The Ambassador to Albania gave an inspiring talk stating that: ”Peace needs forgiveness”. “Only the logic of love can heal” stated the next speaker. There was a moving testimony of a personal dilemma 36 years ago when Russians invaded Czechoslovakia. “I felt two things: trust and truth”. Hearts were moved by moving stories and the expressions of longing to share the peace and quiet of Haus Regenbogen. The President of WFWPI said that to be able to hold this workshop in Seebenstein is like a dream. Two years ago at the European meeting in Seebenstein, Austria, the memories and sights made a deep impression. This time some participants came directly from the Middle East Peace Initiative in Jerusalem and the fruits of years of effort are beginning to show.

A welcoming banquet was prepared and intense discussions began between old friends and new, to contemplate building bridges for peace. The fears that perhaps the accommodations were “not enough” were unfounded as each participant found a place to lay their head and share their hearts each night. The beautiful country-side and view to the Castle Seebenstein contributed to the cosy atmosphere and feeling of “coming home”.

The programme followed its course of presentations and reports, amply punctuated by various photographers seeking to capture the spirit on celluloid or microchip. The overall feeling was one of coming together, of getting to know each other, of growing closer and going “One step higher”. The European team had decided that now that the meeting was finally coming to this part of the world, it was time to give a taste of what there is to offer.

Austria invited a psychoanalyst to address “The Responsibility of Women in Today’s Society, Spirituality as the Source of the Power to Fulfil it”. The speaker described the changes in the family in history and particularly the developments in the role of women in the family and society. She urged women to learn to use power and money. Then she commented that there is so much power in WFWP, she can see it. She said women need to be the conscience of the world. “Men support the strong, women support the weak.” She stressed the importance of partnership and said she is seeking to introduce feminine thinking into science. For friendships to last they need time and energy. Friendships are blossoms that bloom and perfume our life.

Italy described working with the UN Agenda and issuing certificates to first born babies on January 1^st. There is also an anti-alcohol project for youth in Italy. Austria described the challenge of coming to the UN. From initial scepticism, to boredom, the perseverance paid off when WFWP members were welcomed into the Committee on Peace in Vienna.

Switzerland stressed that the UN work is on the foundation of our grassroots service projects. “We would not have much to say in the UN if it wasn’t for all of you.”

Concerns that “We don’t know the UN language” were countered with the advice to just get in there and do it. "We learn by experience and need to learn how to present our projects to show that we are supporting the Millennium Development Goals. Phrases like: “capacity building, consensus building” have more impact in the UN Community. Check the UN Newsletters from NY. The International Newsletter is full of very interesting behind the scenes news."

The Oceania Report illustrated the vastness of ocean separating hundreds of islands and 32 million people and paid tribute to one Japanese member who was known all over her island nation before departing for the next world.

During the evening programme Kenya presented an African song “Please don’t sleep, there’s a battle to be won”, and African sisters initiated a beautiful beat and atmosphere.

Then the Austrian musician played his piano accordion, yodelled and enticed many to join in and dance. Late in the evening a moving tribute to Korean unity in song, followed by USA with Glory, Glory Hallelujah.

The presentation from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime was keenly attended by all and stimulated probing questions relating to possible co-operation by the various national chapters of WFWP worldwide. The first film spot produced by UNODC was about sexual exploitation of women. The second about forced trafficking of men, women and children for labour purposes.

The UNODC is no enforcement agency, but supports with education, information and funding. For suggestions email: Shannon.brown@unodc.org.

The third speaker addressed practical aspects of NGO work, insisting that NGOs have been around as long as the UN. CONGO was formed in 1948 and its task is to facilitate participation of NGOs. There are more than 2000 NGOs in ECOSOC and 900 in Vienna. Governments realised that they could not keep the NGOs out so decided that it was better to organise them to keep them under control. WFWP has access to press documentation services and UN Libraries. NGOs are obliged to follow the work of the UN and to report the support that activities have given. "Information is so important."

The biggest responsibility is to share the information as widely as possible. CONGO provides model statutes and asks for reports. NGO committees meet every month or two. The CONGO office in Vienna is the only one on UN premises.The Vienna International Centre celebrates 25^th Anniversary on October 26^th 2004. There will be parallel forums of the Committee on the Status of Women, Drugs and Crime, Criminal Justice, Family Committee. It was noted that we cannot create time but we can use it.

The Saturday early morning study session moved many participants with ample food for thought relating to love and gratitude. Then the Saturday Programme session moved hearts and minds and souls, first touching again on aspects of goal making, then encouraging intuition and feminine spirituality. The contributions of techniques and methodology were all thrown overboard as a speaker made a plea for help, exposing an unusual weakness yet facilitating a pouring out of spirit. Here it is impossible to describe proceedings in words.