New York, July 7, 2026: An international seminar titled “Establishing Global Peace for Sustainable Development – Role of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals” was held at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, bringing together distinguished diplomats, academicians, faith leaders, peace ambassadors, and international delegates to commemorate the upcoming 250th Anniversary of American Independence and promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The seminar was convened by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Madhu Krishan, eminent scientist, Chairman and Chief Rector/Chancellor of The United Nations University for Global Peace USA (UNUGP USA) and The American University USA (AUGP USA). He attended the event as the Chief Guest and addressed the gathering on the importance of global peace, quality education, humanitarian service, and international partnerships in achieving sustainable development.
The programme commenced with an invocation by His Grace Archbishop Dr. Joseph Alexander, Christocrat Governor of AUGP and UNUGP USA. In his welcome address, Prof. Dr. Madhu Krishan emphasized that collaboration among governments, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, and civil society is essential for building a peaceful and sustainable future.
A special highlight of the event was the presentation of an Official Proclamation and Citation of Honour to Prof. Dr. Madhu Krishan by Dr. Bindu Maria Thomas, recognizing his decades of humanitarian service and global contributions toward peace education, intercultural harmony, and sustainable development. The proclamation carried the official seals and signatures of distinguished New York dignitaries, including The Hon. Gary McCarthy, Mayor of the City of Schenectady; The Hon. Gary Hughes, Chairman of the Schenectady County Legislature; and The Hon. Angelo Santabarbara, Member of the New York State Assembly.
The seminar featured a series of keynote presentations focusing on United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Carlos Garcia highlighted the significance of public-private partnerships and the role of faith-based organizations in advancing global development initiatives.
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Lester Sandres Rápalo delivered an insightful address titled “From Theory to Practice: Advancing Sustainable Development Through Global Partnerships.” Drawing from over 25 years of leadership in higher education, he explained how strategic collaborations have secured more than US$40 million in grants, expanded educational opportunities, and promoted social mobility through sustainable partnerships.
Additional perspectives were shared by H.E. Madelyn Rodriguez, Hispanic Outreach Manager for The Fellowship, who spoke about fostering peace through Christian-Jewish partnerships, humanitarian initiatives, and the Flags of Fellowship programme. H.E. Ambassador Ps. Dr. Varghese George also contributed to the panel discussion on global cooperation and sustainable peace.
Recognition of Nation Builders and Peace Ambassadors
During the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Madhu Krishan honoured distinguished global leaders for their outstanding contributions to education, leadership, humanitarian service, and peacebuilding.
Among those recognised were:
– H.E. Ambassador Dr. Lester Sandres Rápalo, who received the Doctor of History (Honoris Causa) and the Human Excellence Golden Award.
– Dr. Irene Rebecca Delgado, Director of Career Advancement and Immigrant Success Liaison at the City University of New York, Bronx Community College, who was conferred the Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (Honoris Causa) together with the Human Excellence Golden Award.
– H.E. Duke William C. Needham Jr., Senior Governor of AUGP and UNUGP USA, who received the Human Excellence Golden Award and a Citation of Honour.
– H.E. Ambassador Dr. Carol Dwarka, honoured with the prestigious Best Nation Builder Leader Award 2026 for exemplary leadership and humanitarian service.
Special Commemoration of America’s 250th Independence Anniversary
As part of the celebrations marking 250 years of American Independence, a special commemorative programme was also held in New York on July 4, 2026, honouring Native American First Nation leaders and distinguished international dignitaries.
Prof. Dr. Madhu Krishan presided over the event as Chief Guest. The gathering was attended by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bigg Up Healing Water, Chief/Prime Minister of the Iroquois Council Autochthon American Nation (ICAAN), along with several respected Native American leaders and representatives from North and South America.
On this occasion, AUGP USA and UNUGP USA presented prestigious Awards, Citations, and Certificates of Recognition to H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bigg Up Healing Water, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Adonis Ra’El, and other distinguished personalities for their exceptional contributions to peace, humanitarian service, leadership, and nation-building.
Prof. Dr. Madhu Krishan, internationally recognised for promoting peace education, intercultural harmony, and humanitarian values across more than 80 countries, has received numerous international honours during his distinguished career.
Closing Ceremony
The seminar concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Carol Dwarka, followed by a benediction from Archbishop Dr. Joseph Alexander, who also introduced his latest publication, “Christocracy: Christ Kingdom Governance on Earth by True Followers,” highlighting the role of ethical and spiritual leadership in building peaceful societies.
Media coverage, photography, and multimedia documentation of the international event were coordinated by Peace Ambassadors Ms. Pinki Nelson and Ms. Libi Mathews.
Senior Governors and Senate Members of AUGP and UNUGP USA, including H.E. Ambassador Dr. Sonny Raymond Rudd, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Melody Rudd, and H.E. Ambassador Sir Dr. Lakshman Madhurasinghe, joined the Governing Council representing more than 120 countries in congratulating all award recipients and newly honoured Peace Ambassadors.
About the Organisers
The American University USA (AUGP USA) and The United Nations University for Global Peace USA (UNUGP USA) are international institutions committed to advancing higher education, leadership development, peace education, humanitarian initiatives, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through global partnerships.
Media Contact
The American University USA & United Nations University for Global Peace USA
Email: unugp.usa@gmail.com| augp.info@gmail.com
Website: www.augpglobal.education/
His Eminence Prof. Dr. Madhu Krishan Honoured Peace Ambassadors At United Nations Headquarters During Global Peace Seminar
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