How Can the Spiritual Dimensions of Science and Consciousness Help the UN and Humanity Achieve Better Standards of Life in Larger Freedom?

Seminar; Thursday, 26 May 2005; 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Introduction to Ambassador Chowdhury

Iris Spellings

Welcome! And, thank you all, each and every one of you, for being here.

We are most privileged and honored next to welcome His Excellency, Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury, who will address "What Part Does the Evolution of Consciousness Play in Helping the UN Achieve Its Objective of Promoting Better Standards of Life in Larger Freedom for All the World's People?"

Ambassador Chowdhury's accomplishments and activities make for a very, very, very long list and so I will mention only a few today and encourage you to visit his web site within the UN web site.

In 2001 Ambassador Chowdhury was appointed by Secretary-General Annan as the Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States-the capacity in which he works today.

From 1996 until 2001, Ambassador Chowdhury served as the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN. During that time he served as President of the Security Council, President of the UNICEF Executive Board, and Coordinator for the Least Developed Countries.

Because of his extensive work in the areas of peace, human rights and development, Ambassador Chowdhury is the recipient of the U Thant Peace Award and the "Gandhi Gold Medal for Culture of Peace," given out by UNESCO. Also, two years ago, Soka University in Tokyo, Japan conferred on him an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his work for the goals and objectives of the United Nations and for promoting a culture of peace.

A man of heart and conscience who brings love and endless enthusiasm to this work: Ambassador Chowdhury, you have the floor.