Nothing less than the future of humanity is the topic. The next evolution of humanity
will depend on a new convergence between science and spirituality.’ Dr Ervin Laszlo, World Wisdom Council

‘We need new thinking for a new century, including a new vision for politics, business and civil society,’ the former Soviet President, Mikhail Gorbachev, told Forum 2005, Creating a New Civilisation, in Tokyo.
‘This year saw the 20th anniversary of Perestroika, the restructuring that dissolved the Soviet system and effectively ended the Cold War. When systems need change, half measures are not sufficient,’ said Mikhail Gorbachev.
The Goi Peace Foundation, organisers of The Forum, put forward the idea that the new systems supporting the evolving, collective vision of the New Civilisation should be based on these four pillars: Sustainability, Systems, Science and Spirituality the Goi Peace Foundation’s 4-S Concept’.
‘We have an unprecedented opportunity for a major leap in human evolution,’ said the Goi Foundation’s President, Mr Hiroo Saionji, opening to the 4,000-strong audience, including Ambassadors and representatives from the embassies of 46 different countries.
Introducing the Tokyo Declaration which was drawn up by the World Wisdom Council, Dr Ervin Laszlo and Professor Ashok Gangadean explained: ‘that the diverse crises we now face are, at core, a crisis of consciousness.’
The Declaration asks us to facilitate and accelerate the blossoming of a higher form of civilisation that will embody the global wisdom of human-kind, in order the entire human family may flourish in harmony with all of nature on this precious planet.
But the crucial question is, do we possess the wisdom to choose the right path at civilisation’s crossroads? ‘We can transcend the dualistic model and balance the economy and environment, so that one strengthens the other,’ Mr Masayasu Kitagawa, of the Okuma School of Public Management said. Mikhail Gorbachev was not so optimistic, saying: ‘The consumer model of western society has outlived itself, but there is no adequate vision on the part of politicians. Without a positive push from civil society politics won’t change.’
‘In creating a new planetary civilisation, we must first fire up a critical mass of organised, global citizens,’ said Professor Ervin Laszlo. ‘Social systems can change abruptly, like the disappearance of the Soviet system almost overnight. Within ten years, we can create a viable civilisation because of the rise of a new spirituality. If a critical mass of people achieve this new level of consciousness, the changes will occur through civil society.’
‘If we hold a global consciousness, then we will achieve a global civilisation, said Mr. Saionji. ‘We can have a bright future for our children and our grandchildren.’
Contact: The Goi Peace Foundation,
Heiwa Daiichi Building.,
1-4-5 Hirakawacho, Chiyodaku, Tokyo 102-0093, Japan.
Tel: 81 (3) 3265 2071
Wesbsite: goipeace.or.jp

Top: Ekaterina Mojaeva-Kˆstler
with Hiroo Saionji
Right: Hafsat Abiola with Mikhail Gorbachev and Ashok Gangadean
Left: Forum 2005, Tokyo

Photos: © The Goi Peace Foundation