Originally posted on October 2, 2013. Updated on October 1, 2019.

Reverently referred to as Mahatma Gandhi, used non-violent protest as a means to gain Indian independence in the mid 1900’s.

International Day of Non-Violence, is commemorated on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, October 2, celebrating his contribution to uplifting human dignity and promoting non-violent social action. Individuals like Gandhi have led movements that have transformed the global consciousness to fundamental principles and shared values that have brought humanity closer to a world of peace and prosperity.

Gandhi believed and fought for the preservation of human rights and dignities. Throughout his life, Gandhi’s search for truth would lead him to discover that, “There are innumerable definitions of God, because His manifestations are innumerable. They overwhelm me with wonder and awe and for a moment stun me. But I worship God as Truth Only.”

Dr. Moon often points to Gandhi as a “spiritual leader” who stepped out of his “religious box” to lead a movement that had significant social impact.

And indeed, his spiritual convictions were the basis for his seminal philosophy of Satyagraha (non-violence). Gandhi explains in his paper “Satyagraha in South Africa” that:

“Truth (Satya) implies love, and firmness (Agraha) engenders and therefore serve as a synonym for force. I thus began to call the Indian movement “Satyagraha”, that is to say, the Force which is born of Truth and Love or non-violence.”

Gandhi placed a simple philosophy in the hands of every person, from every cast, race and religion; the power of love and truth and personal will choose to live by universal truths and principles and shared values. In doing so, he birthed a movement that broke traditional divisions, and created monumental societal transformation that also left an indelible imprint on the rest of human history from Dr. King in the United States to Rev. Führer in East Germany.

As a form of non-violent protest against the British textile industry, Gandhi spun his own cloth and encouraged other Indians to do the same.

His principle of non-violence opened up something that could not be defined by economic of political power, something that Dr. King would later call “soul force.” It was this power that rested in the nobility of the human spirit that believed if one did not retaliate to violence, but respond with truth, service and love, one could stir the perpetrator’s conscience and soul. It was a power of unity and a larger vision that drew the “others” into a family, rather than ostracize and isolate.

Gandhi’s journey began in India, and within each stage of his life he would deepen his understanding and strengthen his values and beliefs. Each experience helped form the underpinning of his conviction that every human being possess a divine dignity, and the right to self-govern.

As a child he watched his parents stand up against injustice, even when it proved to be inconvenient. He would then study law in England, where he discovered an intrinsic value granted by God, present in every person and every religion.

He lived in South Africa where fierce prejudice would deepen his love for justice and righteousness, sparking his initial work with non-violence as a form of protest, and his conviction in the fundamental rights of all people.

Eventually he would return to India where he would begin a groundbreaking non-violent revolution to secure independence for India from the British Empire.

As a form of non-violent protest against the British textile industry, Gandhi spun his own cloth and encouraged other Indians to do the same.

These principles and beliefs in human rights and dignity are derived from a common creator and opened the way for India to become an independent nation, setting the stage for global decolonization after WWII.

But, as Gandhi humbly said at the close of his autobiography, “So long as a man does not of his own free will put himself last among his fellow creatures, there is no salvation for him.” To him, justice and happiness did not come from one best religion, or one best person, or even one best philosophy; it was grounded on the universal truth of living for others, of love. It was his humble search to embody that truth that was the heart of the awakening that he instigated.

As we celebrate his legacy, this would be the central point, to recognize the divinity and dignity of each person, and put love and truth into action for the benefit of each of them.

The post International Day of Nonviolence Honors Gandhi’s Legacy appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

“For any real discussion of unification to begin, we, as the Korean people, must identify a common platform through which we can all converge not as a divided people but as Koreans.

Before we are to talk about political and economic systems as well as institutions of governance, a real discussion should arise around the dream or aspirations of unification and the principles and values upon which a new nation will be built.”

Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, Korean Dream

At the close 2014, the Civil Society Organization of Korea conferred the “NGO Collaboration Award” to the Global Peace Foundation-Korea. GPF-Korea’s Southern Seoul branch received the “Best NGO” award. GPF-Korea has been instrumental in Action for Korea United, a coalition of over 300 NGOs committed to advancing Korean reunification.

The Global Peace Foundation – Korea, represented by President In Taek Seo,
was recognized with this year’s Grand Prize, the NGO Collaboration Award

In his acceptance speech, GPF-Korea’s president, Mr. In Taek Seo said that a successful movement for unification can’t be inspired by economic or political reasoning, it will rise from a vision based on the ancient Korean philosophy of Hongik Ingan and touch the hearts of all Korean people.

According to the Global Peace Foundation report, more than 300 representative from multiple political parties, civil society and government institutions were present including parliamentarians Kim Moo-Sung , Won Hye Young, Won Yoo Chul, Yoon Sang Hyun , Ahn Hyo Dae, Kim Jong Hoon, Park Dae Chool , Lee Lee Jeh , Yang Chang Young, Seo Young Kyo, and Yoo Jung Bok, the Incheon city mayor.

Dr. Moon writes in his best-selling book, “Korean Dream,” that only a vision that transcends the divisions of political parties, ideology, geography, and even history can break the deadlock between North and South. Only such a vision can spark an awakening in the souls of people around the world to their shared destiny as a people appointed to live for the sake of humanity.

Action for Korea United has initiated an “Everyday Korean Movement” that asks Koreans to make unification a part of their daily lives. Whether it is donating 1,000₩ a month for a bread factory in North Korea, or volunteering at a Korean Unification School, or coming up with their own creative way to contribute to reunification, the movement is asking every Korean to become a part of building unification.

The original report appears on www.globalpeace.org

The post Global Peace Foundation-Korea’s Coordinated Efforts for Unification Recognized appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

On November 20, 2014, Readers’ Newspaper (독석신문)  hosted the 45^th annual ceremony for the Korean Culture and Arts Publications Award at the National Assembly Memorial Hall.

This year, Global Peace Foundation founder, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon’s new book, “Korean Dream: Vision for a Unified Korea” was recognized as “Book of the Year” in the society category.

Dr. Moon writes, “We need to look beyond our current divisions and seek a new united future rooted in a common past. I am a man who believes in big dreams. I also believe that Korea today is ripe for such a challenge. In this book I want to show that a great and historic opportunity lies within our grasp. I want to lay out a new vision for Korea that can transform the peninsula, the Northeast region, and the world. What will that dream look like?”

The announcement in the Readers’ Newspaper appears here in Korean.

Learn more about the Korean Dream book.

The post Korean Dream by Dr. Hyun Jin P. Moon Awarded “Book of the Year” appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

GPF Korea President Mr. Intaek Seo at the inauguration ceremony in Seoul.

Leading political and civic leaders congratulated incoming GPF-Korea president, Mr. Intaek Seo, at a special ceremony held at the  Baekbumgimgu Memorial, Conference Room, in Seoul on July 22. Mr. Seo became second president of GPF Korea, succeeding Kyung Eui Yoo.

In his inaugural address, Mr. Seo placed special emphasis on GPF’s commitment to Korean reunification. “To reach the destination of unification, we must first have a great vision,” he said. “The Korean Dream is not just about becoming an economic powerhouse, it is about establishing a moral nation that carries on the ideals of hongik ingan and upholds the nobility and value of each person.”

The Korean Dream is a term coined by Chairman of Global Peace Foundation, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon at the Global Peace Convention 2011. Dr. Moon harkened to the principles hongik ingan, a philosophy that formed the ethics of the ancient Korea kingdom of Geojoseon, as the foundation for a unifying vision for the Korean peninsula, the Korean Dream.

“We need a vision not just for South Korea, a national vision that aspires to create a new nation united with North Korea,” said President Seo. He announced the upcoming The Global Peace Leadership Conference in late September as an opportune venue to build consensus around such a vision.

Political and civic leaders offer congratulations at the inaugural ceremony. Clockwise from top left: Jaeyun Kim, New Politics Alliance for Democracy; Cheolgi Lee, National President of the National Advisory Council; Youngjun Kim, Senior Vice-President of Global Peace Foundation; Gapsan Lee, Korean NGO Association

Representing the Global Peace Foundation, senior Vice President, Youngjun Kim emphasized GPF-Korea’s mission to cultivate vision and leadership that will define Korea’s future. “The leaders of the twenty-first century have to become the ones that live by universal principles and shared values,” he said. Leading figures of Korean society delivered congratulatory messages and encouragement. In his welcoming address, Wonsun Park, mayor of Seoul Metropolitan said, “I congratulate Intaek Seo’s inauguration as second president of GPF Korea from the bottom of my heart.” He recognized GPF’s work with foreign exchange students, noting improved relations with local Seoul residents and foreigners.

Jaeyun Kim, representing the New Politics Alliance for Democracy, called  President Intaek Seo “a prepared leader who will bring us closer to realizing the unification of our country and world peace.” He mentioned GPF’s the timely and central role in supporting Korean unification, citing President Park Geunhae’s remarks from early this year that “unification is a jackpot.”

Cheolgi Lee, National President of the National Advisory Council, commended GPF-Korea’s efforts. “GPF Korea is in the frontlines of establishing the peaceful unification of North and South Korea. It is investing all of its expertise and capacity into creating a world where everyone can live in happiness, harmony and mutual understanding.”

Gapsan Lee, representing the Korean NGO Association described GPF as “a worldwide NGO” and encouraged other NGO’s to join the expanding global coalition. Global Peace Foundation has been a principle partner in Action for Korea United, a union of over 300 NGO united in a coordinated effort for Korean reunification. Intaek Seo expressed his commitment to the vision of GPF and its goal of securing peace. He said, “GPF’s vision of ‘One Family under God’ is a powerful vision that when realized can bring an end to war and conflict and substantiate peace.”

The inauguration was covered by Korean News outlet NewsIs.

Visit here for original article on www.globalpeace.org.

The post Intaek Seo Becomes Newly Appointed President of Global Peace Foundation Korea appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Top left to right: Alto Paraguay Governor, Marlene Ocampos, Professor Isacio Vallejos Aquino representing the School of Engineering of the National University of Asuncion, Dr. Jose Altamirano, Director of think-tank IDPPS.

The Global Peace Foundation reported that Paraguayan think-tank Instituto de Desarrollo del Pensamiento Patria Soñada (IDPPS ), the School of Engineering of the National University of Asuncion (UNA) and the State Government of Alto Paraguay signed a joint agreement formalizing a partnership for future infrastructure projects in four localities in Alto Paraguay: Bahia Negra, Puerto Casado and Fuerte Olimpo.

ABC Color, the first color newspaper in Paraguay, described the three priority areas outlined in the agreement:

• Planning and designing hospital and education centers
• Designing ports
• Designing airstrip hangers

It also mentioned possible development of water treatment centers and landfills and territorial planning.

The National University of Asuncion (UNA) has committed to provide expertise during the planning, adaptation, and implementation of projects, as well as student engagement in areas that match their discipline.

Governor of Alto Paraguay, Marlene Ocampos, elected last year in April, has been a pivotal part of Alto Paraguay’s recent growth. She told ABC Color, “This is an opportunity to receive top level technical assistance to push forward our development.”  Director of the IDPPS think-tank Dr. Jose Altamirano emphasized the potential social impact of the plan.

IDPPS, the Global Peace Foundation supported think-tank, has been heavily involved in stabilizing the department of Alto Paraguay and building partnerships to promote development such as the recent agreement with the University of Asunción.

Top: A view of the Paraguay River. Bottom: A highway map of Paraguay. Alto Paraguay is noticeably underdeveloped.

The agreement brings welcomed progress to Alto Paraguay. A lack of transparency has left Alto Paraguay isolated, with no highways and only two major port cities, even though the Paraguay River runs along its eastern border. Only recently have flights begun between Asuncion and Forto Olympo. Social services and education have been severely limited.

Regional Potential

In many ways, Alto Paraguay is representative of the region’s challenges. During a visit to Paraguay last year, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, Chairman of the Global Peace Foundation, told Kyung Hyang Newspaper that high-risk factors like extreme poverty, political instability and corruption have deterred foreign investment until now. But he is hopeful.

Dr. Moon was attending an international conference on ethics, good governance and development hosted by IDPPS and its partners. The general consensus during the conference was that the region must go beyond an outdated system where a small elite governs the social, economic and political activity and seize the opportunity to pioneer new models of democratic, free market systems governed by universal principles and values.

Dr. Hyun Jin Moon says grace before lunch in the town of Maria Auxilidora in Alto Paraguay along the cattle drive route.

He told ABC Color he believes Paraguay could become the center of finance and commerce in Latin America within the next five years, much like Dubai in the Middle East or Singapore in Asia. Geographically it is centrally located between Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia, and more importantly, Paraguay has unlimited human potential.  According to Dr. Moon, the generosity of Paraguayans and their tradition of honoring God in the family, community and national life are essential ingredients for the nation’s rise.

Dr. Moon’s ties to Paraguay run deep.  He fondly refers to the country as his home in the southern hemisphere. His father spent a significant period in the late 90s in local villages and investing in development and sustainability projects. In 2008, Dr. Moon took a number of young Paraguayans on a cattle drive through the Chaco, a large area in Alto Pargauy.  A humble meal from the villagers of Maria Auxilidora left a deep impression. He recalls, “I was moved that people with so little could give so much.”

The post Joint Agreement with National University of Asuncion, Government of Alto Paraguay and IDPPS Signifies Progress in Paraguay appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

The International Young Leaders Assembly (IYLA) begins today in New York City. The Assembly will travel to significant institutions of peace and development in New York City, Philadelphia and Washington D.C.

In New York, the Permanent Mission to the Republic of Paraguay will host the International Young Leaders Assembly at the United Nations. During the assembly, young leaders will examine the roots of conflict. As the next generation, they will consider the necessity of forging new paths to peace and development that incorporate the spiritual dimensions of humanity.

On their journey down to the U.S. Capital, they will pass through Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States. It will be a unique opportunity to contemplate the significance of the U.S. Founding Fathers’ promise and its implications on the modern notion of human rights and governance.

In 1776, 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence affirmed “all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights.” Today Independence Hall preserves this story as a national park.

The men and women, who were part of the independence effort, understood the historic significance of what they were undertaking. They were separating themselves from the greatest empire of the time to set out on an experiment to prove that humanity was capable of self-rule based, not on force, but on conscience and self-evident truths.

The final stop of the IYLA will be the capital of the United States of America, Washington D.C. At the World Bank, they will explore forms of moral and innovative leadership, particularly global youth service and entrepreneurship. At Capitol Hill, they will address the issue of U.S.-China relations, and discuss how they can carry on the visionary leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in lieu of the 50th anniversary of his “I have a dream speech.”

The program will end on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial at the commemoration the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s stirring oratory. The speech sparked a spiritual movement that reminded the world of the promise of the Declaration of Independence that all men are the created equal, and should be treated with dignity befitting the sons and daughters of God.

This program is an opportunity for these young leaders to consider the shared vision and aspiration that has driven the great men and women of history, and learn from the examples of moral and innovative leadership.

As these young leaders pursue their career and studies, may they remember that the greatest contribution is not of money, power or fame, but of bringing humanity one step closer to its age-old dream of peace.

The post International Young Leaders Assembly: a Practicum of Moral and Innovative Leadership appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Dr. Hyun Jin Moon participates with former PM Raila Odinga in a project to revitalize the Nairobi Dam in Kenya.

The world commemorates Mandela Day on July 18th with 67 minutes of service. Global Peace Foundation’s African Peace Service Corps partnered  with the South African High Commissioner and the United Nations Environmental Program to launch a massive tree planting initiative with 67 trees, one for each year of Mandela’s years in prison.

Service is becoming the way to commemorate the lives and values of notable heroes of our time. But why service?

In his speech at the 2011 international IAVE conference, Dr. Moon said, “I believe that service will play a pivotal role in changing the global ethic.”  Perhaps this is why service. The world is realizing what notable change makers have already –  the timeless principle of living for others is the remedy for the conflicts and ailments of society.

In the United States, Richard Stengel wrote an article in Time Magazine entitled, “Service is the Silver Bullet” where he makes the case for national service as the perfect solution to healing a divided nation and addressing daunting national issues like education, unemployment, childhood hunger and conservation.

E.J. Dionne Jr. points out in his op-ed that that the well-known line of the Declaration of Independence: “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,” is only made possible by the final line, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our Sacred Honor.” Service, he argues, is part of the United States’ DNA, and essential to the preservation of the nation.
The same holds true to the global community. At the recent National Conference on Volunteerism and Service, GPYC-USA President, Kenshu Aoki said, “Service is about going out of your comfort zone.  As you work together for a common cause to improve the lives of others, you come to realize that human beings are truly meant to help one another.

“I believe that service will play a pivotal role in changing the global ethic.”  Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, IAVE Conference 2011

Service is more than just serving:

1. First, service is a deeply personal and spiritual act that connects individuals to the highest and noblest qualities of humanity.  It is a transformation tool for leadership and character development.
2. Second, service unleashes human creativity as people own the problems facing their communities and collaborate to find solutions. It places change in the hands of every man and women who possesses the desire to serve the greater humanity.
3. And third, service is a universal value that can bring understanding and peace among dissonant religious, racial, national and even political factions.

To this end, the Global Peace Foundation has wielded service as a major tool in the pursuit of the vision of One Family under God. It has promoted social entrepreneurship and community driven development initiatives that are owned by local partners and has fostered a culture of service, particularly with youth, to develop creativity and character in the leaders of tomorrow.

Everyday can be a transformational moment in history if every day is lived in service to humanity.

The post Service is More than Just Serving appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

All-Lights Villages has been delivering solar-powered lamps to remote villages in the Philippines. The lights have instigated local and international partnerships for the development of the villages. At the end of last year, All-lights began building multi-purpose halls where alternative learning and adult education programs have been implemented. All-lights have also been supporting economic development. The latest news is a partnership with the Philippines Carabao Center. Here is the report from GPF-Korea.

 

While traveling around the country side of the Philippines, one can easily spot Carabaos, Filipino water buffalos, grazing in the pasture alongside the river. Unlike Korean bulls, Carabaos have dark skin with long horns and like to swim in the river.

We could easily find Carabaos swimming in the river in Nueva Ecija, where 10 All-lights Villages are set up. From now on, All-light Village residents will be able to use Carabaos.

 Carabao Institute joins All-lights Village Project

Dr. Cruz of the Philippine Carabao Center met with Global Peace Foundation-Korea President, Kyung Eui Yoo. He said, “The All-lights Village Project is a project that needs to be supported on a national level to foster development in the Philippines.” He will donate Carabaos raised at the Center to All-lights Villages in Nueva Ecija.

Dr. Cruz, also known as “the water buffalo doctor” in the Philippines, also teaches at Nueva Ecija State University. Since 2010, he has also lectured in Korea on dairy farming at a conference hosted by Soon Chun University and Imshil-goon of Cheonbuk Province, Korea. He is also working hard to develop the Filipino livestock industry and dairy farming . He has facilitated exchange between dairy farming experts from Korea and the Philippines to transfer technology.

Dr. Cruz of the Philippines Carabao Center met with GPF Korea, Kyung Eui Yoo.

Dr. Cruz proposed the following for the development of the All-lights Villages.

1.  All-lights Village residents donate proceeds from the sale of Carabao’s milk to expand the All-lights Village Projects.
2. All-lights Village residents donate 50% of the proceeds from the sale of Carabaos offspring to expand All-lights Village Projects.

Carabao water buffalos being raised at Philippine the Carabao Center will be delivered to All-lights Villages starting next month.

Cows have been a symbol of wealth in many cultures. Cows can perform difficult tasks and provide milk and meat. In Korea the national winner of the Korean traditional sports Ssireum gets a trophy of a golden cow.

The residents of agriculture-based All-lights Villages are happy to hear about the Carabaos just as much as solar power lanterns.

All-lights Village Projects in 2013 are being implemented in various ways to foster self-advancement of villages beyond the solar-powered lanterns.

It is a proud moment for GPF to see All-lights Villages in the Philippines grow and prosper starting with the power of solar-powered lanterns.

[Source] Carabao, Filipino water buffalo, Donated to All-lights Village |Written by Global Peace Foundation

All-lights Village / GPF Campaign Story 04/25/2013 14:05http://gpfkoreablog.org/130166949968

The post All-lights Village to Donate Carabaos for Village Development appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Dr. Hyun Jin Moon meet in 2008 after a Global Peace Leadership Conference in London.

Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s first and currently only female Prime Minister and longest serving PM in the 20th century, passed away on April 8, 2013.

Just as many love her as dislike her for her hard lined stance against communism and her fight for free market economies. Her confidence in every person’s potential to become something and contribute something, drove her to secure and protect liberty. She said, “We believe they should be individuals. We are all unequal, no one, thank heaven, is quite like anyone else…but to us, every human being is equally important.”

She recognized the unique qualities of the United States and urged Americans to take the lead to promote democracy and free-market economies. She also understood what made the United States great were not its systems of government and markets, but its founding principles. In 1991, she said the following at an event for the Hoover Institution:

“Americans and Europeans alike sometimes forget how unique is the United States of America. No other nation has been created so swiftly and successfully. No other nation has been built upon an idea—the idea of liberty. No other nation has so successfully combined people of different races and nations within a single culture. Both the founding fathers of the United States and successive waves of immigrants to your country were determined to create a new identity. Whether in flight from persecution or from poverty, the huddled masses have, with few exceptions, welcomed American values, the American way of life and American opportunities. And America herself has bound them to her with powerful bonds of patriotism and pride.

The European nations are not and can never be like this. They are the product of history and not of philosophy. You can construct a nation on an idea; but you cannot reconstruct a nation on the basis of one.”

President George W. Bush in his State of the Union and President Barack Obama in his 2011 State of the Union Address would make the same acknowledgement, that America was a nation founded on an idea, and that idea is what makes it great.

Lady Thatcher was a bold women, driven by her principles to serve her country and world. Popular or unpopular, she was an amazing woman who changed history.

Visit the Margaret Thatcher Foundation for a full biographical timeline of her life.

The post Margaret Thatcher, Former Prime Minister of Great Britian Passes Away appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Six elementary school students and 33 secondary school students passed the National A&E Tests with flying colors.

Six elementary and 33 high school GlobALS learners who passed the national A&E Test received a certification from the Department of Education. Elementary Level students who successfully passed the test are eligible for high school enrollment, while Secondary Level students are eligible to take college entrance exams and enroll in college level courses. They can also apply for work that requires a high school diploma.

Housewives and mothers gained practical job skills to improve the standard of living for their families.

Also present at the commencement exercises were graduates from a week-long Livelihood Workshop that were simultaneously held in all four Community Learning Centers in Metro Manila. Learners were taught practical skills to help better support themselves, their families and their communities. Such skills include basic hotel and restaurant services; handicraft processing; basic  pattern and dress making; food processing and preservation and other economic activities. Many housewives and mothers from Culiat, a Muslim community in Quezon City, looking for ways to support their families and children’s education, made up the graduating class.

The post Christian and Muslim Learners March Together at the 1st Commencement Exercises of GPF Alternative Learning System (GlobALS) appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.