Read this online at www.intuition-in-service.org/newsletter/April18.html


Please Hold in the Light
April 2018

Welcome
During International Days and major international conferences there is a special opportunity to serve in the creation of a more unified and compassionate world.
As meditators we can symbolically stand together with all actively working in the spirit of the Charter of Compassion, and invoke the aid of the Forces of Light in support of these events.

Daily Reminder
Check out a daily reminder of these events to hold in the light. Share this daily reminder with others by including the app on your website.

Sustainable Development Goals & Climate Change 
These International Days and events reflect important themes in the mobilization of energies to:
 
United Nations International Year
  • Contrary to common practice, the United Nations has not declared 2018 as International Year for any specific topic.
 
Silence at the United Nations



The Spiritual Caucus at the United Nations gathers in the vicinity of UN Headquarters in New York (September - June) on the third Thursday every month for 30 minutes of silence followed by 30 minutes of dialogue, sharing insights and exploring ways to use an inner focus in service of the work of the UN. On the 1st Thursday of the month the Caucus invites friends to sit in silence for 30 minutes in the newly renovated Meditation Room at UN Headquarters in New York.
Please link in from wherever you are. More information at: http://www.spiritualcaucusun.org/

In April the Spiritual Caucus will gather for silence in the UN Meditation Room in the main lobby at UN Headquarters, New York on April 5 from 12.45 - 1.15 PM and for silence and discussion on April 19 from 1.30 - 2.45 PM, gathering outside the UN Meditation Room.
 
 
 

April Please Hold These Events in the Light


April 2
World Autism Awareness Day

2018 Theme: Empowering Women and Girls with Autism
The Day seeks to improve the quality of life of people with autism, recognising that there is a high rate of people with autism in all regions of the world.
Our work for gender equality and women’s empowerment must reach all the world’s women and girls. And our efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals must uphold the 2030 Agenda’s core promise to leave no one behind.On World Autism Awareness Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to promote the full participation of all people with autism, and ensure they have the necessary support to be able to exercise their rights and fundamental freedoms António Guterres, Secretary-General.
www.un.org/en/events/
www.autismspeaks.org

April 4
International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action

2018 UN Theme: Advancing Protection, Peace and Development
Following a 1997 Mine Ban Treaty most countries have now banned landmines, yet anti-personnel mines continue to be used as a weapon of war and areas remain dangerous long after conflicts have ended. This United Nations Day marks a focus for campaigns to protect civilians from landmines and explosive remnants of war.
In our turbulent world, mine action is a concrete step towards peace. António Guterres, Secretary-General.
www.un.org/en/events/
www.icbl.org


April 7
World Health Day

2018 Theme: Universal health coverage: everyone, everywhere.
At least half of the world's people are unable to get essential health services. The WHO campaign to support Universal Health Coverage aimns to ensure that all people and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship.
www.who.int

April 12
Psychology Day at UN Headquarters, New York, USA

2018 Theme: Climate Change: Psychological Interventions Promoting Mitigation and Adaptation
Psychology Day at the United Nations is a celebration of psychology in the context of the United Nations. It provides an opportunity for psychology to share with U.N. Permanent Missions, U.N. agencies, NGOs and the private sector the activities of psychologists at the U.N. and the role of psychology in addressing concerns of global importance. Psychology Day also introduces psychologists and psychology students to psychology's current and potential involvement in U.N. activities and issues. Register in advance to attend at https://t.co/vXObfu0JxP
www.unpsychologyday.com
psychologycoalitionun.org

April 16 - 27
UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, UN HQ, New York

2018 theme: Indigenous peoples’ collective rights to lands, territories and resources
The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), established at the promptings of indigenous peoples, is a high-level UN body charged to advise the Economic and Social Council on all matters dealing with indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, environment, education, health and human rights. Annual meetings of the Forum provide a focal point for discussion of indigenous peoples issues at the UN - they are attended by representatives of large numbers of indigenous peoples groups from around the world who also meet together in a Global Caucus, a Womens Caucus and a Youth Caucus. During the Forum there is a strong presence of Indigenous Peoples at UN Headquarters.
On April 17, at the request of the General Assembly, UN Secretary-General will conduct an informal interactive hearing with participants at the Forum on enhanced participation of indigenous peoples at the United Nations.
www.un.org/development/

April 20 - 22
Global Youth Service Day

Global Youth Service Day is the largest annual celebration of young volunteers, where millions of young people from over 100 countries in 6 continents carry out thousands of community improvement projects.
I have hope that stems in large part from my knowledge that the future of this planet lies in the tremendous energy, enthusiasm, and commitment of young people around the world. Jane Goodall
www.gysd.org

April 21
World Creativity & Innovation Day

This is the first of what will be an annual United Nations celebration of April 21 as World Creativity and Innovation Day. The intention is to raise awareness of the importance of creativity in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.
Outside of the UN, the Day has been celebrated as World Creativity and Innovation Day every year since 2002, and in 2006 it became a Week of celebrations, beginning with Leonardo da Vinci's birthday on April 15. Last year the Day was celebrated in over 100 communities in more than 50 countries.
www.un.org/
www.wciw.org

April 22
International Mother Earth Day & Earth Day

Over a billion people participate in Earth Day activities every year. It is the largest civic observance in the world, and is evidence of the massive concern to build right relations between humanity and the Earth. In 2009 the United Nations General Assembly added its weight to this popular movement, proclaiming April 22 International Mother Earth Day, with a significant resolution affirming the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet we all inhabit.
Mother Earth Day is helping to define new emerging economic, social and political processes through which humanity is seeking to raise the quality of its relationships with the Earth. Every year the Day is observed at UN Headquarters with an Interactive Dialogue of the General Assembly on Harmony With Nature. This year's dialogue which will take place on April 23 (broadcast live on UN TV) will expore how legal and economic frameworks (Earth Centered Law and Ecological Economics)are being applied to further the implementation of sustainable production and consumption patterns in Harmony with Nature. www.harmonywithnatureun.org
www.un.org/en/events/motherearthday/
www.earthday.org

April 24 - 25
UN General Assembly High Level Meeting on Sustaining Peace

Recent initiatives at the United Nations, with strong support and leadership from the Secretary General, and encouraged by the current General Assembly President, have led to a major re-thinking of the UN's role in sustaining peace at all stages of conflict and in all its dimensions.
In January an important Report from the Secretary-General on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace was released. And the High Level Meeting hosted by the President of the General Assembly will continue this effort to develop significant positive change in how the U.N. approaches, manages, innovates, and resources its peacebuilding work.
www.un.org/pga/72/
reliefweb.int

April 25
World Malaria Day

2018 Theme: Ready to beat malaria
The global fight towards zero malaria deaths is one of the great stories of our time. A partnership of over 500 UN agencies, governments, organizations and stakeholders are working together in the Rollback Malaria Partnership. Throughout the past decade, as a result of this effort, deaths from malaria have steadily declined. The Malaria target in Goal 6 of the Millennium Development Goals, to halt and begin to reverse the incidence of malaria by 2015, was met 'convincingly'. Over 15 years new malaria cases dropped by 37%.
Yet the 2017 World Malaria Report notes that: After unprecedented global success in malaria control, progress has stalled … There were an estimated 5 million more malaria cases in 2016 than in 2015. Malaria deaths stood at around 445 000, a similar number to the previous year.
www.who.int/campaigns/malaria-day/
www.malariaconsortium.org/
www.worldmalariaday2018.org

April 26 - 28
9th Global Forum on Urban Resilience and Adaptation, Bonn, Germany

The annual global forum on Resilient Cities explores the way in which cities are adapting to climate change. It is a joint project of ICLEI, Local Governments for Sustainability (a global network of over 1500 cities, towns and regions committed to building a sustainable future), and the City of Bonn. It is attended by over 500 participants, and the event includes the annual Mayors Adaptation Forum, organised with the World Mayors Council on Climate Change.
www.un.org/en/events/

April 28
World Tai Chi & Qui Gong Day

The last Saturday of April each year in 100s of cities, spanning over 80 nations, people come together … to breathe together and provide a healing vision for our world.
www.worldtaichiday.org

April 29
Wesak Festival Taurus Full Moon

Generally known as the Festival of the Buddha, the Ageless Wisdom considers Wesak to be the highpoint of the spiritual year when forces of enlightenment associated with the Buddha pour into the planet.
Since ancient times human beings have honored the full moon as a time when the sacred is most accesible. It is a time of light - the moon reflects the light of the sun onto the face of the earth. In astrology this is a time when the qualities and potentials of the zodiacal sign of the sun are especially available to humanity for use in service.
During the full moon religious and esoteric groups around the world use the opportunities of this time to vizualize light and love and spiritual power flowing into humanity and strengthening all that is being done to help prepare the way for a world of unity, justice and peace; a world in which the Sustainable Development Goals will be met.
www.wesakfestival.org
www.lucistrust.org
www.worldservicegroup.com/

April 30
United Nations Vesak Day

Vesak is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world. It was on the Day of Vesak two and a half millennia ago, in the year 623 B.C., that the Buddha was born. It was also on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha attained enlightenment, and it was on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha in his eightieth year passed away.
Since 1999, following a decision by the General Assembly, the United Nations has observed Vesak as an acknowledgement of the contribution which Buddhism continues to play to the spirituality of humanity. A special event is held at UN Headquarters in New York, and at selected UN offices.
The Buddha's message of compassion is timeless. In our interconnected world, there can be no peace as long as others are in peril; no security as long as others suffer deprivation; no sustainable future until all members of our human family enjoy their human rights. On this Day of Vesak, let us celebrate the wisdom of Lord Buddha by taking action for others with a strong spirit of solidarity. António Guterres, Secretary-General.
www.un.org/en/events/

April 30
International Jazz Day

April 30 was first celebrated by UNESCO as International Jazz Day in 2012. The Day is intended to raise awareness in the international community of the virtues of jazz as an educational tool, and a force for peace, unity, dialogue and enhanced cooperation among people.
jazzday.com
www.un.org/en/events/jazzday/
www.unesco.org/new/en/jazz-day