7th Spirit of Humanity Forum

Inner Wisdom in Governance and Leadership

Acting with Courage and Compassion

Iceland, 8-11 May 2025
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The 7th Spirit of Humanity Forum brought together over 160 leaders, change-makers, and visionaries from more than 40 countries in Reykjavík, Iceland, under the theme “Inner Wisdom in Governance – Acting with Courage and Compassion.”    

Held partly in collaboration with the Wellbeing Economy Forum, the gathering created a heart-centred space to explore how inner transformation can shape more compassionate and courageous leadership.

Gift of Peace with Wellbeing Economy Forum and Welcome Reception by The City of Reykjavík at the City Hall

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The week began with the deeply moving pre-event Gift of Peace, followed by a welcoming reception at Reykjavík City Hall, which featured an address by Sanna Mörtudóttir, President of the City Council.

Inner Wisom in Governance and Leadership with the President of Iceland

A highlight of the Forum was the opening session in Harpa Concert Hall with H.E. Halla Tómasdóttir, President of Iceland, who inspired the audience with her call to “drop from mind to heart” and lead with love and courage. She was joined in rich dialogue by Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Global Ambassador for the Club of Rome, and Dr. Jude Currivan, cosmologist and co-founder of WholeWorld-View. Young leaders, Hyppolite Ntigurirwa: Peace activist, artist, and founder of Be The Peace and Silvia Grothe, public health consultant shared reflection and a meaningful intergenerational exchange with the President. The session was enriched by the presence of Sister Jayanti Kirpalani, Co-Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris, who offered spiritual insight and led the gathering in a moment of guided meditation, grounding the space in shared stillness.

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Throughout the Forum, participants engaged in powerful plenaries and experiential workshops that explored how inner wisdom can lead to outer change.

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Contributions from leaders

Baroness Patricia Scotland, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth; Katrín Jakobsdóttir, former Prime Minister of Iceland; Dr Youssef Mahmoud, former UN Under-Secretary-General; Dr Thomas Legrand, author of Politics of Being and expert in spiritually-based systems transformation; Professor Mike Hardy, Chair of Intercultural Relations at Coventry University and Founding Director of the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations; and Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland and Director of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

They spoke about the role of courage, compassion, and self-awareness in public service and societal transformation — and the possibilities of a new form of politics grounded in inner development, wisdom, and the flourishing of all life.

Workshops and thematic sessions offered spaces for practice and reflection — from exploring wellbeing economies and spiritual intelligence to sessions on breathwork, forgiveness, music, and holistic education. One of the most impactful sessions was the Circle of Forgiveness, led by Olivier Clerc, which offered a sacred space for healing and reconciliation.

 

Throughout the Forum, participants collectively reflected on how systemic change can emerge from inner wisdom, courage, and compassion — recognizing that lasting transformation begins within and extends into the structures we co-create together.

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Youth engagement

Over 30 leaders from around the world were bringing vibrant energy and insight. Their presence strengthened intergenerational dialogue and offered hope for the future. Thanks to local leadership programmes in Iceland that focus on inner development and values such as trust, tolerance, and peace, more Icelandic leaders joined than ever before — contributing a strong local voice to the global conversation.

 

As the next steps, we explore follow-up gatherings, training, and collaborations to keep the momentum alive. As one participant said:

"We have touched something essential together. Now the question is — how do we live it into being?"

 

We offer heartfelt thanks to all participants, partners, and volunteers who helped bring this experience to life.

Emerging collaboration with the Wellbeing Economy Forum in Iceland

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The Spirit of Humanity Forum and the Wellbeing Economy Forum are embarking on a promising collaboration based on shared values and a deep commitment to promote the cultivation of a better world. These organisations recognise the importance of joining forces to inspire meaningful change on a global scale. By blending their strengths—nurturing inner wisdom in governance and leadership and promoting an economy rooted in wellbeing—they aim to create a powerful forum for dialogue, spiritual nourishment and action. This partnership reflects their shared belief that collaboration is essential for building a more compassionate world and bringing about systemic change where the economic systems truly serve the wellbeing of people and the planet.

The Spirit of Humanity Forum and the Well-Being Economy Forum will took place simultaneously in Iceland in May 2025 and co-hosted several sessions, fostering a shared exploration of values-driven leadership and well-being in governance.

Contributors 7th Forum 2025

Youssef Mahmoud

“In times of radical uncertainty we need to actively cultivate compassion, hope and agency.”

Jóhanna Vilhjálmsdóttir

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David Li

“I believe that true leadership is not defined by authority or title but by the ability to inspire and empower others. Whether on the field, in the classroom, or within the community, I strive to lead by example, demonstrating deep listening, empathy, and love.”

Lotta Arbman

“True humility can only emerge from self respect.”

Carolin Fraude

“Transformation becomes possible when we meet ourselves, each other, and the divine with honesty — not trying to prove anything, but staying present and transparent with what is. As we navigate profound global shifts, it’s vital to learn how to let go without giving up. In this space, new awareness and true connection can emerge.”

Dr. Scherto Gill

“In silence, we awaken inner wisdom, seeking clarity in quiet reflection; through listening, we cultivate mutual presence, nurturing Love and caring; in dialogue, we weave our collective insights into pathways for flourishing futures.”

Stefanía Olafsdóttir

“Each of us holds the potential to be instrumental for a positive shift. ”

Luke Addison

“I have been working with the Spirit of Humanity Forum for several months with the aim to bring more young leaders to the Forum and into the overall governance. It has been an incredibly empowering and positive experience as the whole team are so welcoming, open-minded and innovative. I am really looking forward to a bright future working alongside the Forum.”

Maureen Goodman

“Love is the greatest transformative power in this world; only love – for the self and others – can move us away from violence and war.”

Mark Milton

“As the world faces rising adversity and division, a new generation of leaders is emerging, guided by love and compassion in governance and leadership.”

Amit Paul

“The quality of the results produced by any system depends on the quality of awareness from which people in the system operate.”

Emelina Corrales

“When science, spirit, and purpose align, we become powerful stewards of both the planet and the human soul.”

Maruee Pahuja

“They call it the Big Bang, but I like to believe the world was crafted and created in silence, with love.”

Dr. Filippo Dal Fiore

“We propose a partnership among pioneering, change-making organisations and forums, aimed at spearheading the creation of a new school and movement for wisdom leadership. This initiative will bring together some of the world’s most life-affirming and spiritually conscious leaders, scientists, and thinkers—across all continents, age groups, and cultural, professional, and faith backgrounds.”

Noor Balfaqeeh

“As I reflect on my journey from participant to planning team member, I'm reminded of the profound impact that collective efforts can have on shaping a more compassionate and conscious world. The Spirit of Humanity conference embodies the spirit of unity, love, and courage that I believe can shift the awareness and consciousness of humanity. I am honored to be part of this movement.”

Arnar Sveinn Geirsson

“True leadership begins within. When we align with our values, we don’t need to shout - our presence speaks louder than words. It’s not about having all the answers, but about showing up with integrity, listening deeply, and holding space for others to rise. That’s where real strength lives - in quiet alignment, not loud control.”

Alan Gegenschatz

“Life is a canvas of endless learning and service, where the journey of self-discovery paints the path to flourishing.”

Olivier Clerc

“Courage and compassion naturally flow from a healthy heart. Forgiveness is the art of healing the heart.”

Dr. Thomas Bruhn

“Leadership can be a natural consequence of being in resonance with life. In the presence of worldly challenges, conflicts and suffering, it may require courage, however, to stay centered in our compassion with ourselves and our surrounding to wholeheartedly say "yes" to the miracle of aliveness with all its ambiguity.”

Hyppolite Ntigurirwa

“Peace Is What You Give not What You Ask Others to Give You.”

Dr. Jude Currivan

“The emergence of a unitive worldview and narrative underpinning universal principles of unity in diversity, and belonging is being embodied as imaginal cells of growing numbers of groups and movements worldwide. They exemplify how by dissolving our perceived separation to serve the good of the whole, we can reframe these turbulent times, rather than a meta-crisis, as an evolutionary metamorphosis.”

Dr. Thomas Legrand

“What do we have except the possibility to walk a path with heart?”

Stewart Wallis

“Transformational leadership is urgently needed to address the polycrises in our world. This leadership  has to be based on love and humility. Calling for radically different  solutions will get nowhere unless we ourselves act radically differently and model the change that is needed. The Forum is  the perfect place to do the deep inner work needed to enable us to be truly transformational leaders.”

Dr. Michael Hardy CMG OBE

“In this painful time of complexity, leaders must cultivate new competencies and mindsets that transcend traditional crisis management approaches. Leaders need holistic and adaptive frameworks and integrative leadership practices that address ambiguity and rapid change, with agility, collective endeavour, and cross-cultural sensitivity as foundational elements.”

Sylvie Berti Rossi

“Cultivate the generosity of the heart, and life will gently unfold, guided by meaningful purpose, nourished by mutual understanding, and illuminated by the quiet wisdom of the soul. In the most authentic way, I’ve come to experience all of this within the Spirit of Humanity Forum community.”

Katrín Jakobsdóttir

“What the world needs now is leadership where caring for humans and nature is primary, with a clear vision that caring is not only possible, but vital when circumstances are harsh.”

Sister Jayanti Kirpalani

“I see the erosion of spiritual values as the underlying cause of the crises the world is facing today. My promise is that there will come a time again when humans will follow basic spiritual laws in their lives and light will return to this world.”

Sandrine Dixson-Declève

“Science and stories are needed to help citizens understand potential futures, and to find a way forward for people, planet and prosperity.”

Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC

“If we choose, we can be the solution we need.”

Vigdís Finnbogadóttir - A Legacy of Humility, Courage and Compassion

A remarkable TV-series about the extraordinary  life journey of a woman who after facing many challenges in life was persuaded by the people in Iceland to run for office.: "We need leaders with your values and humanistic approach."

Three things stand out in the film, as a leader she could admit a mistake, listen and change her mind. In the face of conflict or even when falsely accused and defamed she never goes into argumentation to push her case or defend herself, but with great dignity studies the facts and presents them at the right moment. She also lets time show the truth. She displays humility and courage, caring and great independence. It is a story that describes the meaning of character in successful leadership.

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6th Spirit of Humanity Forum, 1-3 June 2023

A retreat for leaders exploring healing from within

The 6th Spirit of Humanity Forum, held from May 31st to June 3rd, 2023, in Reykjavik and Hveragerði, Iceland, brought together 120 leaders from 27 countries and various fields to explore the theme of "Healing a World in Crisis - leading with authenticity and love." In its 6th edition, the Forum provided a transformative retreat format, offering participants a unique and life-changing experience.  Read More

 

A powerful Interview with the Prime Minister of Iceland and reflections of participants at the 6th Forum

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Reflections from the 6th Forum

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Bringing generations together

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The value of Calm

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Calm and confident – universal leadership qualities

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A different take on the two wolves

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Bridges over troubled waters

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One Home Journey

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A Narrative of Love

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