“It is a moral imperative that we work, in whatever capacity we are able, to realize unification that embodies the aspirations of the 1919 independence movement and the hope of 1945—bringing closure to a division that has lingered from the last century.” —Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon

A participant shares her personal experience as the “next Korean miracle” begins to take shape at the International Forum on One Korea.

Have you ever witnessed a miracle?

I’m at the International Forum for One Korea.

If I counted, I would have to use two hands, maybe three to keep track of the number of times I heard that Korea is the place of miracles.

One in particular mentioned is the “Miracle of the Han River.”

In 50 years, from the end of the Korean War to the early 2000s, Korea went through unprecedented economic growth, technological development, and improvements in life expectancy and child mortality. By 2010, Korea entered the ranks of G20 nations. Today it is ranked number 13 among the economies of the world and is the only nation that has turned from an aid-recipient to an aid-giving nation.

My first time in Korea was a year after the Seoul Olympics in 1989. It was starkly different. Many of the skyscrapers that you see in Seoul today were either not even imagined or in the process of being built. The streets felt empty after the flurry of Olympic hype. I remember people selling leftover merch at subway entrances.

Today, I sat in one of the newer edifices, one of many that now line the Han River, hearing the call for the next Korean miracle.

Poetically, the forum was held in Yeido, an island nestled in the middle of the Han River and a financial and governing hub of Korea. Would I call it the start of the next Han River miracle?

Hon. Myung Su Lee commented on this serendipity, adding his observation that the Han River flows powerfully and peacefully because the waters run in the same direction.

What the Korean Dream movement, what Action for Korea United is doing, what Dr. Moon sparked when he wrote out the Korean Dream, is to set a point that allows us to look towards and move together.

I saw the power of a shared vision at work during the economic panel at the conference. As the panel of economists and scholars from diverse perspectives and approaches grappled with how possibly economic cooperation could contribute to reunification and regional peace, words were repeated—unity, humanity, peace, and vision. The situation in Korea is hard, the issues are complicated—the human rights crisis in North Korea, nuclear proliferation, the fraying social fabric, dropping birth rates and soaring unemployment in the South, but I learned that in crisis, you start by asking, “Where do we want to go?”

Dr. Moon outlined the “challenges,” that are set before Korea today: resolving the division of their homeland and rediscovering and reconnecting to their identity and destiny. It makes sense to start with fixing eyes upon a vision that speaks across time, that has propelled the Korean miracles to date. Dr. Moon is calling for such a sea change—but it takes each of us—yes, I’m getting behind the Korean Dream as well, to go in the same direction.

Korea is the land of miracles.

Hon. Seung Joo Baek, President of the War Memorial of Korea, listed a few:

• Regaining sovereignty at the close of World War II

• The unparalleled economic growth over the last 50 years,

• And the Miracle of democratization.

I think I am witnessing the next Korean Miracle—Miracle of the Han 2.0?—unfolding before my eyes. If the waters can flow together.

The original post appears on Global Peace Foundation. Global Peace Foundation is an international non-sectarian, non-partisan, nonprofit organization, which promotes an innovative, values-based approach to peacebuilding, guided by the vision of One Family under God. GPF engages and organizes a global network of public and private-sector partners who develop community, national, and regional peacebuilding models as the foundation for ethical and cohesive societies. Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon is the founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation.

Munhwa Ilbo, a South Korean daily newspaper, published a two-part series based on a recent interview with Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon. Below is a short summary of the series for our English-language readers as well as links to the original Korean articles.

The first article provides a summary profile of Dr. Moon and his global initiatives, including the founding of the Global Peace Foundation, a leader in the current civil society-led Korean Dream movement working for Korean reunification. “Korean Dream” is a term coined by Dr. Moon in 2011 as the vision established at the founding of the Korean nation to build a model nation that can benefit all humanity.

The second article features a question and answer section that explores Dr. Moon’s perspectives on the current political crisis in South Korea and his vision for its resolution through a civil society movement focused on Korean reunification.

Dr. Moon commented on the turmoil surrounding South Korean politics, created not only by President Yoon’s declaration of martial law in late 2024 but by the partisan politics that precipitated it as well as followed in its wake. Despite the current challenges in South Korea, Dr. Moon is optimistic and sees his grassroots, citizen-driven Korean Dream movement as critical to bringing about positive change on the Korean peninsula.

Dr. Moon expressly encouraged youth participation in the Korean Dream movement in its activities and programs. While historical discussions have often focused on the cost of reunification, such as those borne by West Germany following German unification, Dr. Moon emphasizes instead the significant opportunities and prosperity that a peaceful, free, and united Korea would attract to the region as a whole.

Rather than portraying reunification as a distant future possibility, Dr. Moon stresses that historical change often occurs unexpectedly and calls upon people from all walks of life to actively participate in making history. In particular, he spoke on the current “Korean Dream 10 Million Unification March” which is to be held on the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation this year. He commented, “We are preparing to make it a day of celebration not only for Koreans but also for the whole world.”

“Peacebuilding requires more than just political solutions and ceasefires. It requires a fundamental shift in mindset, a recognition that we are all interconnected and share a common humanity.”

Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon

On September 21, 2024, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) celebrated the International Day of Peace with impactful events around the globe, uniting diverse communities with the shared goal of fostering a culture of peace. This year’s theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” resonated deeply at various gatherings, emphasizing the importance of universal shared values as essential for human development and well-being.

GPF India: A Gathering in Ziro

The main celebration in India took place in the picturesque town of Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, organized in collaboration with Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences University (IGTAMSU). The event commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by a peaceful prayer symbolizing the spirit of unity and hope. Cultural performances, including the Saraswati Vandana, reinforced the event’s message that peace is not merely a concept but a lived experience, akin to a prayer.

GPF Nigeria: Promoting Coexistence in Niger State

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, GPF commemorated the International Day of Peace with a one-day awareness campaign in the Agaie Local Government Area, Niger State. This event aimed to promote peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnic and religious communities, building on previous initiatives in the nearby Lapai area. Key community leaders spoke passionately about the critical role of peace in socio-economic development, highlighting the need for respect, tolerance, and cooperation.

The event featured local student performances and messages from law enforcement representatives, showcasing a collective commitment to fostering unity and harmony within the community.

GPF Japan: Peace Design Forums for Unity

In Japan, the Global Peace Foundation has been conducting regular Peace Design Forums, bringing together individuals from different nationalities and cultures living in the country. The most recent forum, held on September 21, 2024, celebrated the International Day of Peace with presentations on peacebuilding efforts from around the world. These forums serve as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration, reinforcing the idea that peace transcends borders and is a collective responsibility.

Youth Engagement and Global Collaboration

In a vibrant display of youthful energy, GPF India also celebrated International Youth Day on August 12, 2024, under the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” This event brought together young changemakers and seasoned experts to explore how digital innovation can drive sustainability and peacebuilding.

Additionally, GPF Nepal and Global Peace Women (GPW) Nepal joined forces on September 18, 2024, to cultivate the mindsets of young people from Nepal and India through a workshop focused on the Korean Dream Campaign and the foundational idea that peace begins in the home.

In Brazil, the celebration included a youth sports competition as part of the GPF Shalom project. This project aims to instill values of peace and cooperation in young Brazilians and further expand the global network of peace initiatives.

A Collective Vision for Peace

The International Day of Peace 2024 served as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to cultivate a culture of peace. Through the collaborative efforts of Global Peace Foundation and its partners worldwide, communities are coming together to build bridges of understanding, empathy, and respect. As we move forward, the vision articulated by leaders across these celebrations—of a harmonious world rooted in peace—remains a guiding principle for our collective journey as One Family under God.

The original post appears on Global Peace Foundation. Global Peace Foundation is an international non-sectarian, non-partisan, nonprofit organization, which promotes an innovative, values-based approach to peacebuilding, guided by the vision of One Family under God. GPF engages and organizes a global network of public and private-sector partners who develop community, national, and regional peacebuilding models as the foundation for ethical and cohesive societies. Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon is the founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation.

Global Peace Foundation (GPF) has worked since 2009 to build models of peacebuilding around the world. This has connected people across race, nationality, religion, and social divides to recognize shared values and invest in a future together. This is what it means to really embody the vision of One Family under God.

A project by GPF India called the SMILE program demonstrates this peacebuilding model. By providing a platform for youth to break past traditional identities of religion and caste, the program helps them affirm their common humanity through education and engaging group activities.

Global Peace Foundation India’s SMILE initiative brings together parents, children, and mentors in the community to engage in activities that uplift the family and promotes community service. SMILE is designed to educate young people in setting examples of compassion, love, and kindness across different segments of society. 

In June, GPF India brought together twenty-three underprivileged children from the Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Learning Center and provided them with an opportunity to visit the renowned National Science Centre in New Delhi. The field trip aimed to broaden their horizons and spark curiosity about science and technology.

The Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Learning Center, located in Karawal Nagar, a low-income neighborhood, caters to children who face socio-economic challenges. Many of them come from families that struggle to make ends meet. The center strives to provide quality education and holistic development opportunities to empower young minds and brighten their future.

Accompanied by teachers and volunteers, the enthusiastic group embarked on a journey of exploration and discovery at the National Science Centre. The museum, known for its interactive exhibits and engaging displays, proved to be an ideal platform for these kids to delve into the fascinating world of science.

The students eagerly participated in various hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations, gaining valuable insights into scientific principles. From learning about space exploration and astronomy to discovering the wonders of physics and biology, the young visitors were captivated by the immersive learning experiences offered by the museum.

It was their first time stepping into a science museum of this magnitude. Their eyes sparkled with excitement as they explored the exhibits and experimented with the interactive displays. The field trip not only provided them with exposure to a world beyond their immediate surroundings but also instilled a sense of wonder and ignited their passion for learning.

GPF India was grateful to partner with the National Science Centre to provide such an immersive experience for the students. Such experiences play a vital role in shaping the educational journey of the underprivileged, exposing them to new possibilities and inspiring them to dream big.

This heartening initiative serves as a reminder of the power of education and community support in creating equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. By nurturing curiosity and expanding our horizons, we pave the way for a brighter future where every child can realize their full potential.

The SMILE Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Learning Center hopes to continue collaborating with various institutions and organizations to provide enriching experiences for the students, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and build a better tomorrow.

The original post appears on Global Peace Foundation. Global Peace Foundation is an international non-sectarian, non-partisan, nonprofit organization, which promotes an innovative, values-based approach to peacebuilding, guided by the vision of One Family under God. GPF engages and organizes a global network of public and private-sector partners who develop community, national, and regional peace building models as the foundation for ethical and cohesive societies. Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon is founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation.

Global Peace Foundation Indonesia is striving to help diverse communities build understanding and peace, starting with youth from all walks of life. As part of this effort, the UGen seminars explore Indonesia’s founding principles (Pancasila) and national motto (Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, meaning “unity in diversity”) to facilitate a rich discussion on balancing faith, patriotism, and peaceful coexistence in communities across the nation. As an archipelago nation made up of thousands of islands, Indonesia is home to people from countless cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and traditions.

Students filled Muhammadiyah University Tangerang’s General Soedirman Hall on June 15, 2023, for a UGen Seminar and Focus Group exploring Indonesia’s founding principles as the foundation for fostering peace in the country.

The event was made possible through the collaboration of the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Indonesia, Citra Institute, and the Faculty of Law at the University of Muhammadiyah Tangerang. The forum’s theme, “Implementation of Pancasila as Darul Ahdi wa al-Syahadah,” brought a diverse group together to foster a deeper understanding of Pancasila’s role in promoting world peace and harmony. Pancasila, the official, foundational principles of Indonesia, is derived from Sanskrit “pañca” (five) and “śīla” (principles or precepts).

The dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Muhammadiyah Tangerang and Ms. Tokuda Yorching Poon, a representative of GPF Indonesia, opened the UGen Seminar with encouragement to those present to network and collaborate following the experience. Their sentiments were followed up with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GPF Indonesia and the University of Muhammadiyah Tangerang, bolstering their commitment to furthering peacebuilding initiatives at the university.

The forum allowed students to delve into topics that balance faith, love of country, and the essential need to coexist and thrive with people of different religious beliefs.

The main event of the day featured two distinguished speakers who enriched the audience with their insights. Ingill Ra, the Regional Representative of GPF Asia Pacific, expounded on the practical implementation of Pancasila’s principles for supporting global peace. According to him, the Pancasila philosophy can even become a role model in other efforts to achieve peace, such as peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The second speaker was a professor who provided an in-depth explanation of Darul Ahdi wa al-Syahadah, which is a guide for Muslims to prevent violent extremism if there is an exchange of ideologies on a global or national scale. He provided valuable perspectives on incorporating these Islamic values and Pancasila into everyday life, which could therefore nurture harmonious relations. The seminar was followed by an engaging question and answer session where participants eagerly interacted with the speakers, fostering an atmosphere of collaborative learning and open dialogue.

After the speeches, the seminar provided extra time to delve deeper into the topic with focus groups for 30 selected students to exchange ideas and propose strategies to promote peace both locally and globally.

The original post appears on Global Peace Foundation. Global Peace Foundation is an international non-sectarian, non-partisan, nonprofit organization, which promotes an innovative, values-based approach to peacebuilding, guided by the vision of One Family under God.  GPF engages and organizes a global network of public and private-sector partners who develop community, national, and regional peacebuilding models as the foundation for ethical and cohesive societies. Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon is the founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation.