Brochure 2010

Download a pdf of the 2010 brochure

Download a pdf of the Asian 2010 brochure

Download a pdf of newsletter Jul 2010  - Examples and Photos of Events around the world thus far in 2010.

Information

The 2010 World Harmony Run is a global relay founded by global peace leader Sri Chinmoy that seeks to promote international friendship and understanding. As a symbol of harmony, runners carry a flaming torch, passing it from hand to hand travelling through over 100 nations around the globe. The World Harmony Run does not seek to raise money or highlight any political cause, but simply strives to create goodwill among peoples of all nations.

Every year the World Harmony Run visits countless schools in more than 100 countries around the world. Students get to meet the runners, hold the torch and express their own hopes and dreams for a more harmonious world. For K-12 school activities, click on Schools and Kids for more information.

On behalf of hundreds of thousands of citizens across the globe who are participating in the World Harmony Run, we are honored to support the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures as designated by the United Nations and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

In the action plan for 2010 UNESCO states - "The main goal of the International Year will be to demonstrate the benefits of cultural diversity by acknowledging the importance of the transfers and exchanges between cultures and the ties forged between them since the dawn of humanity."

Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon gave the following message: "The International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures is an important initiative. During the year, we will be celebrating cultural diversity and showing how intercultural dialogue and understanding are essential for a more peaceful world. We will also be highlighting the crucial role of culture in development. Let us work together to make the Year a resounding success."

In her comments regarding the year Ms. Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO stated, "The resultant cross-fertilization of our societies offers new opportunities to strengthen the ties between peoples, nations and cultures " she continued, "Exchange and dialogue between cultures are the best tools for building peace."

Dr. Davidson Hepburn, President of the 35th General Conference of UNESCO offered the following words of support. "The International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures presents a wonderful opportunity to creatively celebrate cultural diversity. There is great value in bringing together different kinds of people, different forces, different views, different religions, different beliefs. But the United Nations and UNESCO cannot do what they are asked to do alone. By carrying a torch to over 100 nations this year, you are taking those initial steps of reaching out to other cultures and locations. The World Harmony Run provides a chance for all participants to expand their awareness and to gain practical experience of other cultures. It is also an excellent opportunity to develop an appreciation of diversity through art, culture and sports. This communal sharing of our hopes and dreams is so necessary for building the foundations of peace and harmony."

The 2010 World Harmony Run USA relay along a 10,000-mile route in all 50 states will incorporate into our efforts the UNESCO strategy for 2010: i) promoting reciprocal knowledge of cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity; (ii) building a framework for commonly shared values; equal dignity of cultures, mutual respect and the strengthening of cooperation for lasting peace.