responsibility to articulate a morally empowered vision for all people on the planet.

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Audio
July 2, 2012

Our Sacred Journey: The Peace and Security of the Individual and the Planet: From Our Inner World to the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.

Audrey Kitagawa, J.D. interviews Jonathan Granoff, J.D. to discuss his upbringing and experiences with his Spiritual Master...

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Publication
January 1, 2011

Nuclear Weapons and Compliance with International Humanitarian Law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Charles J. Moxley Jr
John Burroughs

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.

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Publication
September 8, 2009

Tikkun Daily Blog: Spiritual Wisdom of the Week - Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Rabbi Michael Lerner (Tikkun)

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.

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Photos
April 29, 2008

California State University Northridge (2008)

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.
Jonathan Granoff, J.D.
Mutombo Nkulu-N'Sengha, Ph.D.

The Program, “Weapons of Mass Destruction: Religious, Ethical and Legal Dimensions of An Un-Ignorable Imperative” was held on April 29, 2008.

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Publication
September 26, 2007

The Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and Its 2005 Review Conference: A Legal and Political Analysis

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

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Publication
November 19, 2006

The 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.

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Publication
December 9, 2002

Nuclear Weapons, Ethics, Morals, and Law

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

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Publication

Pacta Sunt Servanda: Nuclear Weapons and Global Secure Sustainable Development

Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

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Video

The 2nd Annual Nuclear Prayer Day – Jonathan Granoff, J.D.

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.

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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.

Publication
June 30, 2024

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: June 2024

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative

The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update forJune 2024 includes information on activities in Brazil, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, and Peru.

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Publication
May 16, 2024

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update March/April 2024

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative

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.

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Publication
February 16, 2024

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update January/February 2024

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative

The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update for January and February 2024 includes information on activities in Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, and Peru.

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Publication
November 22, 2023

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update October 2023

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative

The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update for October 2023 includes information on activities in Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, and Peru.

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Publication
October 30, 2023

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: September 2023

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative

The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update for September 2023 includes information on activities in Brazil, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, and Peru.

ReadRead
Publication
October 15, 2023

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: August 2023

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative

The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update for August 2023 includes information on activities in Brazil, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, and Peru.

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Publication
August 27, 2023

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: July 2023

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative

The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update for July 2023 includes information on activities in Brazil, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, and Peru.

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Event
August 10, 2023

Providing 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.

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Publication
August 8, 2023

IRI at the Amazon Summit

Interfaith Rainforest Initative

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.

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Publication
July 1, 2023

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: Second Quarter, 2023

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative

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.

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Publication
May 24, 2023

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: First Quarter 2023

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative

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.

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Publication
December 7, 2022

Tropical Forests and Biodiversity

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative

The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative publication, "Tropical Forests and Biodiversity" is an issues primer for religious leaders and faith communities.

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Publication
December 1, 2022

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: November and December 2022

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative

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.

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Publication
November 14, 2022

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: October 2022

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative

The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative provided updates on activities in Brazil, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Peru.

ReadRead
Publication
September 15, 2022

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: September 2022

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative

The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative provided updates on activities in Brazil, Columbia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Peru

ReadRead
Publication
July 13, 2022

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: June 2022

The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative provided updates of activities in Brazil, Columbia, Indonesia, and Peru.

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Event
June 23, 2022

Peace, Unity, and Cooperation for a Living Earth

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.

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.

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Publication
June 5, 2022

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Update: April-May 2022

The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative provided updates of activities in Brazil, Columbia and Peru.

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Publication
December 1, 2021

Engaging Smallholder Farmers in Haiti

Hugh Locke

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.

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Publication
October 13, 2021

Haitian-led Agricultural Taskforce Announced

Hugh Locke
Timote Georges

A new Lavi Ti-Plantè Taskforce (“Farmer’s Life Taskforce”) was announced on October 13th as part of a White House Roundtable on Haiti.

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Publication
August 28, 2021

Farmer-led Earthquake Recovery Effort in Haiti Needs Your Help

Hugh Locke

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.

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Publication
August 7, 2021

IRI Bulletin June-July 2021

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative

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.

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Publication
August 4, 2021

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.

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Publication
August 4, 2021

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.

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Publication
August 4, 2021

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.

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Video
July 16, 2021

IRI DRC Animation Video  (English subtitles)

Introducing the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative country program in DRC

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Video
July 16, 2021

IRI Indonesia Animation Video (English subtitles)

Introducing the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative country program in Indonesia

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Publication
July 8, 2021

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.

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Publication
June 30, 2021

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.

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Event
June 24, 2021

FEEDING THE FUTURE: The Story of the Smallholder Farmers Alliance

Hugh Locke
Timote Georges
Audrey E. Kitagawa

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.

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Publication
June 23, 2021

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.

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Video
March 29, 2021

Lessons From A Smallholder Farming Revolution in Haiti

Hugh Locke

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.

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Publication
March 25, 2021

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.

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Video
March 16, 2021

IRI Peru Animation Video (English subtitles)

Introducing the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative country program in Peru

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Publication
March 4, 2021

Timberland and the Smallholder Farmers Alliance: Creating a Data-Driven Smallholder Cotton Supply Chain in Haiti

Hugh Locke
Atlanta McIlwraith, Lionel Khalil
Kate Roll

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.

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Publication
February 18, 2021

Making Peace with Nature

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

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.

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Video
February 14, 2021

The Man of the Trees: A Pioneer Environmentalist’s Vision for the Future

Hugh Locke

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.

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Publication
December 15, 2020

Navigating the Double Epoch: Thoughts on Changing Humanity's Current Plot Line

Hugh Locke

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.” …

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Publication
September 10, 2020

A Dirtification of Economy from a Pacific Eco-Relational Perspective

Reverend Dr. Upolu Luma Vaai

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.

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Publication
June 5, 2020

Resource Guide on Rainforest Protection for Religious Communities

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative

To mark World Environment Day, the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative has launched a Resource Guide on Rainforest Protection for Religious Communities...

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Publication
June 5, 2020

Forests and Pandemics: How Protecting Tropical Forests Can Prevent Coronaviruses and Other Emerging Diseases

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative

Tropical forests are being destroyed at alarming rates around the world, driving climate change and biodiversity loss, and intensifying poverty.

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Publication
January 10, 2020

Voices of Hope for Haiti’s Future

Hugh Locke

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?

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Publication
January 1, 2020

‘Let the House Speak’: Memorialising the Islander Missionaries Chapel for Re-storying Ecumenism as the Pacific Household of God

Reverend Dr. Upolu Luma Vaai
Gladson Jathann

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.

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Publication
July 2, 2019

Half the Sky, Half the Land: The Role of Women Farmers in Transforming Global Agriculture

Hugh Locke

The Role of Women Farmers in Transforming Global Agriculture

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Publication
August 1, 2018

“Others are enjoying life from our death”, Eco-Relational Theology and a Methodist Ecological Revolution in Oceania

Reverend Dr. Upolu Luma Vaai

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.

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Video
June 6, 2018

Timberland Case Study: Supply Chain Mutuality with Blockchain

Hugh Locke

Atlanta McIlwraith, Senior Manager, Community Engagement and Communications, Timberland, and Hugh Locke, President and Cofounder, Smallholder Farmers Alliance, and President, Impact Farming

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Publication
March 13, 2018

“A Call for an Eco-Relational Theology of Mission”

Reverend Dr. Upolu Luma Vaai

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

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Video
November 28, 2017

Tree Currency and the Smallholder Impact Farming Revolution

Hugh Locke

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.

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Video
April 5, 2017

Kombit: The Cooperative

Hugh Locke

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.

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Publication
September 1, 2012

The Haiti Experiment

Hugh Locke

The Haiti Experiment is Hugh Locke’s fascinating and heartwarming account of his efforts to help the people of this impoverished nation.

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Video

IRI Colombia animation - ENG subtitles

Introducing the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative country program in Colombia.

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Interfaith Rainforest Initiative

Interfaith Rainforest Initiative

Visit the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Website

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Economic 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.

Publication
February 8, 2023

Let's Ask the Right Questions

David Korten, Ph.D.

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.

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Publication
November 3, 2021

Ecological Civilization: From Emergency to Emergence

David Korten, Ph.D.

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.

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Publication
February 18, 2021

Eco'-nomics

David Korten, Ph.D.

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.

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Publication
May 13, 2020

Wellbeing versus GDP: The Challenge and Opportunity of Human Development in the 21st Century

David Korten, Ph.D.

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.

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Video
April 16, 2019

Reimagining a Sustainable Food Economy

David Korten, Ph.D.

From the archives: In this 2011 interview, David Korten, author of "When Corporations Rule The World", shares his optimistic vision for a food system that's environmentally, ethically and economically compatible with nature.

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Living Economies Forum Website

David Korten, Ph.D.

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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