Focus on Development and Humanitarian Partnerships, Jakarta, 27-29 November 2019
Swami Rama illustrated the scientific basis of the ancient yogic practices through demonstration of the mind’s capacity to control so-called involuntary physiological parameters such as heart rate, temperature and brain waves. The Institutes set up by him combine Western and Eastern teachings and techniques to develop educational, therapeutic and research programs for serving people in today’s world and make known the harmonious view of world religions and philosophies, and to undertake scientific research for the benefit of humanity. He also trained many physicians, scientists, psychologists, philosophers and university professors from various field of learning.
It’s within this background that Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust, represented by Ms. B. Maithili, Director Rural Development Institute, presented some experiences in taking forward the Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations SLE on Religion and Diplomacy, the first one to take place focused on South and Southeast Asia at Jakarta this November.
The main objectives of the SLE include the development of a learned approach and a deeper understanding, within the United Nations system and among its intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, as to why and how religions matter to development and humanitarian work; and how to build more informed, strategic, pragmatic and result-based models of collaboration. It was to also take into account relevant developments impacting the Sustainable Development Goals/Agenda 2030 with human rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment addressed as cross-cutting issues.
The participants were from diverse background—UN entities, government officials, mission heads, faith-based organizations, institutions and academicians working in religion, development and humanitarian work. HIHT was represented for the work on sustainable development goals. The three-day learning exchange was through partnership and ownership of various stakeholders.
A welcome dinner was hosted by Lambert Grijns, Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia for all participants. The opening ceremony began with speeches by heads of missions of Netherlands, EU, Swiss and UN Resident Coordinator. This was followed with a theatrical performance about peace. The first session was on conversations with religious leaders followed by panel sessions on intergovernmental and non-governmental perspectives on religion, diplomacy and development. There was launch of an e-course on religion and development. Six sustainable development goals (SDGs) took centerstage: (i) Building Peaceful and Just Societies (ii) Child Protection (iii) Gender (iv) Education (v) Health and (vi) Environment-Climate.
Ms. Maithili participated in the health dialogue comprised of members from ASEAN Secretariat, Pakistan, Myanmar, Indonesia and India. The challenges, innovations, solutions, recommendations were discussed and presented. Sum up was done by Azza Karram, Coordinator of UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Religion and Development who has been doing these dialogues across various continents since 2010. It was an interesting learning exchange focused on the issues of this region.
