Videos from URI's 15th and UN's 70th Anniversary

27 June 2015
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The Right Rev. William E. Swing, URI President and Founding Trustee, delivers a speech

It's been 15 full and fulfilling years since the United Religions Initiative charter was signed, and this year has brought many colorful and beautiful anniversary celebrations around the world. The most recent occasion for celebration was June 27, 2015, when URI was invited to join the 70th anniversary of the creation of the United Nations.

Dignitaries including United States Representative Nancy Pelosi; Asoke Kumar Mukerji, India Ambassador to the United Nations; and Cristina Gallach, UN Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information joined URI Founder and President the Right Rev. William E. Swing; URI Executive Director, the Rev. Victor Kazanjian; and former URI Global Council Chair Rita Semel at a day-long celebration at San Francisco's Grace Cathedral.

Watch a video of the Right Rev. William E. Swing's speech at the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the United Nations and the 15th anniversary of URI's charter signing, Grace Cathedral, June 27, 2015.

Read the full text of Bishop Swing's speeches here.

Watch a video of URI Executive Director Victor Kazanjian's speech at the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the United Nations and the 15th anniversary of URI's charter signing, Grace Cathedral, June 27, 2015. 

Read the full text of Victor Kazanjian's speeches here.

Watch a video of the Appreciative Inquiry session led by URI Co-Director of Global Programs & Organizational Development Sally Mahé for the crowd gathered at Grace Cathedral.

Read about the Appreciative Inquiry session and see photos and wishes from participants here.


  • Read the official press release about the joint URI and UN anniversary celebration.
  • Read the URI community's reflections on the occasion of the 15th charter signing anniversary, as well as photos of celebrations worldwide and archival photos from the charter signing ceremony.
  • Read an anniversary statement from the Rev. Canon Charles P. Gibbs, Founding Executive Director Emeritus.

See photos and read stories from anniversary celebrations in:

Ms. Sohini from Eastern India sings at a URI anniversary celebration.