BKs at the UN

Setting the Record Straight


The Brahma Kumaris core expertise at the United Nations is: “The cultivation of pure awareness and reaffirming faith in the dignity and worth of the human person. The “spiritual technology”: awareness, attitude, vision, action, and the world.

The first time that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) took a role in formal UN deliberations was through the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1946. Article 71 of the UN Charter opened the door for suitable arrangements for consultation with NGOs. This relationship with ECOSOC is governed today by ECOSOC resolution 1996/31. International, regional and national NGOs, non-profit public or voluntary organizations are eligible to obtain consultative status. There are three categories of status: General, special and roster consultative status. There are presently 3743 organizations in Consultative Status with ECOSOC. 146 of them have General Consultative Status.

The Brahma Kumaris have been in Consultative Status with ECOSOC since 1983. From 1983 to 1997 they held a Roster status, and in 1998, they were granted a General Consultative Status. The Brahma Kumaris also is in consultative status with UNICEF, and affiliated to the Department of Public Information (DPI). It is accredited observer organization to UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).


International Day of Tolerance 

November 16, 2013 | Comment

On November 16, 1995 the member states of UNESCO proclaimed and signed the “Declaration of the Principles of Tolerance”. In order to generate public awareness, emphasise the dangers of intolerance, and react with renewed commitment and action in support of ...

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Dadi Janki speaking about Dadi Prakashmani 

August 25, 2013 | Comment

“Dadiji’s remembrance day is now close (25th August). Six years have passed. Dadiji did so much service and left her memorial in a practical way. We have such examples in front of us. Dadiji exuded cheerfulness, wherever she went. Dadiji ...

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2013 PRAKASHMANI SCHOLAR AND BKUN INTERN – ASHA KURUP 

August 24, 2013 | Comment

Asha is the second Brahma Kumaris United Nations Intern and Prakashmani Scholar for 2013. Asha is based in Melbourne, Australia and is currently a student at the University of Melbourne, studying a Bachelor of Arts and majoring in Politics and ...

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Interview with Shashank Mittal : BKUN Youth Representative

March 19, 2013 | Comment

Shashank Mittal was born in the capital of the small Himalayan state of Sikkim and was raised in New Delhi, India. Encouraged by his parents, he attended the prestigious Doon School, a private boarding school from the age of 12.

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Interview with Denise Scotto : April 15, 2013, BKUN Office

March 10, 2013 | Comment

I am Denise Scotto, and I represent a mix of organizations within the UN community. For many years I represented the International Federation of Women Lawyers and the International Federation of Women in Legal Careers. I also more recently represent ...

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