Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, secretary-general of Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and president of Divine Shakti Foundation, Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh has been elected as a co-chair of the faith-based advisory council to the United Nations.
She is among the 40 faith leaders who have been nominated to serve on the council.
She was in New York this week to speak at an event at the United Nations on women of faith as agents of transformation. The event was organised by the United Nations, the European Union and the KAICIID Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue.
During her trip she also participated in the first face-to-face meeting of the advisory council.
The advisory council of faith-based organisations to the UN IATF-Religion is composed of the UN system’s faith-based partners, reflecting the diversity of religions, regional and national presence, and covering thematic areas which mirror the UN’s mandate.
This is the first time in the history of the UN system that a diverse group of UN system entities nominates its faith-based development, humanitarian and policy advocacy partners and then convene them in an advisory capacity to the whole of the UN system.
Protestors attend a rally in support of a second Scottish Independence vote on May 26, 2026 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
