The 2013 South-South Awards ceremony was held on Sunday, September 22 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. The awards recognize governments and private and public sector leaders who have made significant contributions to sustainable development. This year’s Global Governance Leadership award recipients included:
Her Excellency Laura
Chinchilla Miranda, President of Costa Rica
His Royal Highness Khalifa bin Salman Al- Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain
His Excellency Josaia Voreqe
Bainimarama, Prime Minister of Fiji
The Global Governance Leadership Awards are presented to individuals who have made distinctive contributions to sustainable development, the youth, e-governance, and information and communications technology. Other award recipients this year included:
His Excellency Nelson
Mandela, Madame Graça Machel
Mr. David Paich.
The ceremony was hosted by Erin Brady, Miss USA 2013 and entertainment provided by world music icons Les Nubians, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, and Robin DiMaggio and the Posse 2.0, the Arsenio Hall House Band. Noami Campbell, supermodel, was on hand to support the cause.
Monthly Archives: May 2025
Interview with Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, President of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Ralph Everard Gonsalves or “Uncle Ralph” also known as “Comrade Ralph”, is the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and leader of the Unity Labour Party (ULP).
Gonsalves became Prime Minister after his party won a majority government in the 2001 general election. He is the first Prime Minister from the newly constructed ULP, following a merger of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Labour Party and the Movement for National Unity.
Gonsalves has been Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency of North Central Windward since 1994. In 1994, upon the formation of the Unity Labour Party, he became deputy leader and became leader of the party in 1998. Gonsalves’ ULP won another majority government in 2005 general election, winning 12 seats. On December 13, 2010, Gonsalves’ ULP was re-elected, showing a decrease in the popular vote and winning 8 seats.
Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General of United Nations Speaks about Designing for Impact at the CGI
Ban Ki-moon is the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations. His priorities have been to mobilize world leaders around a set of new global challenges, from climate change and economic upheaval to pandemics and increasing pressures involving food, energy and water. He has sought to be a bridge-builder, to give voice to the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, and to strengthen the Organization itself.
“I grew up in war,” the Secretary-General has said, “and saw the United Nations help my country to recover and rebuild. That experience was a big part of what led me to pursue a career in public service. As Secretary-General, I am determined to see this Organization deliver tangible, meaningful results that advance peace, development and human rights.”
Mr. Ban took office on January 1, 2007. On June 21, 2011, he was unanimously re-elected by the General Assembly and will continue to serve until December 31, 2016.
Exclusive Interview with Princess Ameerah Al-Taweel of Saudi Arabia at the CGI
Princess Ameera bint Aidan bin Nayef Al-Taweel often called Princess Ameera al-Taweel, in the English-language press, is a Saudi Arabian princess and philanthropist. Princess Ameera assumed the role of Vice Chairperson of Al-Waleed bin Talal Foundation and member of the board of trustees at Silatech.
Princess Ameera, the wife of Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company, travels extensively on behalf of the Alwaleed bin Talal Foundations in an effort to better understand the most pressing challenges facing our world
She spoke in a special session at the 2011 Clinton Global Initiative titled “Voices for Change in the Middle East and North Africa,” in which she discussed her views on the current movements for change in the region with U.S. President Bill Clinton.
Interview with Rev. Dale T. Irvin, President of NY Theological Seminary
Dale T. Irvin is the eleventh President of New York Theological Seminary and Professor of World Christianity. He was elected to this position by the Seminary’s Board of Trustees on July 19, 2006 after serving as Acting President since January 1, 2006, and his permanent appointment became effective on August 1.
Previously, he served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean of the Seminary and is a long-time member of the Seminary’s Faculty. A graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div., 1981) and Union Theological Seminary in New York (Ph.D., 1989), he has been a member of the New York Theological Seminary Faculty since 1989. He is the co-author with Scott W. Sunquist of History of the World Christian Movement, a two-volume project that is being written with a consulting team of more than 50 scholars from around the world and published by Orbis Books of Maryknoll, NY. Volume 1, Earliest Christianity to 1453, is now in its fifth printing. Dr. Irvin’s previous books include Christian Histories, Christian Traditioning: Rendering Accounts (Orbis Books,1998), and The Agitated Mind of God: The Theology of Kosuke Koyama (Orbis Books, 1996), which he edited with Akintunde E. Akinda. His articles have appeared in a number of journals, among them Christianity Today, The Ecumenical Review and The Journal of Pentecostal Studies.
Dr. Irvin has held visiting or adjunct appointments at the University of Uppsala, Sweden; Drew University Theological School; Union Theological Seminary, New York; Wake Forest University Divinity School; New Brunswick Theological Seminary; and Regent University School of Divinity. He is currently the Executive Vice President and member of the Editorial Board of The Living Pulpit, a highly acclaimed journal for preaching.
He is also a regular teacher and preacher in churches throughout the New York City region. An ordained minister in the American Baptist Churches USA, he is a member of The Riverside Church in New York City.
Interfaith Breakfast Hosted by Mayor Michael Bloomberg
video4 mins goes under cultural section.
BIO: Mayor Michael Bloomberg had his Interfaith Breakfast at The New York Public Library. Close to 400 hundred religious leaders from all faiths were in attendance. The following Faith leaders did an Invocation in their own faiths: Monsignor John J.Brown from St. Francis De Sales Parish Belle Harbor, Queens; Imam Khalil Abdur –Rashid, Iqra Masjid Midwood, Brooklyn; Pastor Timothy McIntyre from the Oasis Christian Center, Midland Beach, Staten Island; Rabbi Majorie Slome, West End Temple Neponsit, Queens; Rev T. Kenjitsu Nakagaki, Buddist Council of NY, Manhattan; Rev. Deborah Chadwick-Muniz, Iglesia Jerusalem, Morrsania Bronx; Priest Giani Bhupinde Singh, The Sikh Cultural Society, Richmond Hill Queens.
Musical performance was by The Perley Childrens Choir.
Mayor Bloomberg thanked all the clergy for working together and helping him with the Hurricane Sandy disaster, throughout New York City.
Other city officials in attendance were: Dennis Walcott, Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, Raymond Kelly, Commissioner of NYPD, Patricia L. Gatling, Commissioner on Human Rights and many more.
Exclusive Interview with the Honorable Bharrat Jagdeo, Former President of Guyana – New York
Bharrat Jagdeo (born January 23, 1964) is a Guyanese politician who was President of Guyana from August 11, 1999, to December 3, 2011. He holds a number of global leadership positions in the areas of sustainable development, green growth and climate change.
Prior to his presidency, he was Minister of Finance and became President after Janet Jagan resigned for health reasons. Subsequently he won two elections, in 2001 and 2006. He was the first President of Guyana to relinquish office in accordance with term limits he signed into the Guyanese Constitution. Jagdeo was born in Unity Village on the East Coast of Demerara.
President Jagdeo was elected as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in September, 2005. He occupied this position until September 2006.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) identified Jagdeo as one of their inaugural Young Global Leaders in 2006.
Time Magazine named Jagdeo as one of their “Heroes of the Environment” in 2008, and he was awarded the United Nations “Champion of the Earth” award in 2010.
The 58th Anniversary of the International Debutante Ball – New York
Forty-seven young women took their bows at the 58th Anniversary of the International Debutante Ball, one of the most beautiful and glamorous family events of the holiday season.
The debutantes represented England, Scotland, France, The Netherlands, China, and fifteen American states. Each debutante was accompanied by her own escort in white tie and tails, and a military cadet in dress uniform who carried the flag of the country or state which she represents.
The International Debutante Ball provides a social context where young women and men from all over the world meet one another, have a wonderful and romantic time, and form lasting friendships. Over the past decades, daughters of Diplomats, Ambassadors, Governors, Presidents, ancient European titles and distinguished Americans from all over the country have been brought together by the Ball.
The International Debutante Ball Foundation supports numerous charities including The Soldiers, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club, a home away from home for the military and their families.
The New York Women’s Foundation Radical Gala Generosity
The New York Women’s Foundation 2018 Radical Generosity Gala Celebrates the Me Too Movement.
Honorees include Alyssa Milano; Haley & Michaels; Mary T. Bassett, MD, MPH; and
The Co-Founders of Level Forward: Abigail E. Disney, Adrienne Becker,Rachel Gould, and Angie G. Wang.
The New York Women’s Foundation (The Foundation) celebrated the anniversary of the Me Too Movement on Monday, October 15 at its annual Radical Generosity Gala honoring actress and activist Alyssa Milano and Sony/ATV recording artists and songwriters Haley & Michaels. Tarana Burke, Founder and Leader of the ‘me too.’ Movement presented their awards.
Also recognized for their leadership and contributions to empowering women were Mary T. Bassett, MD, MPH, Director of the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University and the co-founders of media company Level Forward, Abigail E. Disney, Adrienne Becker, Rachel Gould, and Angie G. Wang.
See more about The NY Women’s Foundation Radical Gala Generosity-2018 in our World Liberty TV Cultural Channel and Blogs by Clicking here.
4th Annual Japan Day Parade NYC-2025
BY: Adal Hussain, Chief Editor, 4th Annual Japanese Day Parade NYC , May 10th 2025.
Beginning on Central Park West at West 81st Street and traveling south to West 67th Street, the Japan Parade featured: the music and taiko groups Soh Daiko, COBU and Taiko Masala Dojo, the choir group HARLEM JAPANESE GOSPEL CHOIR, the traditional dance troupes.
The Japanese Folk Dance Institute of NY, and Yosakoi Dance Project – 10tecomai / KAZANAMI, martial arts groups International Karate Organization KYOKUSHINKAIKAN and kendo dojo New York Kenshinkai. Marchers from Anime NYC joined the parade in Japan-themed costumes.
There are Japanese language schools and organizations participating in the Parade, and they include: THE JAPANESE SCHOOL OF NEW YORK (The Greenwich Japanese School), Japanese Children’s Society, Inc., Keio Academy of New York, and The New Jersey Japanese School, and many more.
Chef Masaharu Morimoto served as the parade’s Grand Marshall, and Sandra Endo, news correspondent on KTVV Los Angeles, Fox 11 News and feature reporter for Good Day LA, served as Emcee of the parade.
Participating groups showed Japan’s various attractions, such as culture, tradition, sports, music, cosplay, etc. for everyone’s enjoyment.
Following the great success of the last three years, the 4th annual Japan Parade in New York City was held on Saturday, May 10, beginning at 1pm. Starting on Central Park West at West 81st Street and traveling south to West 67th Street, the purpose of the parade is to celebrate, express, and bring awareness to the friendship between NYC and Japan with a thank you from the Japanese community. Chef Masaharu Morimoto is this year’s Grand Marshall and Koji Soto is this year’s Japan Parade Community Leader.
Sandra Endo, news correspondent on KTVV Los Angeles, Fox 11 News, and a feature reporter for Good Day LA, will serve as Emcee of the parade.
The Japan Street Fair will feature tents offering fun and educational cultural activities including calligraphy, water balloon yo-yo fishing, origami, photo opportunities, and a giveaway. In collaboration with JAPAN Fes, one of the largest organizers of Japanese food festivals in the world that hosts over 20 Japanese food fair events a year in New York City, the Street Fair will also feature about 20 tents serving authentic Japanese food.
The latest information on Japan’s many tourist destinations will be made available at several other tents, and as with last year, there will also be a tent where visitors may donate to a charitable cause. The Japan Street Fair is your chance to experience a Japanese festival, or matsuri, unlike any other.
It was our 3rd annual appearance at the Japanese day parade, thousands of people lined up on the streets on 81st and Central park West, and thousands more at The Japan Street Fair trying many different Japanese foods, desserts and beverages.
Honored guests included: Iron Chef Restauranteur and Author Masaharu Morimoto, who was also the Grand Marshall of the 2025 Parade. Koji Sato, president of the Japanese American Association of New York & 2025 Japan Parade Community leader. Mikio MORI Ambassador, Consul-General of Consulate General of Japan, New York, were the force behind putting on a parade on this magnitude.
Other political guests in attendance included: Mayor Eric Adams, New York State Comptroller, Thomas P. DiNapoli, Council member Gale Brewer, representatives from NY Governor’s office, Assembly members and many more in attendance. Emcee for the 4th year in a row was classy Sandra Endo, news correspondent on KTVV Los Angeles, Fox 11 News, and a feature reporter for Good Day LA and Mayor of Toyama Hirohisa Fuji , who traveled from japan to be part of the parade.
See much more about 4th Annual Japan Day Parade in New York city 2025, in our World Liberty TV, Political channels by clicking here.
Organic Spa’s, 2025 Media Event, Experience Wellness and Travel NYC-2025
The event welcomed hundreds of industry experts, media and influencers to Andaz hotel located on 5th Avenue in New York City that take part in one of the most sought-after gatherings of the year.
Highlights included a line-up top speakers and panel discussions, immersive beauty and spa activations, and relaxing and experiential wellness moments including sound bowl healing, meditation and yoga.
The growth and intersection of today’s health, wellness, beauty and travel sectors will be celebrated during the day-long event.
This year’s event featured Organic Spa Media’s “Wellness Around the Globe” symposium, which took place throughout the day.
keynote speakers included Amanda Kloots, fitness entrepreneur, bestselling author and television personality. Also speaking was award-winning travel journalist and world explorer Peter Greenberg, and so many more.
The interactive, educational agenda of speakers, panel discussions and robust conversation about wellness travel, spa trends, healthy living solutions and organic beauty products was streamed live to Organic Spa’s highly engaged virtual audience as well. All media attendees enjoyed an organic gourmet lunch specially curated for this event by chefs from Andaz hotel.
Hot topics for the 2025 panels included Facelift in your Fridge Demonstration, sponsored by Dr. Nicholas Perricone, Perricone Hydrogen Water and The Beauty Molecule book, “Wellness & Transformational Travel”; “Clean Soil, Clean Ingredients, Clean Beauty,” “Hormone Health & Beauty,” “Touchless Wellness Trends,” “Slow Travel,” “The Pleasure Principle”.
I also enjoyed meeting and listening to Mary Beth O’Connor, Area VP of Luxury Partnerships- Leisure, Reimagine, on a Panel titled, Trends in Wellness and Transformative Travel.
Since its inception in 2011, Organic Spa’s signature event has grown from 100 to more than 400 attendees both virtually and in person.
As part of the media’s ongoing commitment to philanthropy, a percentage of the proceeds from this year’s event will also be donated to one of the leading world water foundation charities.
“We are thrilled to host our annual media event in New York City, where we celebrate the best in wellness, beauty, and sustainable living,” said Bev Maloney-Fischback, CEO and founder of Organic Spa Media. “This gathering is an incredible opportunity to connect, discover, and be inspired by brands that are shaping the future of well-being.”
About Organic Spa Magazine: Since 2007, Organic Spa Magazine has been the leading authority in the wellness travel, clean beauty and sustainable lifestyle space.
Moving towards the slow media movement, the magazine went from long time bi-monthly format to a new semi-annual book zine format, themed The Art of Wellbeing offering readers a more sophisticated in-depth editorial experience.
Organic Spa Magazine’s The Art of Wellbeing Book zine unpacks the current conversation around wellness and wellbeing providing content that readers can trust, cutting through the growing noise in the wellness space.
From clean beauty products to leading transformative wellness destinations, Organic Spa Magazine offers the best of the best for savvy global wellness consumers and advocates of wellbeing.
It was a very well attended event, people in attendance from all over the world in attendance, I met a crew of Japanese wellness editors in attendance for the first time attending Organic Spa Magazine’s New York Mega event.
See more about Organic Spa’s NYC 2025 Media Event, Experience Wellness and Travel NYC-2025, in our World Liberty TV, Wellness, Health, Beauty and Travel Channels by clicking here.