Inner Wisdom in Governance and Leadership - Acting with Courage and Compassion
The next International Spirit of Humanity Forum will be held in Reykjavik & Hveragerði, Iceland, from 8th to 11th May 2025, under the theme “Inner Wisdom in Governance and Leadership - Acting with Courage and Compassion.”
The Forum programme will include:
Additionally, guided walks in the beautiful natural surroundings and cultural activities will enrich the experience.
The SoH Forum is a global movement that brings together leaders from various fields to explore the potential of personal transformation and core human values such as love and compassion in driving systemic change. Since its inception in 2012, the Forum has focused on spirituality in leadership and explored new forms of governance underpinned by love, care, respect, trust, dialogue and relationships. The Forum’s essential question is ‘How shall we be?’ rather than the conventional ‘What shall we do?’
We therefore invite our contributors and participants to share, from the heart, their inner journey of inspiration, challenge and deeper meaning and purpose. The Forum provides a safe space for dialogue, sharing, and co-authoring a new and compelling narrative about who we are, how we could be and what we can each do to create a promising future for all.

Photo: At the 1st Spirit of Humanity Forum in 2012, Federico Mayor Zaragoza alongside the then Mayor of Reykjavík, Jón Gnarr.
Tribute to Federico Mayor Zaragoza
The Spirit of Humanity Forum expresses its heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support of Federico Mayor Zaragoza, former Secretary General of UNESCO, who passed away on Thursday, December 19th, at the age of 90. His "Foundation for a Culture of Peace" was one of the Forum's earliest supporters, and Mr. Mayor participated in our inaugural event in Reykjavik, Iceland, in 2012. From the outset, he offered us invaluable encouragement and wise counsel as we embarked on our mission.
Federico's life was a testament to his commitment to peace, and he profoundly understood the spiritual principles that guide us toward it.
He once said, “The culture of peace and non-violence means that from now on we must shift from force to dialogue, from muscle to words, from the misguided proverb ‘if you want peace, prepare for war’ to the true conviction: if you want peace, help build it through your everyday actions.”
"Peace," he explained, "is much more than the absence of war; it is a dynamic process of cooperation, solidarity, and respect for life and dignity. It calls us to awaken to the inner strength of our values and conscience."
Federico often emphasised that the path to outer peace begins with inner transformation. Through his talks and writings, he underscored the importance of personal growth, ethical leadership, and collective responsibility in nurturing a culture of peace.

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
Articles
Leadership in an era of intense change
Voices from Language of Peace
How Authentic Leadership Can Heal a World in Crisis
The value of Calm
Calm and confident – universal leadership qualities
A different take on the two wolves
Spirituality in Practice
Collaborations
Bridges over troubled waters
One Home Journey
A Narrative of Love
Partners









