7th Spirit of Humanity Forum

Inner Wisdom in Governance and Leadership

Acting with Courage and Compassion

Iceland, 8-11 May 2025

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:

High-level panels

Intergenerational dialogue groups

Shared moments in silent contemplation

Time for personal reflection

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.

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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.

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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

Articles

Leadership in an era of intense change

From an interview with Christian Greiser at the event "Bridges over Toubled Waters" in Berlin,...
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Voices from Language of Peace

Featured Article from Heartfulness Magazine JOHANNA VILHJALMSDOTTIR and SYLVIE BERTI ROSSI offer us a glimpse...
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How Authentic Leadership Can Heal a World in Crisis

A Cameroonian Peacebuilder’s Perspective on the Spirit of Humanity Forum in Reykjavik, Iceland Being invited...
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The value of Calm

When leaders give up their plans and learn from their people By Susanne Hansen, Support...
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Calm and confident – universal leadership qualities

The wisdom of dogs Some basic needs apply to all living things. Dog expert Cesar...
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A different take on the two wolves

Inside each of us there are two wolves fighting. One is fear, arrogance, greed, anger, hatred...
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Spirituality in Practice

Fridays for Silence

Meditation recordings from our simple spiritual practice online

Build a subtle network of pure thoughts, spiritually empower yourself together with others and help shift human consciousness towards core human values, 15 minutes every Friday. Welcome to JOIN US

Reflections

Collaborations

Bridges over troubled waters

On 28 August 2024 an event was held in Berlin to inspire people to discover...
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One Home Journey

Spirit of Humanity Forum and One Home Journey: A Shared Vision for a peaceful and...
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A Narrative of Love

As part of the A Narrative of Love project, Dr Scherto Gill hosted a series of...
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Every Friday at 11.00am GMT

Join us in this simple spiritual practice, to empower yourself and help shift human consciousness towards core human values.

For a group of leaders and change-makers to be in a safe space to express their inner feelings and, in particular, speak of the part that love can and does play in their lives and in the world, is a precious gift.

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