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.

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Since its annexation by the Japanese government in 1910, the Korean people have longed to build a free, united, and independent homeland. Today, the continued division of the peninsula has also obscured Korea’s founding vision of Hongik Ingan, which was to establish a nation that can “benefit all humanity.”

Throughout that dark period of colonization to liberation, and then, tragically, the division of the Korean peninsula in 1945, patriots from Ahn Chang Ho to Kim Gu and many others have worked to harken back to this ideal.

Today, Action for Korea United (AKU), the largest civil society-based coalition of groups across the Korean peninsula takes up the vision and the spirit of the Korean Independence movement to fulfill the Korean Dream of Hongik Ingan. The following is a timeline of critical dates related to the occupation and division of the Korean peninsula. 

The Unification flag was created to represent North and South Korean representation in international sporting events.

Timeline of the Division of North and South Korea

Annexation

1905 Japan wins the Russo-Japanese War

1910 Japan formally annexes Korea

End of World War I and Independence Movements

1919 March 1 Declaration of Korean Independence begins a peninsula-wide movement for independence, engaging 2 million Koreans (10% of the population). The movement died down without attaining Korean independence but resulted in sustained independence efforts by Koreans abroad. During this time, small ideological differences would become apparent, deepening as time passed.

1919 April 13 the Korean Provisional Government was established in China by Koreans who had moved to China, nominally supported by the Chinese National Government. It tried unsuccessfully to attend the Paris Peace Conference at the end of World War I to bring up the issue of Korean independence.

1919 April the First Korean Congress was held in Philadelphia with Koreans in the U.S. like Syngman Rhee and Philip Jaisohn. This would be the beginning of ongoing efforts of Koreans in the United States to seek support for Korean independence from the United States.

End of World War II and Independence Efforts

1943 December Cairo Conference – the U.S., China, and Great Britain recognize the “enslavement of the people of Korea,” and “determine that in due course Korea shall become free and independent.” Many nations, including the U.S., did not deem Koreans ready for self-governance. A trusteeship was proposed.

1945 August 17 Japan surrenders in WWII.

1945 September 6 After months of organizing people’s committees under the Committee for the Preparation of Korean Independence. The People’s Republic of Korea was recognized by a congress of local representatives.

Trusteeship

1945 December At the Moscow Conference, Allies agreed to a U.S. proposal for a 5-year trusteeship over Korea dividing the peninsula along the 38th parallel. The Soviet Union would monitor a transition of the territory in the north, and the U.S. would monitor the south.

1946-1947 A Soviet-U.S. Joint Commission meets to work towards a unified administration, but Cold War tensions, as well as Korean sentiments against a trusteeship, which was thought to hinder progress towards self-governance.

1947 November 14 The UN passes a resolution for free elections to be held in Korea and a withdrawal of all foreign troops. The UN established the United Nations Temporary Commission on Korea (UNTCOK). The Soviet Union boycotted the vote.

1948 April conference for North and South meet in Pyongyang to discuss how to mitigate rising tensions. Southern representatives Kim Koo and Kim Hyu-sik attend, pushing for unity. The conference does not produce results.

Establishment of the Republic of Korea (South) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North)

1948 May 10 South Korea holds general elections.

1948 August 15  South Korea establishes the “Republic of Korea,” formally taking over power from the U.S. military, and electing Syngman Rhee as its first president.

1948 August 20 North Korea holds elections.

1948 September 9 North Korea declares the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, with Kim Il-sung as its premier.

1948 December 12 the United Nations General Assembly recognized the Republic of Korea as the only lawful government of Korea.

Korean War

1948-1950 Armed forces, South and North engage in border conflicts.

1950 June 25 North Korean forces invade South Korea, starting the Korean War. China and the Soviet Union supported the DPRK in their efforts to unify the peninsula by force.

1950 June 27 the UN Security Council passed Resolution 83 recommending member states to provide military assistance to South Korea. UN Forces would include 28 nations, the largest forces from the United States.

Armistice

1953 July 27 After 2 years of negotiations, an armistice agreement was finally reached, dividing Korea along the 38th parallel, yet again. Although the armistice agreement included a provision for continued peace talks, there has not yet been a final peace accord that would officially end the war. 2.5 million deaths are recorded in the Korean War. North and South Korea remain divided for over 70 years.

Revised March 8, 2018

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Dr. Moon (left) with Bishop Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha (center), President of Vision Africa and Alhaji Ibrahim Jega (right), representative of His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, Sultan of Sokoto. (Photo credit: NewsIs)

Moral leadership is more precious for the future of a nation than gold, diamonds or oil under the soil. It is guided by a common vision that reflects the most fundamental human aspirations, conforms to the universal spiritual principles that govern human life, and is expressed in shared moral values that can ultimately form a global ethic.

That vision is the simple yet profound idea that all people, regardless of race, nationality, religion, or culture, are members of One Family under God.

This proposition has implicit within it certain fundamental principles.

First, each human being has unique value and dignity from the Creator and should be treated accordingly.

Second, since we share a common Source or Origin, therefore, in the words of the American Declaration of Independence, “‘all men are created equal and are endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable rights.” These rights originate with the Creator and cannot be removed or denied by any government or other human institution.

Third, as members of one family sharing a common origin, we also share a common responsibility for one another and for the fate of our common destinies.

These principles make up the framework for  moral leadership upon which innovation can take place.

A true innovative leader develops concrete approaches to critical issues through the lens of this common spiritual vision rooted in universal principles and shared moral values, drawing upon human beings’ natural human creativity.

Excerpt from speech by Dr. Hyun Jin Moon at the Global Peace Leadership Conference 2013, Abuja, Nigeria.

For full speech visit HERE.

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I believe we stand at a moment of historic transition.

Humanity is being challenged to take responsibility for the future and answer this fundamental question.

In the words of my father, who devoted his entire life to the pursuit of peace, “Will everlasting peace ever take root? Or is humanity doomed to repeat the tragedy of the 20th century?”

a century fraught with unprecedented levels of human violence, with two World Wars, the Cold War, genocide, and numerous regional conflicts.

The time for discussion is over.

The time for leadership is here.

True leaders have a vision and pursue it single-mindedly.

Their strength comes from moral authority, like our beloved statesman, Nelson Mandela. That moral authority is rooted in spiritual principles that are then mobilized to engage social change.

Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, Global Peace Foundation chairman at the Global Peace Convention.

The quote is taken from the opening plenary address at the Global Peace Convention 2013 given by Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, Chairman of the Global Peace Foundation.

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On December 6th, during the Global Peace Convention 2013 held in the Shangri La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Dr. Jun Sook Moon, chairwoman of the Global Peace Women spoke during a special session on Women and Peacebuilding entitled, “Toward and Ethic of Compassion and Cooperation.” Joining her as esteemed panelists were: Hon Gina de Venecia, Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Rafiah Salim, Ms. Julia Maciel, H.E. Hajia Mrs. Amina Namadi Sambo and Mrs. Collete Caprara. In her address, Dr. Moon emphasized the unique and crucial role that women play in raising peaceful and happy families and securing peace in the wider society.

Below is her full address:

Your excellences, Honorable guests, women leaders from around the world, ladies and gentlemen:

And I really want to thank all of the gentlemen who are gathered here. Thank you very much for coming. A couple years ago when we started, at first, this women’s session, there was no man in the room. But every year, I see more men attending. I don’t know why, but they start to come. And this year, I think about one-third of the room is occupied by men, so thank you very much for coming.

Dr. Jun Sook Moon, Chairwoman of the Global Peace Convention speaks during a special session on Women in Leadership during the Global Peace Convention 2013.

Salam Sejahtera, Good afternoon.

Today, we mourn the passing of a great leader from South Africa, Nelson Mandela, who was not only a political leader, but a spiritual leader from whom we can learn much about forgiveness and service.

I also see many representatives here with us from our neighboring country, the Philippines.  I would like to take a moment of silence to send our prayers to the families and communities that are recovering from the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan-Yolanda. Our heart goes out in solidarity to the women who are sustaining recovery efforts. We are with each of you as you rebuild your nation to emerge even stronger.  Bangon Pilipinas Kaya Natin To. We know your spirit will never be defeated. Can we observe a moment of silence for the Philippines, and also for Nelson Mandela.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We have an amazing group of men, women, and young people gathered from around the world for this 5th annual Global Peace Convention. The moment could not be more timely nor the place more fitting for this year’s convention theme: “Unity in Diversity: Building Social Cohesion for Sustainable Peace through Universal Aspirations, Principles, and Values”, than Malaysia today.

Malaysia has been pioneering  a path towards social cohesion and harmony amongst the many faiths, cultures, and ethnicities  who call this nation home.  While faith and cultural differences have often been at the heart of conflicts around the world, Malaysia is trying to create a tangible precedent of inter-religious, inter-cultural and international cooperation based on common aspirations for the betterment of the greater community, nation, region and world.

I believe peace, harmony and unity are the essence of the Malaysian spirit. I was inspired by your custom of Rumah Terbuka, “Open house”.  During the cultural celebrations and holy days of your many faith traditions, Malaysians open their house to welcome any person as a valued member of their family – no matter their belief or ethnicity.  It is a moving example of the most devout practice of faith – to make one’s holy day a time to embrace and serve the human family.

I would like to thank the people of Malaysia for the “Rumah Terbuka” that they have created for this Global Peace Convention. You have embraced us from all over the world, from many faiths and ethnicities, as part of your family. Thank you.

Panel on Women in Leadership during the Global Peace Convention 2013: (left to right) Ms. Julia Maciel, Diplomat, Permanent Mission of Paraguay to the United Nations, Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Rafiah Salim, Former Director, NAM Institute for the Empowerment of Women, Hon. Gina de Venecia, Member of the House of Representatives, Republic of Philippines, H.E. Hajia Mrs. Amina Namadi Sambo, Founder and Chairwoman, I Care-Women and Youth Initiative: Wife of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mrs. Collete Caprara, Editor, DeVos Center for Religion and Civil Society, The Heritage Foundation, USA, Dr. Jun Sook Moon, Chairwoman, Global Peace Women, USA.

The task before us for the short time we have together is critical. I know that Malaysia is not the only nation looking for real solutions for creating lasting social cohesion and harmony.  In this room, each of us are seeking to address similar challenges in our nations and regions. This convention is our opportunity to open new paths for a better tomorrow.

As I reflect on the goals of unity, appreciation of diversity, and social cohesion based on universal principles and values, I know with certainty, that none of this can be accomplished unless women play a central role. These goals resonate deeply with the precious role women play in our families, communities, nation and world, and bring into play the characteristic and strengths of women as the mediators, healers and communicators in all facets of society.

In the family – the most essential unit of society–women are the daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother.  As a girl grows up, she grows not just in physical strength or intellectual ability, but also, she grows her heart.  Within the family, she receives and gives love, and she deepens and widens her ability to understand others as she passes through each stage.  Mothers, nurture and raise the next generation, as they model and educate children in living a life of service and love for others.  The grandmother is often the person who can be the confidant of every person in the household—because her heart is big enough to relate to every different situation.

The family is, thus, the school of love, and its graduates will form the basis of vibrant communities and stable nations. They will be the responsible citizens, and the moral and innovative leaders of tomorrow. Without instilling such a moral and spiritual foundation within the family—nurtured largely by women– the vision of One Family under God will remain an idealistic dream.

To give substance to this vision calls for leadership that is both moral and innovative, that takes ownership of the vision and strives to make it a reality. Leadership takes many forms and many women today are playing important roles in public life. But in the emphasis on careers for women we sometimes forget the unique and essential role that women play that is equally an act of leadership. That role is the formation of qualities of character and habits of the heart within the family.

The ability of women to perceive the intangible aspects of life—the unspoken emotions, the characters of each person, the spiritual dimension—is part of what equips us uniquely for the work of building peace.  As many people have observed, peace doesn’t come by force, and it doesn’t happen by just signing papers.  Peace is a state of heart that is manifested into action.  Peace ultimately comes from putting the benefit of all others first, and then receiving the benefit into one’s own life.

This role, responsibility, and heart expands as women take roles in the larger society whether it is as administrators and teachers in schools, community organizers and peace advocates, or leaders in politics, business, or faith communities.

We have examples of the great women of GPW, playing these roles all around the world.

Professor Leah Marangu received the 2013 Global Peace Award for Strengthening Families for her pioneering work in the areas of ethics and character development for youth in schools in Kenya. (left to right), Mrs. and Dr. Chandaria, Professor and Mr. Marangu, (in the back) Mr. Daniel Juma.

One year ago, here in Malaysia, three hundred women gathered for a grand launching of the Malaysia chapter of GPW. It was said that women have “a natural sense of nurturing, solving conflicts with compassion, tolerance, and tender-heartedness, which can offer a lot more toward the betterment of our society.” The women and organizations present pledged to work together to empower women to contribute to peace in areas such as women’s rights, women’s leadership, strengthening of the family, and community service.

In Indonesia, Global Peace Women helped flood victims and enlisted college students to serve residents of a home for the elderly.  They have hosted Parenting trainings for top public officials. Our women leaders from Indonesia have joined us at this convention.

In Nepal, GPW has organized projects to safeguard the water supply and begun to provide clean cookstoves for mothers.  The Cookstove Project has also been working in Uganda, teaching women to construct clay cookstoves from local materials, eliminating indoor pollution and reducing the need to gather fuel.  Since half the population of the world cook over open fires, this one project has the potential to transform the lives of billions. The workshop tomorrow will feature this project and I hope you will give it your interest and support.

In the Philippines, GPW has been active with the solar-powered lanterns and street lights of the All Lights Village project­­, and most recently, with the rebuilding and relief work following the destruction of Typhoon Haiyan-Yolanda. Many women leaders working in the Philippines are also present with us here today.

In Nigeria, the wife of the vice president, Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo, launched our newest national chapter, Global Peace Women Nigeria, at the recent Global Peace Leadership Conference in Abuja. We are graced with her attendance and her words today.

In Kenya, GPW helps encourage moral and ethical character development for youth in schools throughout the country.  Professor Leah Marangu is receiving this year’s Global Peace Award for Strengthening Families for her pioneering work in this area. In Latin America, Global Peace Women have been working in Uruguay and Paraguay, addressing the issues of family breakdown.  In Taiwan, Global Peace Women have been active in sponsoring Global Child Peace Clubs, creating libraries and youth empowerment projects. In Korea, Global Peace Women have played a key role in supporting  the AllLights Village project.

I hope you will take the chance to connect and share with each other throughout the duration of this convention. I want to thank all the women of peace who are bringing the vision of One Family Under God into their communities and nations.

From these examples of what women are capable of and the passion and heart they bring to the table, I think we are all in agreement that women are natural bridge-builders and a critical part of the peacemaking process.  I believe that is what has drawn us all here today.

I want to use the opportunity of this annual convening of women leaders to pull together our talents, professions, and projects under a unified theme that I hope will guide the coming year.  We can find that theme in the title of this session: Women in Leadership – Toward an Ethic of Compassion and Cooperation.

I believe these two elements, compassion and cooperation, reflect the nature of our Creator and His culture of love and service to others.

In order to achieve global peace we need a vision that encompasses the aspirations of the human heart, and finds expression in universal principles and shared values that bear fruit in qualities of character. GPW is connecting and encouraging women who are already active to a larger network of women who share such a common aspiration.  The vision of One Family under God has become the foundation for partnerships and cooperation in practical service projects that are making this vision a concrete reality.

I hope that the collective efforts of our grassroots network worldwide will result in a cultural shift, transforming a culture of self-centered values, conflict and division into one of compassion and cooperation.

Thank you for bringing your expertise and experience to grow this body of knowledge. It is both hard-earned and invaluable.  I sincerely hope that you will gain substantially by hearing from each of our speakers, but also, by sharing with each other in the informal moments as well.  Every moment of our short time together is precious. I thank you for being here, and for all the work that you are doing to build peace in your homes, your communities and your nations.

Panelists and attendees of the session on Women and Leadership at the Global Peace Convention 2013.

My father-in-law used to say that women are like water, flowing into those in-between spaces, finding ways into every crevice and fissure, to soften hardened hearts and smooth rough edges.

The hearts of women united together can create a tidal wave sweeping away the mightiest obstacles. I hope that when you leave here for your homes you will do so with renewed energy and with the firm conviction that the work you are doing is one brick in the building of a great vision that can bring peace to the world across all existing boundaries.

I ask you to join together with me, dream together with me, and build together with me. Let the world witness the transformative power of women for peace.

Before I leave, I would like to say a word to all the gentlemen who gathered here. When you think about peace, the true peace starts from home, and it starts from husband and wife. So when you go back, you show how much you appreciate your wife, and tell her you love her, because you know what? If you make your wife happy, not only is she going to become a great wife, but she’s going to be a great mother, because happy women makes a great mother.

And I’d like to also say something to the women. Please appreciate your husband. Love him, tell him you love him, you really appreciate the efforts that he does for his home and children. That will give him strength to do better when he goes out. So when we all do that as husband and wife, that is going to be the greatest start to make peace, and eventually it’s going to bring peace all around the world.

So thank you again for coming today. We really appreciate all the speakers today for their great words and wisdom. And when we go back home, let’s try to build one family under God.

Thank you very much.

The video is of the full session on Women in Leadership. Dr. Jun Sook Moon’s remarks begin at 1.37.30.

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During the Global Peace Convention 2013 held in the Shangri La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Bishop Sunday Onuoha spoke at the second plenary.

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The following video is a 2013 Global Peace Convention closing speech delivered by Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon held at the Shangri La Hotel, Malaysia.

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The following video is a 2013 Global Peace Convention speech delivered by Hon. Tan Sri Datuk Kurup held at the Shangri La Hotel, Malaysia.

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The following video is a 2013 Global Peace Convention speech delivered by Hon. Tan Sri Zaleha Ismail held at the Shangri La Hotel, Malaysia.

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