- Holds strategic discussions with Ruler and Crown Prince of Fujairah
- To speak at multiple engagements at COP28, promoting sustainability and peace through the lens of faith
- Will conduct a free-for-all public meditation for global peace with over 15000 people in Dubai on 8th December
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 6, 2023: Internationally acclaimed spiritual leader and humanitarian activist, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, known for his contributions to peacebuilding, disaster and trauma relief, poverty alleviation, and climate action, arrived in the United Arab Emirates for a weeklong series of vital engagements including strategic dialogues with the leadership of the UAE and high level discussions at COP28.
His visit began with a meeting at the royal residence of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohamed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah and member of the Supreme Council. During the meeting, a diverse range of topics were discussed, encompassing campaigns to raise awareness of virtuous human values and the necessity for peaceful coexistence. He also discussed collaborative initiatives for environmental conservation and sustainable development projects with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah. The Indian spiritual leader, for his part, conveyed his appreciation to the leadership and the government of the United Arab Emirates for their enthusiasm in developing initiatives that promote receptivity and global transformation.
Among his numerous engagements and addresses scheduled for COP28, Gurudev will deliver a significant discourse at the Colombian Pavilion on December 6. In this address, he will provide insights into the pivotal role he played in ending the 2015 Colombian civil conflict, where he successfully facilitated negotiations between the Colombian government and the FARC—a dispute that had been ongoing for 52 years—by employing astute diplomacy and dialogue. His human-centered approach to consensus building illuminates a path of optimism for regions affected by conflict.
In the coming days, Gurudev will additionally address the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) with a keynote address and opening remarks where he will elaborate upon the importance of internal transformation as a strategy to foster a sustainable lifestyle and achieve a state of balance between human activities and the environment. He will also participate actively in a panel discussion organized by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) centered around the Faith Pavilion, which will explore the profound impact that interfaith collaboration can have on sustainable land management. Following these impactful sessions,H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, will join Gurudev on the dais along with other celebrities at the annual international conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, to which he has been extended an invitation as the Guest of Honour.
The visit will culminate in a free-for-all event brimming with wit, wisdom, and a meditation for world peace with over 15,000 attendees from all over the UAE and GCC, apart from hundreds of thousands of people who will be tuning in to the live stream from all over the world. Gurudev, who is also regarded as the master of meditation, will lead individuals through a profound experience of inner calm, which he asserts is the first step towards worldwide harmony. The event, which is already sold out, will take place at the Al Nasr Club – Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai, will also honor prominent business and community figures in recognition of their accomplishments and dedication to philanthropy.
About Gurudev
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a humanitarian leader, spiritual teacher and ambassador of peace. Recognised as a leading figure in contemporary meditation and for building bridges between inner peace and peace in the world, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has spearheaded an unprecedented worldwide movement for a stress-free, violence-free society. Through a myriad of programs and teachings, a network of organizations including the Art of Living and the International Association for Human Values, and a rapidly growing presence across 180 countries, Gurudev has reached an estimated 500 million people. Gurudev has developed unique, impactful programs that empower, equip and transform individuals to tackle challenges at global, national, community and individual levels.
About The Art of Living Foundation
The Art of Living is a worldwide non-profit organization founded in 1981 by the world-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Art of Living offers effective educational and self-development programs and tools that facilitate the elimination of stress and foster deep and profound inner peace, happiness, and well-being. These programs, which include Sudarshan Kriya ® and powerful breathing techniques, meditation, yoga, and practical wisdom for daily living, have helped millions around the world to completely transform their lives. Its core value is to find peace within oneself and to unite people in our society – of different cultures, religions and nationalities, reminding us that we have one goal; to uplift human life everywhere.
