Coming into the work of the Spirit of Humanity Forum

My connection to the Spirit of Humanity came thanks to a great friendship with Carolien and Henri van Eeghen, which had formed through my PeaceJam work almost ten years ago. Carolien told me that the Spirit of Humanity was setting itself the target of connecting to and inviting younger members to the next retreat in Iceland, hoping to run an entirely youth-focused event the following year. I was introduced to Mark Milton, Founder & Director of Education 4 Peace and one of the Founders of the Spirit of Humanity Forum, to discuss the ideas further.
Mark was incredibly kind, knowledgeable and interested in my background and experiences. The goal of attracting younger people to the Spirit of Humanity Forum came from a genuine and authentic place. I have previously worked with organisations that want to include young people so they look good, but here, young people are not only wanted, they are needed. From this first conversation, it was clear that the Forum wishes to learn from young people, encourage and support them and welcome them into their network. I was very, very invested!

Finding a new family

Invited to attend the Spirit of Humanity’s annual meeting, I arrived at the Global Retreat Centre in Oxford on the last weekend of November. I was totally astonished by the beautiful, large estate with woodland all around and a picturesque lake just behind. Although I had no idea where I was, who I would be meeting, or even what I would be doing over the next few days, something was already telling me that I was right where I belonged!

After being welcomed and introduced to the Executive Circle and three other young people, Vini Goyal from UK, involved with COP 29 and part of YOUNGO a vibrant, global network of children and youth activists, Hyppolite Ntigurirwa, genocide survivor and founder of Bthepeace in Rwanda, an organisation to help people heal from the traumas created and Manal Al Sadhan a pioneering self-development and wellness expert from Saudi Arabia, we were invited into a conversation about how we can bring young people into the work of the Forum, and to the upcoming 7th Spirit of Humanity Forum in May 2025. 

We were asked, “What do you think we should do?” This question was so empowering; it felt like all of our thoughts and ideas were truly heard.

This initial meeting was very rich and enjoyable. After a short introduction, the Executive Circle turned the spotlight on us and asked, “What do you think we should do?” It was so empowering to be asked this, and it felt like all of our thoughts and ideas were truly heard. We had a genuine conversation, and we were given an opportunity to share our experiences, thoughts, and feelings.

Waking up the next day in a mansion in Oxford surrounded by people I had only met the day before was not how I had expected to spend my 32nd birthday! In the morning, the organisers announced my birthday, and everyone sang. I received hugs and gifts. I felt like I had a new family I had known for a long time. The group’s kind, authentic and welcoming nature has been one of the main motivations for me to work closer and help as much as possible.

Lifechanging experience with young leaders from all over the world

Next, I was invited to India to attend the 2025 LoveForce Awards, where I was nominated and supported by the Spirit of Humanity Forum. The Heartfulness Centre (Kanha Shanti Vanam) hosted the event.

It was a community of people who had chosen to live together, meditate together, and spend time together, and I felt welcomed and part of the community the moment I arrived.

I was taken aback by the peaceful and beautiful atmosphere in Kanha. Heartfulness was a community of people who had chosen to live together, meditate and spend time together. I felt welcomed and part of the community the moment that I arrived.

The program started with a welcome dinner, during which the nominees could meet each other, the other guests, and supporting members of LoveForce, Heartfulness, and Spirit of Humanity Forum. The nominees had amazing projects and initiatives that focused on everything from mental health to the environment to saving young boys from drug abuse. 

The 12 LoveForce 2024 nominees, from the Netherlands, Cameroon, Malawi, Kenya, Iceland, Brazil, France, India and England, alongside Spirit of Humanity and Heartfulness mentors and workshop leaders.

It was a week of workshops, speakers, panels, etc., but with a focus on ourselves as individuals. I was used to conferences that focused on external things like climate change or the global refugee crisis, and although those could be very informative, I would often come away thinking, “But what can I do?” Improving myself as an individual became very tangible in relation to change.

In a workshop led by Mark on being a better listener, I learnt more about myself  than at any previous event I have attended. We learnt about managing stress and looking after our mental health, and this was supported by daily meditation sessions, amazing food, and a very authentic community atmosphere.

It is fair to say that going to Kanha changed my life and me. 

I am so grateful for everything, from the warm introduction to Oxford to the support for India to everything in between! See you in Iceland!

———-

Since writing this article, Luke has been officially appointed our “Youth Leadership Circle Coordinator,” helping us bring young leaders to the upcoming Forum. He is a living example of the energy, enthusiasm, creativity, lightness, and humility that are so needed to help us work for the transformative shifts needed in our world.