The post Global Peace Convention 2013 Opening Plenary: H.E. Marco Vinicio Cerezo appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

President Otto Perez Molina, of Guatemala greets members of the Latin American Presidential Mission.

On September 11, the 4^th Esquipulas Regional Forum was hosted in Guatemala City. The forum entitled, “The Central American Dream: A Reality in Construction” was an in-depth discussion of challenges facing Central America.

The Esquipulas Foundation together with the Latin American Presidential Mission were the primary organizers. Co-conveners included the Ministry of International Relations and the Presidential Office of Guatemala, local and regional businesses, and NGOs including the Global Peace Foundation, Guatemalan Red Cross, think-tank IDPPS, and the National Leadership Conference of Uruguay.

Ms. Olinda Salguero, Director of Esquipulas Foundation, said of the forum, “This space is to promote the development of the region, democracy, peace and integration.” Nine former heads of state of the Latin American Presidential Mission, participated in the forum along with many other experts from fields such as human rights, education, and business.

The regional representative of the Global Peace Foundation for Latin America, Mr. Thomas Field, introduced the former presidents at the plenary entitled, “Strengthening Democracy and Integration for Latin American Development”, while the former president of Guatemala and founder of the Esquipulas Foundation, Dr. Vinicio Cerezo, called on forum participants to consider paths to move the process for integration of Central American forward. . “The models of development since 1994 have not resolved many of the issues that remain after the peace process, such as social problems and the equal inclusion of the people in the country’s wealth and welfare,” he said.

Top to bottom: Members of the Latin American Presidential Mission present at the 4th Esquipulas Regional Forum, former presidents: Carlos Mesa of Bolivia, Ernesto Semper of Colombia, Dr. Antonio Saca, of El Salvador, Vinicio Cerezo of Guatemala, Nicolás Ardito Barletta of Panama, Gustavo Noboa of Ecuador, and Alvaro Colom of Guatemala, Global Peace Foundation regional representative of Latin America introduces former presidents, Olinda Salguero, Director of the Esquipulas Foundation

The forum featured six panels addressing a wide-range of issues related to Central American development.

• Panel one addressed how to protect and raise youth to become active participants in nation-building. It also addressed issues of gender based violence, a major hindrance to development.
• The second and fifth panel discussed development opportunities through science, technology and a green economy. Panelists urged cross-sector cooperation, and innovation driven by a common regional vision.
• The third panel, entitled, “Peace, Democracy and Integration for Development” examined the progress that has been made in Central America since the Esquipulas Agreements I and II. While the region has seen a relative period of peace and democracy, there are still outstanding issues like impending conflicts and unequal access to development opportunities. Panelists took a closer look at how to forge ahead using assets like its geographical location and increased regional integration.
• The fourth panel took on a hot topic in Central America: justice and regional security in light of the ongoing battle against drugs. Dubbed the “North-Triangle” of Central America, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras have seen increasing drug activity. Drug activity has migrated there to avoid international surveillance in Mexico, Colombia and the Caribbean. The drug trade has had major adverse effects, from compromising rule of law, to affecting youth culture, and increased local violence. The panel examined concrete alternative to fighting the drug war.
• The sixth panel reframed the geopolitics of the region. Panelists recognized that improved transportation and communication technology has made the world a “global village. Recognizing the changing landscape allows for new opportunities for business and trade, regional cooperation and democratic participation.

The Latin American Presidential Mission (LAPM) continues to grow and expand since its launching at the 2012 Global Peace Convention in Atlanta. Each former president brings their particular experience and wisdom to the table. Staying true to its founding commitment, the LAPM focuses on the underlying universal principles and values when discussing hot topics concerning the American Hemisphere.

The post Fourth Esquipulas Regional Forum Calls for Integration and Cooperation in Central America Based on Universal Principles appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Latin American Presidential Mission Discussion Panel (left to right Juan Carlos Wasmosy, Jaime Paz Zamora, Gustavo Noboa, Carlos Mesa )

Since its inception in 2012, the members of the Latin American Presidential Mission have pledged their experience, leadership and action in service to the development, stability and growth of the American Hemisphere.

Recently the Latin American Presidential Mission organized two conferences in Montevideo, Uruguay on August 19-20. The first, “Democracy, Rule of Law and the Judiciary System,” took on specific and timely challenges that have threatened the democratic stability and economic development of particularly, the Central American region.

Since the turn of the decade, the Central American countries that stand in the thoroughfare of the south to north trafficking of illegal drugs, firearms and people, have witnessed an insurgence of violence and lawlessness. Studies have shown that lawlessness and political instability have direct impact on foreign investment, effectively stalling economic development.

The conference directly confronted issues such as the rising corruption and violence in Central America, as well as the necessity for a separation of state powers: judicial, executive and legislative, to ensure good governance and judicial transparency. According to IDPPS, a conference co-sponsor, “The separation of powers is a major determinant of whether Latin America progresses towards or regresses away from securing the liberties and rights of its people, which are the symbols of a free society.”

Along with former presidents Juan Carlos Wasmosy of Paraguay, Luis Alberto Lacalle and Jorge Batlle of Uruguay, Gustavo Noboa of Ecuador, Vinicio Cerezo of Guatemala, Jaime Paz Zamora of Bolivia, other leaders signed the Montevideo Declaration, pledging to defend democracy in Latin America.

Vinicio Cerezo mentors up and coming leaders at the conference on mentoring current and up and coming leadership

The second conference was a step towards forging mentorships between the former presidents and the next generation. The conference entitled, “Emerging Leadership and the Experience of Former Presidents” allowed the former leaders to candidly put forth their experiences and wisdom to the younger generation. They concluded that principles and values are the compass by which good leaders navigate through crisis.

Olinda Salguero, Director of the Esquipulas Foundation urged Central American leaders to work towards securing a better rule of law and democratic system to ensure the engagement of the young population. The majority of the population in Central America is under 35 years old, however, despite being better educated, a deficit of opportunities and civic and character education has led to their disenfranchisement. As a result, many youth have become a part of the violence and illegal activities of the region. Inter-generational dialogue such as the second conference, offer new paths for cultivating positive values and role models as well as opportunities.

The network of former presidents continues to grow, and they have made notable impact on the region. During conferences, they provided a much needed principled-based perspective to address challenging issues like governance, development and most recently rule of law. Moreover, their commitment to “the values and civic virtues of the best spiritual, democratic, and pluralistic traditions of humanity” has secured stability and attracted foreign investors in countries such as Paraguay.

The post Latin American Presidential Mission Working Together to Strengthen the American Hemisphere appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Korea’s leading magazine Shin Dong-A, published a ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 in its New Year edition.The third section reported the historic launching of the Latin American Presidential Mission under the names of 19 former heads of state from Latin America. The January issue also ran the announcement of  Park Geun-hye’s presidential win, first woman president of the Republic of Korea.

See the original article in Korean.

Below is the unofficial English translation.

The Atlanta Declaration 2012 launched the Latin American Presidential Mission to promote hemispheric cooperation with North and South America under the names of 19 former heads of state.

GPC Atlanta 2012 Presents a New Paradigm for Global Peace

By Young Chul Choi ftdog@donga.com
Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Former Heads of State from North and South America Promote a Vision of Hemispheric Cooperation for Mutual Prosperity

During GPC Atlanta, 10 former Heads of State from 8 South American countries and delegations from 40-nations convened to launch a mission committed to a hemispheric Great Awakening in North and South America. An additional 8 former Heads of State from South America, who were not present, sent video messages of support. Together they launched a historic declaration, the Atlanta Declaration for Hemispheric Cooperation, resolving to use their past experience and leadership to work for the mutual prosperity of North and South America.

Based on its substantial Christian foundation, the American hemisphere has a common ethic.  However, North and South have walked disparate paths, harboring a protracted love-and-hate relationship. For example, the phrase ‘Down with American Imperialism’ became popular when anti-U.S. sentiments in South America peaked during the Falklands Wars, a territorial dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom (U.K.) when the U.S. sided with the U.K.

Over the past decade, vast numbers of Latin Americans have crossed the border into the United States to pursue the “American Dream”. Today, the Hispanic population in the U.S. has surpassed Blacks to become the largest minority. No longer can it be politically and economically disregarded. Resolving the discrimination and contempt towards the Hispanic population is critical to resolving the problem between North and South America.

The United States can no longer ignore the importance of Latin America. As the economic recession in the United States continues since the financial crisis in 2008, the fast-growing Latin American economic region could offer a way forward. Circumstances have prepared North and South America to redefine their relationship and secure peace and equality in the American hemisphere. In his keynote address at the GPC opening plenary, Dr. Moon called for a Hemispheric Great Awakening through North and South America based on a consensus of common spiritual values.   Dr. Moon noted, “North and South America have shared values that emerge from their common Christian heritage. Cooperation and unity should be based on these universal principles. This is how the western hemisphere can recover its moral authority and make positive impact around the world.”

Over the past two years, GPF in Latin America has promoted moral and innovative leadership and increased regional and hemispheric cooperation based on shared values. The results are reflected in two significant declarations, the Asuncion Declaration issued during the 2010 Global Peace Leadership Conference in Paraguay and the Brasilia Declaration pronounced in Brazil during the 2011 Global Peace Leadership Conference.  The Americas Summit commenced at The Carter Center and was integrated within GPC Atlanta. The summit sought to discover avenues for improved hemispheric relations based on shared values and common challenges for lasting peace and mutual prosperity for North and South America..

“the unity and integration of the Americas must be based on the recognition and respect of unique national and cultural identities, and that efforts should be directed at obtaining not personal advantages but a common advantage.” ~Atlanta Declaration for Hemispheric Cooperation The summit concluded with the establishment of the Latin American Presidential Mission. The declaration was published in the name of 19 former presidents. Built upon the recognition of the vision of “One Family Under God”, it affirms, “that the unity and integration of the Americas must be based on the recognition and respect of unique national and cultural identities, and that efforts should be directed at obtaining not personal advantages but a common advantage.”

Former Guatemalan president Vinicio Cerezo said, ”A leader has to have a special character, with thought and skill, but also deep moral conviction to follow a path marked by his principles.” He added, “In international relations and politics, the leader of each nation should not abandon his ethical values under any circumstances.”

 “The commitment of the United States is to the belief that fairness, not force should lie at the heart of our dealings with the nations of the world. If any agreement is to last, it must serve the best interest of both nations.” ~Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

Dr. Jennifer McCoy, director of the Carter Center’s Americas Program, stressed ethics among nations quoting former President Jimmy Carter. “The commitment of the United States is to the belief that fairness, not force should lie at the heart of our dealings with the nations of the world. If any agreement is to last, it must serve the best interest of both nations.” Meanwhile, business leaders from around the world participated in the Global Peace Business Forum to discuss how trade and commerce can generate economic prosperity in North and South America, Africa, and the Iraq-Kurdish region. They agreed that the crisis of modern capitalism rooted in corruption and greed can be resolved through moral values and principles in business. Dr. Manu Chandaria, CEO of one of Africa’s largest businesses, Comcraft Group, received resounding applause when he said, “To offer economic opportunity to Africa is the realistic means to establishing world peace.”.

See all four sections of Shin Dong-A feature on GPC 2012.

The post "Hemispheric Cooperation for Mutual Prosperity" – Shin Dong-A feature report on the Americas Summit 2012 – part 3 appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Former President of Paraguay, Juan Carlos Wasmosy, opened the Americas Summit by stating, “What is happening before my eyes here in Atlanta is a dream come true.”

Presidents Wasmosy, Lacalle and Cerezo spearheaded the Latin American Presidential Mission launched at the Global Peace Convention 2012. In 2010 they signed the Asuncion Declaration, and have worked together since.

His journey to Atlanta began in October 2010, at the first Global Peace Leadership Convention in Paraguay. At that convention, Global Peace Foundation founder Dr. Hyun Jin Moon challenged Latin American leaders to “pave the path to peace and reconciliation in this hemisphere by becoming a leader in the global peace process through the vision of ‘one family under God’.”

Dr. Moon referenced the United States to stress that peace and stability are not determined by the economic or political structure of the state, but by its founding principles. The United States was founded upon a declaration that all men are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights” that supersede any man-made authority.

President Wasmosy recalls how he and a handful of others, including  Luis Alberto Lacalle (former president of Uruguay) and Vinicio Cerezo (former president of Guatemala), responded to the challenge and signed the Asunción Declaration. They affirmed their “desire to work – beyond religious, political, social, and ethnic differences – for the unity of Latin America as a continent of peace and future that can shine light in a world filled with uncertainties and confusion.”

The Declaration is constructed upon spiritual and universal “civic values and virtues,” as a means to address the social and economic issues of the region as well as build greater Latin American solidarity and hemispheric cooperation. It has become the impetus for a continental movement.

Over the next year, the Global Peace Foundation, worked together with the “Instituto de Desarrollo del Pensamiento Patria Soñada”(IDPPS), a think-tank in Paraguay, the “Esquipulas Foundation for the Intergration of Central America” based in Guatemala, and the “Uruguay Leadership Conference” gathering notable former and current national leaders who resonate with the vision elucidated in the Asuncion Declaration.

Eight former presidents from Latin America convened in Atlanta to launch the Latin American Presidential Mission. Additional support came from six additional Latin and Central American countries.

President Wasmosy recounted how his circle of friends and colleagues who shared in the dream of a Latin American revival continued to grow.

The next year, 2011, a second international conference was convened in the Brazilian capital of Brasilia. It focused on the issues of ethics, energy, and food security, emphasizing that sustainable development must be built upon ethical principles. It resulted in the Brasilia Declaration that expanded on specific points of the Asuncion Declaration and called on Latin Americans “to recognize and overcome our past mistakes and to dream again and achieve the great goals of this continent.”

Shortly thereafter, former Presidents Wasmosy, Cerezo and Lacalle met together in Paraguay with the directors of the supporting foundations and think-tanks of their respective countries and proposed the creation of the Latin American Presidential Mission to be officially founded at the Global Peace Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The mission calls upon current and former Latin American heads of state to bring their “Leadership, Testimony and Action” to secure the future of Latin America and forge greater hemispheric cooperation based on principles, values and aspirations common in both Americas.

President Wasmosy stated, “Our conscience and ideals chart the map for our lives, our families, our leaders, our nations and an ideal world.”

The Americas Summit examined the shared values of the Americas, the common challenge and need for better education, and opportunities for hemispheric integration through trade and investment.

President Mesa of Bolivia signs the Presidential Mission as President Colom from Guatemala and President Barletta of Panama look on.

On December 1^st, the Americas Summit concluded with the signing of the founding document of the Latin American Presidential Mission by eight former presidents from the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Panama, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. They were supported by eight additional former presidents from Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Guatemala and El Salvador who were unable to attend but sent video messages and letters of support.

It may be a “dream come true” but is also a challenge to pursue a bigger dream. Every member of the Latin American Presidential Mission is committed to “take up the mantle of moral and innovative leaders and build a legacy of the highest ideals for our communities, nations and the entire human family.”

Credits to Mr. Thomas Field, Regional Coordinator, GPF Regional Representative for Latin America

The post The Story of the Latin American Presidential Mission appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

November 29, 2012

Carter Presidential Center, Atlanta, Georgia

Nine former presidents of Latin America convened during the Global Peace Convention 2012 for the Americas Summit. They signed the Presidential Mission, committing to further hemispheric cooperation not merely based on economic and political cooperation, but on share principles and values of both North and South America to create a model  of peace for the world.

The following is the remarks by Dr. Hyun Jin Moon given at the Summit opening at the Carter Presidential Center.

A Great Spiritual Awakening in the Western Hemisphere

What a special honor it is to join in this prominent gathering of former presidents and statesmen from Latin America and the US, here at the prestigious Carter Center which itself carries on the important work of a former US president.

It would take too long to mention each one of you by name, but I especially want to salute former Presidents Juan Carlos Wasmosy of Paraguay, Luis Alberto Lacalle of Uruguay, and Vinicio Cerezo of Guatemala for their support of our work at the Global Peace Foundation over the past few years.

This meeting of leaders is of great and timely significance.

I say this because we are living at a unique moment in the history of the Americas and the world. At this time when the world’s focus is shifting towards the pan-Pacific rim region, the Western hemisphere of North, Central and South America have a vital role to play to ensure that proper principles and values, rooted in the affirmation of our spiritual nature as human beings, are not only transmitted, but become the core of any effort to spread democracy and a free market system to other nations and future generations.

The challenge before us, the moment we must seize, is an opportunity to kindle the fire of a great hemispheric awakening rooted in spiritual values.

It is important to recognize that  the task ahead of us is not merely the promotion of democracy and capitalism.

Why do I say this?

Because it was not the democratic process itself, nor the free market system alone that shaped America into the nation it is today. Rather it was its underlying principles and values that enabled it to become a great nation.

We here in the Americas, must be anchored in  spiritually oriented principles and values in order to present a counterweight to what some emergent states are offering today.

 

Nine former presidents of Latin America signed the Latin American Presidential Mission. (Left to right: H.E. Alvaro Colom, Pres. of Guatemala (2008-2012), H.E. Carlos Mesa, Pres. Republic of Bolivia (2003-2005), H.E. Nicolas Ardito Barletta, Pres. Panama (1984-1985), H.E. Juan Carlos Wasmosy, Pres. Paraguay (1993-1998). Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, Chairman, Global Peace Foundation, Mrs. Jun Sook Moon, Global Peace Woman, H.E. Gustavo Noboa, Pres. Ecuador (2000-2003), H.E. Hipolito Mejia, Pres. Dominican Republic (2000-2004), H.E. Luis Lacalle, Pres. Uruguay (1990-1995), H.E. Vinicio Cerezo, Pres. Guatemala (1986-1991), Mr. Thomas Field, Global Peace Foundation, South America)

Spiritual roots: North, Central, and South America

There are many who stress the differences between the United States and Latin America. But to focus on our differences is a serious mistake.

However, if we embrace our commonalities, we can come to a proper understanding and appreciation of our differences.  The Americas, as a whole, have significant historic and geographic connections.

The Americas are also experiencing substantially expanding ethnic ties. The Hispanic community in the U.S. produced the largest minority voting bloc in the recent elections here, and made a significant impact on key races throughout the nation. Also, a considerable portion of income produced by the hard work of this community is sent through remittances to their families in their countries of origin, which has a huge economic impact on many nations.

The bonds between the United States and Latin America are more important than ever.

Leaders in both the U.S .and in Latin America need to understand the import and opportunity that can be found in the mutual relationships of the Americas.

Enduring relationships that yield good results must be based upon ethical principles and shared values.  They provide the foundation that fosters mutual respect, collaborative efforts, and shared benefits.

There is broad common ground for the peoples of the Americas, and indeed all of humanity, in universal spiritual principles as conveyed in the essence of our faith traditions.

Faith in God, the Creator, was the guiding inspiration for those who pioneered the cause of independence for the Americas.

The most important expression of universal principles as the basis of human liberty is found in the Declaration of Independence.

As a “vision statement” of the United States, it asserts: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

 These lofty principles are not just applicable to the citizens of the United States; they establish the fundamental foundation for human rights and dignity for all people throughout the world.

Even our respected presidents, here with us today, have to recognize that they are first and foremost human beings with a spiritual nature, guided by principles and values.

That’s the essence of our humanity. We are moral beings guided by an ethos that has been part of our nature since human creation. The same recognition of universal, spiritual principles that extend beyond religious or philosophical differences was expressed in the words of Simon Bolivar, when he said: “Jesus, who was the light of the Earth, desired no dignity or crowns in the world; he called men his brothers and taught them about equality, about the most republican civil virtues, and commanded them to be free.”

When I toured throughout Latin America and met with presidents, parliamentarians and civil society leaders, I found the same, shared resonance with these principles as the foundation for just, prosperous and democratic societies.

The important similarities between the United States and Latin America are found in ethical, moral and civic values, in the call to patriotism, and in the understanding of the value of the family.

H.E. Colom and H.E. Cerezo look on as fellow Latin American president H.E. Mesa signs the Presidential Mission statement.

Being a man of faith, I feel the hand of Divine Providence leading us to a new era of opportunity and prosperity in the hemisphere of the Americas.

Beginning from a common ethos that honors God and the intrinsic value of all people, we should now aspire to build nations where the respect for human dignity, the love of liberty, and the accomplishment of responsible citizenship may flourish.

The challenge for us in the Western Hemisphere of North, Central, and South America, is to come together to champion these principles and values; and especially to champion the global vision of “One Family under God”. Our common heritage rooted in Christian faith strongly resonates with this universal vision. The essence of Jesus’ teaching was meant to create a new ethos based on true love which could transform cultures, societies and the world, Yet that ethos has yet to be realized, and remains as a hope and aspiration of all people.

It is for this reason that a great awakening is needed today.

So, I challenge the leadership of the Americas gathered here to not only address issues of this hemisphere that pertain to an economic, political, or diplomatic context, but also to address the need for a spiritual awakening that uplifts the shared values that can accomplish true integration and enduring development.

 

Focus of the Americas Summit

Toward the fulfillment of that goal, this hemispheric conference will analyze critical concerns and gather insights; with the contributions of the Latin American statesmen gathered here—former presidents and leaders of nations who came to share their wisdom and experience.

This Americas Summit will focus on three key issues.

1. The first is the common ethical values that should govern relations among us. I spoke on the importance of shared principles and values.

They are essential to any relationship and form the glue that binds us together.

2. The second is education as a source of values, knowledge and skills. Quality education should result in citizens of good moral character who have confidence in themselves, and are able, through critical thinking, to reach their goals.

Quality education should be an investment, a priority for any nation that seeks a bright future. It should engender objectivity, rational thought, and a willingness to participate in the practice      of good citizenship.

3. The third issue is trade and investment, necessary for the prosperity and well-being of all. Business practices must be guided by ethical standards to create societies of equity and peace.

I think most would agree that a major cause of the global recession and financial crisis can be directly attributed to the erosion of ethical principles and values.  If those in power do not regulate themselves, then any system or institution can experience corruption and eventually collapse.

We are striving to fulfill the goals articulated in the Asuncion Declaration which was adopted by former presidents and leaders at the Global Peace Foundation’s first Latin American Leadership Conference in Paraguay in 2010. Centered on this Declaration, a large number of former Latin American presidents, many of whom are with us here today, have agreed to join forces to create what will be called the “Latin American Presidential Mission”.

I applaud the commitment of this Latin American Presidential Mission in convening with such a lofty purpose.

It is a call to civic activism that draws on the experience and talent of former presidents, and is supported by other leaders from different areas of the continent.

With the slogan: Leadership, Testimony, Action, it will offer innovative perspectives to critical issues and contribute to their solutions. It will be idealistic yet realistic, going from less to more, from the grassroots to the summit.

 

Our Future: Moral and Innovative Leadership

Dr. Hyun Jin Moon urges a hemispheric great awakening at the Americas Summit Opening Session at the Carter Center.

The task we face requires the incorporation of professionals and experts in different fields, but more than that it requires our moral and innovative leadership. What do I mean by moral and innovative leadership?

First, it is leadership which promotes a “greater good” that can benefit not only the individual, but the whole society, the nation, and ultimately the world.

Such leadership must be guided by clear vision, irrevocable principles and universal values; with the breadth and depth to encompass the diversity of the human family.

Second, we need to harness innate human creativity to advance and develop the human condition. This is the innovative component of leadership.

In every culture, extraordinary men and women have propelled humanity forward in the fields of philosophy, ethics, science, sports and cultural arts, freely exercising their God-given talents even to the point of challenging existing paradigms.

With a dream of a bright future, the Global Peace Foundation, an international NGO that I chair, is leading efforts for peace based on a spiritual vision expressed in the simple but profound phrase, of “One Family under God.”

The transformative power of this vision is found in the fundamental truth that all people, regardless of race, religion, nationality, tribe or ethnicity, are spiritual beings who share a common heritage in one God or Creator.

Moral and innovative leadership provides vision and action that builds a positive legacy for the future. It recognizes that the most fundamental human problems cannot be solved by politics, diplomacy, economy, or science alone. Essentially, sustainable solutions must address root causes, and therefore must include the intrinsic spiritual dimension of the human experience. In short, political authority cannot force, nor can money buy, the virtues necessary to resolve conflicts and build moral and ethical societies.

 

A Great Awakening Starts Now

 Recognizing the growing influence of Latin American communities in North America and the growing geopolitical and geo-economic influence of Latin American nations on the global stage, I want to conclude by saying once again that this time and circumstance are ripe for calling forth a great spiritual awakening, in our hemisphere and beyond, that can summon the creativity, energy and motivation for a global ethical, social, political and economic transformation.

I firmly believe that now is the time for such transformation.

The vision of “one family under God” can inspire and motivate a spiritual peace movement that is the vanguard for this great awakening, beginning here in the Americas.  My hope is that this Americas Summit and the larger Global Peace Convention will serve as catalysts that ignite and invigorate that movement.

I challenge each of us, especially our presidents here, to take up the mantle of moral and innovative leadership, that together we can build a legacy of the highest ideals, for our communities, nations, and the entire human family.

Thank you.

The post Dr. Hyun Jin Moon Remarks from the Americas Summit appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.