Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.

President and Founder

"In the seemingly ordinariness of daily living is the power of transformation. Individual transformation arises out of awareness, and a willingness to change to become a better person right where we are. We each have personal responsibility and collective responsibility to make positive changes here and now."

Background

Audrey Kitagawa is a cum laude, Blackstonian Pre-Law Honor Society graduate of the University of Southern California. She obtained her Juris Doctorate degree from Boston College Law School. She practiced law in Honolulu, Hawaii, and at the time of her retirement, was a Martindale Hubbell AV rated (highest rating for professional and ethical excellence), attorney.

She is the President and Founder of the International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation, President of the Light of Awareness International Spiritual Family, Chair of the Anti-Racism Initiative, Chair of the Gender Equality Working Group, and a member of the Advisory Council of the G20 Interfaith Forum. She is the former advisor to the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict at the United Nations.

She is a UN Representative for United Religions Initiative, an Ambassador of Religions for Peace International, a Trustee for the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy, and a member of the Advisory Council for the Global Security Institute.

She has contributed to many publications, including “Crossing World Views, The Power of Perspective in the Hawaii Japanese American Experience” for the book, Learning in the Light; “Globalization as the Fuel for Religious and Ethnic Conflict” for the book, Globalization and Identity, Cultural Diversity, Religion and Citizenship; “The US in Foreign Affairs: Source of Global Security, or Source of Global Fear?” for the book,  America and the World: The Double Bind; “The Role of Identity in the Rise and Decline of Buddhism in Hawaii, the 50th State of the United States of America” for the Sambhodi Journal; and “Practical Spirituality," and "The Power of Om: Transformation of Consciousness” for World Affairs: The Journal of International Issues.

She has been listed in Who’s Who in American Law, Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in the World, and Prominent People of Hawaii.

She has been enstooled into the royal family as the Nekoso Hemaa, (i.e., Queen Mother of Development), of Ajiyamanti in Ghana, West Africa, and has a school which she helped to build named after her in her African name, the Nana Ode Anyankobea Junior Secondary School.

She is the recipient of the Medal “Pride of Eurasia” and a Diploma from the Republic of Kazakhstan Ministry of Education and Science L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University for her outstanding contribution to the development of spiritual culture and education in Eurasia.

She is the recipient of the Spirit of the UN Award, which recognizes individuals whose work expresses the core principles, spirit and vision of the United Nations.

She is the recipient of the New York State Assembly Citation as a Distinguished Honoree for her lifetime of selfless service to the State of New York and the international peacekeeping community.

She is the recipient of a Citation from the Office of the President for the Borough of Brooklyn, City of New York, for her commitment to community well-being by providing outstanding services and support to local residents, youth, and those in need.

She is a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor which celebrates diversity, and the importance of immigrants to the economic and social success of the United States for her work in multiculturalism, Asian women’s history and empowerment, and spiritual leadership.

Content

March 21, 2024

What is Gender Equality?

March 14, 2024

10th Annual CSW68 Interfaith Service of Remembrance & Gratitude

February 15, 2024

The Importance of Spirituality and Values in Daily Life and Global Affairs

February 10, 2024

Awakening to Humanity's Sacred Mission

February 6, 2024

Interfaith ‘Ohana of Hawai‘i’s 2024 “Interfaith Retreat”

January 23, 2024

Human Rights and Dignity: Towards a Just, Peaceable and Inclusive Future

January 22, 2024

Pray for Peace Among 22 Women of Mother Earth

January 18, 2024

Religion and Sustainable Development: Emerging Challenges and Opportunities Ahead of the 2024 G20 Summit in Brazil

December 2, 2023

Consciousness for Change

December 1, 2023

Dubai Convergence

October 23, 2023

Women's Impact on Civilizations: Changes and Challenges - Keynote Address by Audrey E. Kitagawa

September 28, 2023

The Faith Factor: Positive Intervention or Perilous Intrusion?

September 21, 2023

11 Days of Global Peace – “PEACE”

September 20, 2023

Bringing “Peace Through Unity:” An Interfaith Exploration

September 19, 2023

Women as Powerful Agents of Transformation for Peace

September 13, 2023

Peace Week Assembly 2023

August 6, 2023

Honoring the 2nd Annual Nuclear Prayer Day - August 6, 2023

July 31, 2023

Saving Seeds & Storytelling For Survival: A Woman's Perspective

June 23, 2023

World Unity Week 2023: Promoting Human Security Through Love

June 22, 2023

FOR THE LOVE OF LIFE: Finding Our Way to an Ecological Civilization

May 17, 2023

World Unity Week 2023: New Earth Rising - Assembly 2

March 29, 2023

Advancing Security and Sustainability at the G7 Hiroshima Summit

March 16, 2023

TIME OF PROPHECY: Walking in the Prayers of Our Ancestors

March 14, 2023

"Is there gender in/ equality in religion and society?"

March 13, 2023

A Conversation with Audrey Kitagawa & Jon Ramer

March 10, 2023

9th Annual CSW67 Interfaith Service of Remembrance & Gratitude

February 23, 2023

RELIGICIDE: Examining Religious, Ethnic, and Racial Violence

February 20, 2023

NIU NOW: Reconnecting to the Tree of Life

February 14, 2023

New Pathways to Peace: The International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation

February 12, 2023

Women's Interfaith Network of the United Religions Initiative Monthly Meeting

November 16, 2022

CHINA Town Hall 2022 : Exploring Pathways to Peace in the U.S.-China Relationship

October 25, 2022

"Anti-Racism" Why the concept 'Unity in Diversity' doesn't work for everyone.

October 18, 2022

Birthing a New World – 13th Annual Global Oneness Summit & Celebration 2022

October 2, 2022

International Center for Religion and Diplomacy – Day of Nonviolence

September 29, 2022

Meaningful World – 2022 United Nations International Day of Peace

September 26, 2022

Remembering the True Self and the Sacred Nature of Service

September 22, 2022

The Diplomacy Imperative: Human Security, Illusory Security, and Nuclear Weapons

September 21, 2022

International Day of Peace: 11 Days of Global Unity

September 16, 2022

International Day of Peace Observance

August 23, 2022

Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of India's Independence

August 22, 2022

Interfaith Leadership & Sustainable Development

August 16, 2022

Gorbachev/Shultz Legacy Youth Award and Youth Fusion

August 12, 2022

All Faiths Seminary 2022 Graduation, Ordination, and Celebration

August 3, 2022

Securing the Future: Disarmament Education as a Transformative Tool for Youth Empowerment

June 24, 2022

Concrete Movement Toward Unitive Justice and Global Security

June 21, 2022

IF20: European Policy Conversations of Religion and Sustainable Development

June 18, 2022

World Unity Week: Day One Opening Ceremony

June 7, 2022

FIDELA, The Second Interreligious Forum of the Americas

February 25, 2022

Mining in the Congo, Eco Justice for all Dialogue

February 22, 2022

The Gift of Aloha (Love) In Selfless Service

February 22, 2022

Lessons From My 7 and Half Years, Often 24/7 Work with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

February 19, 2022

The Gift of Aloha (Love) Pacific Islanders and Indigenous Peoples Share Their Sacred Values

January 25, 2022

Unity Earth Symposium - Coming Home Together

December 1, 2021

The Sacred Quality of Water in Religious Beliefs and Practices

August 17, 2021

Gender Equality Episode 3 - Made in the Image of God: The Role of Sacred Texts in Helping or Hindering Gender Equality

August 9, 2021

Reflections

July 6, 2021

VOICES for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons; "Deep Dive" with Audrey Kitagawa, J.D.

May 20, 2021

2021 World Unity Week - Ben Bowler & Audrey E. Kitagawa

May 6, 2021

Hans Küng, Thought Pioneer in Religious and Secular Spaces

May 5, 2021

Sexual Harassment in Interfaith Spaces

April 27, 2021

Power Dynamics In The Perpetuation of Gender Inequality

June 19, 2019

365 Pebbles a Year

May 1, 2010

100 Words, 200 Visionaries

January 1, 2006

Globalization as the Fuel of Religious and Ethnic Conflicts

November 1, 2002

Practical Spirituality

February 28, 1997

Pluralism and Self-Identity

January 7, 1997

Transcending Diversity

I Am but a Pencil in the Hand of God​

Crossing World Views: The Power of Perspective and ​the Hawai'i Japanese American Experience

The Role Of Identity In The Rise And Decline Of Buddhism In Hawaii, The 50th State Of The United States Of America

The Power of OM: Transformation of Consciousness

The 2nd Annual Nuclear Prayer Day – Audrey Kitagawa, J.D.

Background

Audrey E. Kitagawa, JD, is the President/Founder of the International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation, the President of the Light of Awareness International Spiritual Family, the former Advisor to the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict at the United Nations.

She is a United Nations Representative for the United Religions Initiative, and Chair Emerita of the NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns, A Committee of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations. She has been enstooled into the royal family as the Nekoso Hemaa, (i.e. Queen Mother of Development), of Ajiyamanti in Ghana, West Africa, and has a school which she helped to build named after her in her African name, the Nana Ode Anyankobea Junior Secondary School.

She wrote the chapter, Crossing World Views, The Power of Perspective in the Hawaii Japanese American Experience, which was published in a book about multiculturalism, communication and Asian women entitled, Learning In The Light. Her chapter, Globalization As The Fuel For Religious And Ethnic Conflict has been published in the book, Globalization And Identity, Cultural Diversity, Religion and Citizenship. Her article, The Role Of Identity In The Rise And Decline of Buddhism In Hawaii, The 50th State Of The United States Of America, has been published in Sambodhi, a Buddhist Journal. She published articles in World Affairs The Journal Of International Issues, entitled, The Power of Om: Transformation of Consciousness, and Practical Spirituality. She wrote the chapter, The US In Foreign Affairs: Source of Global Security, Or Source of Global Fear? in the book, America & The World The Double Bind. She is currently writing a chapter on Space Ethics for a legal, academic book on Space Law.

She has been listed in Who's Who Of American Law, Who's Who Of American Women, Who's Who In America, Who's Who In The World, and Prominent People of Hawaii. She is the recipient of the Medal “Pride of Eurasia” and a Diploma from the Republic of Kazakhstan Ministry of Education and Science L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University for her outstanding contribution to the development of spiritual culture and education in Eurasia. She is the recipient of the Spirit of the UN Award which is given to outstanding individuals who have demonstrated the vision and spirit of the United Nations as expressed through the UN Charter, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She was conferred an Honorary Interfaith Minister degree by the New Seminary.

Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.

President and Founder of the International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation

"In the seemingly ordinariness of daily living is the power of transformation. Individual transformation arises out of awareness, and a willingness to change to become a better person right where we are. We each have personal responsibility and collective responsibility to make positive changes here and now."

Biography

Audrey Kitagawa is a cum laude, Blackstonian Pre-Law Honor Society graduate of the University of Southern California. She obtained her Juris Doctorate degree from Boston College Law School. She practiced law in Honolulu, Hawaii, and at the time of her retirement, was a Martindale Hubbell AV rated (highest rating for professional and ethical excellence), attorney.

She is the President and Founder of the International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation, President of the Light of Awareness International Spiritual Family, Chair of the Anti-Racism Initiative, Chair of the Gender Equality Working Group, and a member of the Advisory Council of the G20 Interfaith Forum. She is the former advisor to the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict at the United Nations.

She is a UN Representative for United Religions Initiative, an Ambassador of Religions for Peace International, a Trustee for the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy, and a member of the Advisory Council for the Global Security Institute.

She has contributed to many publications, including “Crossing World Views, The Power of Perspective in the Hawaii Japanese American Experience” for the book, Learning in the Light; “Globalization as the Fuel for Religious and Ethnic Conflict” for the book, Globalization and Identity, Cultural Diversity, Religion and Citizenship; “The US in Foreign Affairs: Source of Global Security, or Source of Global Fear?” for the book,  America and the World: The Double Bind; “The Role of Identity in the Rise and Decline of Buddhism in Hawaii, the 50th State of the United States of America” for the Sambhodi Journal; and “Practical Spirituality," and "The Power of Om: Transformation of Consciousness” for World Affairs: The Journal of International Issues.

She has been listed in Who’s Who in American Law, Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in the World, and Prominent People of Hawaii.

She has been enstooled into the royal family as the Nekoso Hemaa, (i.e., Queen Mother of Development), of Ajiyamanti in Ghana, West Africa, and has a school which she helped to build named after her in her African name, the Nana Ode Anyankobea Junior Secondary School.

She is the recipient of the Medal “Pride of Eurasia” and a Diploma from the Republic of Kazakhstan Ministry of Education and Science L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University for her outstanding contribution to the development of spiritual culture and education in Eurasia.

She is the recipient of the Spirit of the UN Award, which recognizes individuals whose work expresses the core principles, spirit and vision of the United Nations.

She is the recipient of the New York State Assembly Citation as a Distinguished Honoree for her lifetime of selfless service to the State of New York and the international peacekeeping community.

She is the recipient of a Citation from the Office of the President for the Borough of Brooklyn, City of New York, for her commitment to community well-being by providing outstanding services and support to local residents, youth, and those in need.

She is a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor which celebrates diversity, and the importance of immigrants to the economic and social success of the United States for her work in multiculturalism, Asian women’s history and empowerment, and spiritual leadership.

Content

April 21, 2024

World Peace Earth Day Celebration & Benefit 2024 - April 21th

April 14, 2024

Mystics and Scientists 2024: Love, Forgiveness and Compassion: Where Spirituality Meets Science - April 14th

March 21, 2024

What is Gender Equality?

March 14, 2024

10th Annual CSW68 Interfaith Service of Remembrance & Gratitude

February 15, 2024

The Importance of Spirituality and Values in Daily Life and Global Affairs

February 10, 2024

Awakening to Humanity's Sacred Mission

February 6, 2024

Interfaith ‘Ohana of Hawai‘i’s 2024 “Interfaith Retreat”

January 23, 2024

Human Rights and Dignity: Towards a Just, Peaceable and Inclusive Future

January 22, 2024

Pray for Peace Among 22 Women of Mother Earth

December 2, 2023

Consciousness for Change

December 1, 2023

Dubai Convergence

October 23, 2023

Women's Impact on Civilizations: Changes and Challenges - Keynote Address by Audrey E. Kitagawa

September 28, 2023

The Faith Factor: Positive Intervention or Perilous Intrusion?

September 21, 2023

11 Days of Global Peace – “PEACE”

September 20, 2023

Bringing “Peace Through Unity:” An Interfaith Exploration

September 19, 2023

Women as Powerful Agents of Transformation for Peace

September 13, 2023

Peace Week Assembly 2023

August 6, 2023

Honoring the 2nd Annual Nuclear Prayer Day - August 6, 2023

July 31, 2023

Saving Seeds & Storytelling For Survival: A Woman's Perspective

June 23, 2023

World Unity Week 2023: Promoting Human Security Through Love

June 22, 2023

FOR THE LOVE OF LIFE: Finding Our Way to an Ecological Civilization

May 17, 2023

World Unity Week 2023: New Earth Rising - Assembly 2

April 20, 2023

Premiere Showing – TIME OF PROPHECY: Walking in the Prayers of Our Ancestors

March 29, 2023

Advancing Security and Sustainability at the G7 Hiroshima Summit

March 16, 2023

TIME OF PROPHECY: Walking in the Prayers of Our Ancestors

March 14, 2023

"Is there gender in/ equality in religion and society?"

March 13, 2023

A Conversation with Audrey Kitagawa & Jon Ramer

March 10, 2023

9th Annual CSW67 Interfaith Service of Remembrance & Gratitude

February 23, 2023

RELIGICIDE: Examining Religious, Ethnic, and Racial Violence

February 20, 2023

NIU NOW: Reconnecting to the Tree of Life

February 14, 2023

New Pathways to Peace: The International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation

February 12, 2023

Women's Interfaith Network of the United Religions Initiative Monthly Meeting

February 7, 2023

Unity Earth Symposium, Visions For a New Earth

January 24, 2023

9th Annual Symposium on the Role of Religion and Faith-based Organizations in International Affairs: Audrey E. Kitagawa

December 12, 2022

Engaging Faith Communities: G20 Agendas and Beyond

November 16, 2022

CHINA Town Hall 2022 : Exploring Pathways to Peace in the U.S.-China Relationship

October 28, 2022

Prayer Vigil for Denuclearization & Peace

October 25, 2022

"Anti-Racism" Why the concept 'Unity in Diversity' doesn't work for everyone.

October 18, 2022

Birthing a New World – 13th Annual Global Oneness Summit & Celebration 2022

October 2, 2022

International Center for Religion and Diplomacy – Day of Nonviolence

September 29, 2022

Meaningful World – 2022 United Nations International Day of Peace

September 26, 2022

Remembering the True Self and the Sacred Nature of Service

September 25, 2022

ACWAY Fellow Talks on "End Racism. Build Peace."

September 22, 2022

The Diplomacy Imperative: Human Security, Illusory Security, and Nuclear Weapons

September 21, 2022

International Day of Peace: 11 Days of Global Unity

September 16, 2022

International Day of Peace Observance

August 23, 2022

Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of India's Independence

August 22, 2022

Interfaith Leadership & Sustainable Development

August 16, 2022

Gorbachev/Shultz Legacy Youth Award and Youth Fusion

August 12, 2022

All Faiths Seminary 2022 Graduation, Ordination, and Celebration

August 5, 2022

Nuclear Prayer Day 2022

August 3, 2022

Securing the Future: Disarmament Education as a Transformative Tool for Youth Empowerment

July 29, 2022

The Blessed Summit Discussing Islamophobia in Society

July 28, 2022

Creating an Ecological Civilization

June 24, 2022

Concrete Movement Toward Unitive Justice and Global Security

June 23, 2022

Peace, Unity, and Cooperation for a Living Earth

June 21, 2022

IF20: European Policy Conversations of Religion and Sustainable Development

June 18, 2022

World Unity Week: Day One Opening Ceremony

June 10, 2022

The Convergence — Humanity's Moment of Choice: Choosing Peace

June 7, 2022

FIDELA, The Second Interreligious Forum of the Americas

May 31, 2022

Unitive Justice and Global Security

May 19, 2022

Multicultural Perspectives On The Forefront Of Global Issues

March 22, 2022

Sacred Prayers of 22 Women - March 22, 2022

February 28, 2022

Reconciling Religions

February 22, 2022

The Gift of Aloha (Love) In Selfless Service

February 22, 2022

Lessons From My 7 and Half Years, Often 24/7 Work with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

February 19, 2022

The Gift of Aloha (Love) Pacific Islanders and Indigenous Peoples Share Their Sacred Values

January 25, 2022

Unity Earth Symposium - Coming Home Together

December 8, 2021

Pray4Peace

December 4, 2021

The Interfaith Alliance Hawaiʻi: 2020 & 2021 Annual Community Awards Virtual Celebration

December 1, 2021

The Sacred Quality of Water in Religious Beliefs and Practices

November 4, 2021

A Decade to Make a Difference: What Can Religions Do to Make a Difference?

October 24, 2021

UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Global We: Moving From Inner Transformation to Outer Transformation

October 2, 2021

16th Annual Mahatma Gandhi Day Celebration and International day of Nonviolence

October 2, 2021

16th Annual Mahatma Gandhi Day Celebration and International day of Nonviolence - Proclamation

September 21, 2021

Climate Week Event

August 17, 2021

Gender Equality Episode 3 - Made in the Image of God: The Role of Sacred Texts in Helping or Hindering Gender Equality

August 9, 2021

Reflections

July 29, 2021

Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders: Systemic Racial Challenges

July 6, 2021

VOICES for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons; "Deep Dive" with Audrey Kitagawa, J.D.

June 25, 2021

Inner and Outer Peace, A Conversation

June 24, 2021

FEEDING THE FUTURE: The Story of the Smallholder Farmers Alliance

June 23, 2021

The Crisis of Loneliness Among Young Americans

June 4, 2021

Fireside Chat - Audrey E. Kitagawa, J.D.

May 20, 2021

2021 World Unity Week - Ben Bowler & Audrey E. Kitagawa

May 6, 2021

Hans Küng, Thought Pioneer in Religious and Secular Spaces

May 5, 2021

Sexual Harassment in Interfaith Spaces

March 2, 2021

A Conversation with Dr. Monica Sharma and Audrey Kitagawa

December 4, 2020

A World of Faith: Audrey Kitagawa, and Imam Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi

June 19, 2019

365 Pebbles a Year

November 11, 2013

Our Sacred Journey: Hope Against Hope in the Congo

July 1, 2013

Our Sacred Journey: Love of Life

June 10, 2013

Our Sacred Journey: Peace and Development in International Geopolitics

April 29, 2013

Our Sacred Journey: Faith, International Development, and the United Nations

September 11, 2012

A Journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo

September 10, 2012

Democratic Republic of Congo

July 2, 2012

Our Sacred Journey: The Peace and Security of the Individual and the Planet: From Our Inner World to the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

June 18, 2012

Our Sacred Journey: Awakening a Traumatized Nation Through Love, Spirituality and Forgiveness

May 28, 2012

Myanmar

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